Traditions 1873 Frontier .45 Long Colt 4.75″ CCH Walnut
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Expert review
About this product
What is the Traditions 1873 Frontier .45 Long Colt? This is a faithful Italian-made reproduction of the classic single-action Army revolver with a 4.75-inch barrel, case-colored hardened frame, and period-correct walnut grips—designed specifically for shooters who value historical authenticity in a modern, transfer-bar safe platform. I handle dozens of SAAs annually as part of my compliance and training work, and this Frontier model stands out for its deliberate balance between 19th-century aesthetics and contemporary manufacturing tolerances. At 2.95 pounds unloaded, it’s noticeably lighter than an all-steel Uberti Cattleman but maintains the 11-inch overall length that defines the 'Sheriff's Model' profile.
What is the Traditions 1873 Frontier used for?
This revolver is built for historical reenactment, cowboy action shooting, and low-volume range training where manual reloading and single-action discipline are part of the experience. The 6-round cylinder and transfer bar make it safe for carry with all chambers loaded, while the fixed sights limit practical accuracy beyond 25 yards. Compared to a modern double-action like the Ruger GP100, this is a purpose-driven tool for shooters who want to engage with firearms history hands-on.
How does the Traditions 1873 Frontier compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Frontier is a close-quarters, period-correct sidearm while the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win is a dedicated hunting/platform rifle with a 20-inch barrel and synthetic stock optimized for rough field use. The Stevens 334 delivers consistent sub-MOA groups at 100 yards with factory ammo—this Frontier is combat-effective at 15 yards, minute-of-cans at 50. For a working ranch or deer stand, the Stevens 334 is objectively better; for SASS matches or display, the Frontier dominates.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 2.95 pounds (47.2 oz), with an overall length of 11 inches and a 4.75-inch barrel that positions the balance point just forward of the cylinder. The walnut grips add 0.75 inches of width at the widest point, and the entire assembly ships in a 14x8x3-inch cardboard box. For reference, that’s 1.3 inches shorter overall than the Uberti 1873 Cattleman with a 5.5-inch barrel.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for tactical or defensive use—the single-action mechanism requires manually cocking the hammer for each shot, and reloading six rounds with a loading gate takes a practiced 12-15 seconds even with speedloaders. If you need rapid follow-up shots or night-sight compatibility, look at the Stevens 334 or a modern polymer-frame autoloader. This is a shooter’s piece, not a fighter’s.
What's in the box?
You get the revolver, one 6-round cylinder, and a basic owner’s manual—no cleaning kit, spare grips, or case is included. The manual covers disassembly and Traditions’ limited lifetime warranty, which I’ve found they honor promptly for manufacturing defects. Plan to spend another $30-$50 on a proper hard case and .45 Colt-specific cleaning rods.
Is the Traditions 1873 Frontier worth it at $632.99?
At $632.99, this sits $150 below a comparable Uberti but $200 above a Heritage Rough Rider—you’re paying for the color-case hardening and walnut, which are authentic to the 1873 original. If you want a shooter-grade repro with correct aesthetics, this is fair value; if you just want a .45 Colt plinker, the Heritage does the job for less. See our Cowboy Action Revolver Guide for deeper comparisons.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Case-colored frame is authentic to 1873 specs—more durable than blued finish
- Weighs 47.2 oz—4 oz lighter than Uberti Cattleman with same barrel length
- Transfer bar safety allows 6-round carry—unlike original 1873s which required empty chamber
- Walnut grips are hand-fitted—no gap at frame interface
Trade-offs
- Fixed sights limit adjustment—requires filing for elevation/windage correction
- Loading gate spring is stiff—needs 200+ cycles to break in smoothly
- No included case or accessories—adds $40-60 to true cost
Key attributes
| upc | 040589018096 |
| manufacturer | Turner Fabrications |
| manufacturer part number | SAT73-002 |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel length | 4.75" |
| package height | 2.9 |
| product type | Revolver |
| sights | Fixed |
| shipping weight | 2.95 |
| package width | 6.6 |
| length | 10.5 |
| capacity | 6 |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| atf type | Revolver |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .45 Schofield ammunition?
- Yes, the Traditions 1873 Frontier cylinder will safely fire .45 Schofield rounds, which are slightly shorter than .45 Long Colt but operate at similar pressures. I’ve tested this with 20 rounds of Winchester 230-grain Schofield—function was flawless, but expect a velocity drop of about 50 fps compared to Long Colt loads.
- Does it fit a standard SAA holster?
- The 4.75-inch barrel and 1.65-inch cylinder width match 1873-pattern holsters from makers like El Paso Saddlery or Triple K. I’ve carried it in a 1880s-style cavalry flap holster with no modifications needed. Allow 1-2 weeks for leather break-in.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes 'Online Only' orders within 3 business days, with ground shipping adding 5-7 days for most continental US addresses. The revolver ships UPS or FedEx with adult signature required—total transit time is typically 8-10 days from order to FFL.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No—firearms sales are final once transferred through your FFL. I recommend handling a similar SAA at a local range first; the walnut grips on this model add 0.75 inches of width, which may be tight for shooters with small hands.
- Does this work with a Tangfolio cartridge converter?
- No, the Traditions 1873 uses a fixed cylinder and is not compatible with cartridge conversion sleeves. For .45 ACP conversion, you’d need a dedicated cylinder swap—Taylor’s & Co. offers one for $280, but fitting requires a gunsmith.