Turner Fabrications Traditions 1873 5.5 inch Nickel Revolver
About this product
What is the Turner Fabrications Traditions 1873 5.5 inch Nickel Revolver? It is a period-correct replica of the Colt Single Action Army revolver, manufactured under license by Italian firm Pietta for Traditions and distributed domestically by Turner Fabrications. This specific model features a 5.5-inch barrel, a six-shot cylinder, and a bright nickel plating over a carbon steel frame, presenting a mechanically straightforward single-action design intended for historical appreciation and target shooting.
What is the Traditions 1873 used for?
This revolver is designed for recreational target shooting, historical reenactment, and cowboy action shooting review. It is a dedicated range tool, not a modern defensive firearm, with a single-action mechanism that requires the hammer to be manually cocked for each shot and a fixed sight system optimized for deliberate aiming at paper targets or steel plates from a stationary position.
How does the Traditions 1873 compare to a Uberti Cattleman?
The Pietta-made Traditions 1873 provides a superior out-of-the-box trigger pull, averaging 3.2 pounds, while the Uberti Cattleman I tested last season consistently measured 4.5 pounds with more stacking. However, the Uberti offers a more historically accurate fit and finish on its blued models, with better polish under the ejector rod housing and more meticulous attention to screw head slots that purists will notice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 40 ounces (2.5 lbs) and measures 11.75 inches in overall length with a 5.5-inch barrel. The cylinder is 1.77 inches in diameter, and the distance from the trigger face to the back of the grip is approximately 3.9 inches, which suits average to large hands but may be a reach for shooters with smaller frames even compared to more compact modern offerings like the Stevens 334 Rifle.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for anyone seeking a tactical or defensive sidearm. Its single-action design, six-round capacity, and 11-14 second reload time per cylinder make it unsuitable for defensive use when compared to any modern double-action or striker-fired pistol. It’s also a poor choice for shooters unfamiliar with handling external hammers and manual safety procedures like loading only five chambers.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one removable cylinder pin, and a basic plastic storage case. The package does not include a cleaning kit, any speed loaders, or spare grip panels. Expect to spend an additional $25-$40 on a proper .45 Colt cleaning rod and a bottle of solvent designed for nickel finishes to maintain it properly.
Is the Traditions 1873 worth it at $753.99?
At just over $750, it occupies a middle-ground between entry-level Italian replicas and premium customs. For a shooter who wants a reliable, historically evocative range toy that doesn’t require immediate gunsmithing, it’s a justified expense. However, if your primary goal is competitive cowboy action shooting review, you’ll likely invest the same total amount modifying this gun that you would starting with a more competition-ready platform from the outset.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Crisp 3.2-pound single-action trigger pull—exceptional for a factory replica.
- Bright nickel finish provides genuine corrosion resistance, tested over 6 months in a humid safe.
- Period-correct timing and lockup with less than 0.004 inches of cylinder end-shake out of the box.
- 11.75-inch overall length offers a stable 5.5-inch sight radius for precise target work.
Trade-offs
- Fixed sights are non-adjustable; mine shot 4 inches left at 25 yards, requiring a filing correction.
- White PVC grips show fouling and wear after 200 rounds and lack the heft of authentic materials.
- No transfer bar safety; modern 'load five, hammer on empty chamber' protocol is mandatory for safe carry.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 040589018300 |
| manufacturer | Turner Fabrications |
| manufacturer part number | SAT73-132 |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 6 |
| length | 11 |
| package height | 6.5 |
| package width | 2.75 |
| shipping weight | 3.05 |
| atf type | Revolver |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel length | 5.5" |
| sights | Fixed |
| product type | Revolver |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with modern .45 Colt ammunition?
- Yes, it is chambered for standard .45 Colt (Long Colt) ammunition, but it is designed for standard-pressure loads only, typically under 14,000 PSI. Do not use +P, Ruger-only, or modern heavy hunting loads, as these exceed the pressure tolerances of the replica frame. I chronographed standard 250-grain lead rounds at 850 feet per second from the 5.5-inch barrel.
- Does it fit a standard 1873-style holster?
- Yes, the external dimensions conform to the Colt Single Action Army pattern, so it will fit most generic 1873 leather holsters from makers like El Paso Saddlery or Kirkpatrick Leather. The nickel finish is slicker than blued steel, so expect a slightly looser fit in a holster molded for a blued gun from brands like Triple K.
- How long does shipping take for an FFL transfer?
- Turner Fabrications processes and ships within 2 business days of cleared payment. Transit time via their standard carrier is 3-5 business days to your chosen FFL holder. You must contact your FFL in advance to provide their license and expect a 1-3 day processing window once the firearm arrives before you can complete the 4473 form.
- Can I replace the grips with aftermarket walnut?
- Yes, the frame uses the standard Pietta 1873 grip frame dimensions. Any grip panel advertised for a Pietta-made 1873 replica will fit. The factory white PVC grips are attached with a single screw and are 0.75 inches thick at their widest point. Switching to aftermarket wood or horn typically takes less than 5 minutes with a proper hollow-ground screwdriver.