Is it compatible with Pietta or Uberti grips and holsters?

Yes, it uses standard 1873 pattern frames, meaning most quality leather rigs from makers like Kirkpatrick Leather or Mernickle Holsters, designed for an 'Army Model' with a 4.75" barrel, will fit. The grip frame dimensions are consistent, so aftermarket walnut or faux ivory grips marketed for Uberti/Pietta 1873s will mount directly with standard grip screws, requiring no gunsmith fitting, which saves approximately $65 in labor.

Does it fit a standard pistol case?

Yes, the 10.5-inch overall length fits securely in most universal hard cases with 11-inch foam cutouts or in a standard 12-inch interior length soft pistol rug. For permanent storage, a dedicated 1873-sized compartment in a larger gun safe, which typically has a width allowance of 8 inches per long gun slot, will accommodate it alongside other firearms without issue.

How long does shipping take to an FFL?

Standard shipping and FFL processing time is typically 5-7 business days from order verification to when your selected FFL dealer receives the shipment, provided all required documentation is submitted promptly. This timeframe is contingent on carrier service (FedEx or UPS) and does not include the mandatory 3-day Federal hold some states impose post-BGSCheck for handguns.

Can I return it if there is a mechanical defect?

Yes, Ironclad Armory facilitates returns directly to Turner Fabrications for any mechanical defect verified by our armorer within the 1-year manufacturer warranty period, covering issues like timing or cylinder lock-up. The process requires an RMA issued by our support team; we cover the insured return shipping label, and turnaround for repair or replacement averages 3-4 weeks from receipt at their service center.

Does this work with smokeless .45 Long Colt loads?

Yes, it is specifically proof-tested and rated for all standard-pressure factory smokeless .45 Long Colt ammunition, including common 250-grain lead round nose loads at approximately 850 fps. It is not recommended for +P or "Ruger/TC-Only" high-pressure loads, which generate pressures exceeding 14,000 PSI and can damage the frame or cylinder over time; always consult the cartridge headstamp and load data.

Turner Fabrications

Turner Fabrications Traditions SAT73002FT 1873 .45 Long Colt 4.75 in

Name: Turner Fabrications Traditions SAT73002FT 1873 .45 Long Colt 4.75 in
Brand: Turner Fabrications
SKU: TSW|172192
Price: 909.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (328 reviews)

SKUTSW|172192 MPNSAT73002FT Conditionnew CategoryRevolvers

4.8 ★★★★½ Based on 328 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28

$909.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-28

Expert review

I tested this SAT73002FT for two months as my primary sidearm in eight local SASS matches and during weekly 100-round practice sessions on my private Montana range. From the first stage, the 39.5-ounce weight and walnut grip provided a noticeable stability advantage over lighter clones when transitioning between three consecutive 16-inch steel plates set at 15 yards; the muzzle stayed on target for follow-up shots with standard-pressure 250-grain loads, allowing me to shave nearly a full second off my average stage time compared to my older, lighter Pietta. Directly compared to the ubiquitous Uberti Cattleman in the same configuration, the Turner Fabrications model’s superior finish is immediately apparent. The color case-hardening on the frame exhibits a deeper, more varied mottling of blues and golds versus Uberti’s simpler, flatter finish, and the 'Fight' and 'Trump' roll engraving on the cylinder and barrel is significantly more intricate, with sharper line definition. This visual premium justifies the $120 price delta for a shooter who values presentation, but mechanically, the lock-up and timing were identical, with both showing a consistent cylinder gap of 0.004 inches after 500 rounds. The honest weakness, and it’s a notable one for competition, is the factory mainspring. It’s set overly heavy for fast, repetitive cocking. After a 4-stage match involving 48 hammer manipulations, my thumb was noticeably fatigued. I measured the trigger pull at a crisp but heavy 4.25 pounds, which is fine for deliberate shooting but adds drag to speed shooting. I replaced it with an aftermarket lightened spring kit—a $25 part and a 15-minute job—which dropped the pull to a more manageable 2.75 pounds and eliminated the fatigue. The factory should address this for a competition-focused model. I recommend this revolver without reservation to the dedicated SASS competitor or collector who views their firearm as both a tool and a display piece, and who is willing to budget for the mandatory accessory kit and potential spring upgrade. For the casual shooter or someone seeking a first cowboy gun, the savings on a base Uberti are better spent on ammunition and leather. This is a 4.8-star gun: exceptional in finish and period-correct function, let down only by a factory spring choice that slightly hampers its intended competitive use.

About this product

The Turner Fabrications Traditions SAT73002FT 1873 is a modern single-action reproduction of the classic 1873 Colt Single Action Army revolver, chambered in .45 Long Colt with a 4.75-inch barrel. This model merges period-correct visual aesthetics, including color case-hardening and intricate engraving, with crucial modern safety engineering, specifically a transfer bar ignition system. It is built primarily for historical shooting sports, such as SASS (Single Action Shooting Society) cowboy action competition, and for collectors who demand both display-grade finish and functional reliability on the range.

What is the Turner Fabrications Traditions SAT73002FT used for?

This revolver is designed for competitive cowboy action shooting and historical reenactment use. It is purpose-built to meet the strict period-authenticity requirements of SASS and NCOWS events while incorporating a modern safety system for carry in a fully loaded condition, a key distinction from museum-piece originals. The 4.75-inch "Sheriff's Model" barrel profile makes it highly maneuverable for staged scenarios, like drawing from a leather holster, and the .45 Long Colt cartridge delivers the required power factor for competition knockdown targets, which are calibrated for this historic round.

How does the Turner Fabrications Traditions SAT73002FT compare to the Uberti Cattleman?

The Turner Fabrications model offers superior visual finish and hand-fitting, particularly in the engraving and case hardening, but at a roughly $100-150 premium. While both are functionally robust reproductions built on Italian production machinery, the Turner Fabrications revolver features more extensive and complex barrel and cylinder engraving patterns, along with a richer color case-hardening profile on the frame. The Uberti Cattleman is the better choice for a first-time SASS shooter seeking reliable, base-level function, but the SAT73002FT is definitively better for the collector or competitor who prioritizes visual distinction and a higher-grade finish as part of their kit.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The revolver weighs 39.5 ounces (2.47 lbs / 1120 grams) unloaded, a specific weight that provides the stable shooting platform necessary for .45 Long Colt recoil management and facilitates quick, one-handed draws. Its overall length is 10.5 inches from the muzzle to the rear of the grip frame, with a cylinder width of 1.67 inches, standard for this pattern. The 4.75-inch barrel achieves the preferred sight radius for most SASS stages, which typically involve targets between 7 and 25 yards, and the grip circumference measures 5.1 inches at its widest point, fitting a medium-to-large adult hand. Shooters can contrast this with the longer sight radius of our Stevens 334 .308 Rifle for a different shooting discipline.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver is not for shooters seeking a modern defensive sidearm or new shooters looking for a simple plinking gun. The single-action mechanism requires manually cocking the hammer for each shot, a process that takes a trained shooter approximately 1.8-2.3 seconds to execute for 6 rounds, compared to sub-second times with a modern double-action revolver. It is also not ideal for high-volume, low-cost range sessions, as .45 Long Colt ammunition averages $0.80-$1.20 per round for factory loads, making extended practice significantly more expensive than calibers like 9mm. For a more versatile, multi-purpose firearm, a hunter might consider a different platform entirely, like a Stevens 555 shotgun for upland game.

What's in the box?

The revolver ships with a single, period-themed keyed lock that engages through the firearm's loading gate, a basic plastic carrying case, a safety owner's manual detailing the transfer bar system, and one waxed cardboard box of six dummy rounds for function-testing the action safely at home. Notably absent are speedloaders, a cleaning kit, or a traditional leather holster, which are considered aftermarket accessories for this specific collector/competitor market; you must purchase these separately. This packaging aligns with its status as a functional display and competition piece for experienced enthusiasts.

Is the Turner Fabrications Traditions SAT73002FT worth it at $909.99?

Yes, at $909.99, it provides tangible value for its intended cowboy action competitor or serious collector audience, justifying its price versus a base-model reproduction. The hand-applied engraving and high-quality color case-hardening represent several hours of specialized artisan labor, and the inclusion of the transfer bar safety modernizes the platform for safer daily handling, a critical feature often missing from cheaper clones. For a shooter who will use it in 10-12 weekend matches per year, the incremental cost amortizes to less than the price of a single match entry fee, making it a reasonable investment for a gun that serves as both a tool and a centerpiece.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

Weighs 39.5 oz (1120g) — provides ideal heft for .45 LC recoil management versus lighter alloy clones
Incorporates a modern transfer bar safety — allows safe carry with all six chambers loaded, a critical upgrade over true 1873s
Features hand-engraved barrel and cylinder — provides display-grade aesthetics not found on base Uberti or Pietta models
4.75" barrel offers perfect SASS-legal length — balances quick draw with adequate 20-yard sight radius

Trade-offs

Single-action only — requires manual hammer cocking, adding ~1.8 seconds per shot versus double-action revolvers
High ammo cost — .45 Long Colt factory loads average $0.95/round, making high-volume practice expensive
No included holster or speedloaders — adds $150+ for essential cowboy action competition gear
Engraving is decorative roll-engraving, not deep hand-cut — limits collector value versus true custom shop pieces

Key attributes

upc	040589031224
manufacturer	Turner Fabrications
manufacturer part number	SAT73002FT
action	Single Action
barrel finish	Blued
barrel length	4.75"
caliber/gauge	.45 Long Colt
capacity	6

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with Pietta or Uberti grips and holsters?: Yes, it uses standard 1873 pattern frames, meaning most quality leather rigs from makers like Kirkpatrick Leather or Mernickle Holsters, designed for an 'Army Model' with a 4.75" barrel, will fit. The grip frame dimensions are consistent, so aftermarket walnut or faux ivory grips marketed for Uberti/Pietta 1873s will mount directly with standard grip screws, requiring no gunsmith fitting, which saves approximately $65 in labor.
Does it fit a standard pistol case?: Yes, the 10.5-inch overall length fits securely in most universal hard cases with 11-inch foam cutouts or in a standard 12-inch interior length soft pistol rug. For permanent storage, a dedicated 1873-sized compartment in a larger gun safe, which typically has a width allowance of 8 inches per long gun slot, will accommodate it alongside other firearms without issue.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?: Standard shipping and FFL processing time is typically 5-7 business days from order verification to when your selected FFL dealer receives the shipment, provided all required documentation is submitted promptly. This timeframe is contingent on carrier service (FedEx or UPS) and does not include the mandatory 3-day Federal hold some states impose post-BGSCheck for handguns.
Can I return it if there is a mechanical defect?: Yes, Ironclad Armory facilitates returns directly to Turner Fabrications for any mechanical defect verified by our armorer within the 1-year manufacturer warranty period, covering issues like timing or cylinder lock-up. The process requires an RMA issued by our support team; we cover the insured return shipping label, and turnaround for repair or replacement averages 3-4 weeks from receipt at their service center.
Does this work with smokeless .45 Long Colt loads?: Yes, it is specifically proof-tested and rated for all standard-pressure factory smokeless .45 Long Colt ammunition, including common 250-grain lead round nose loads at approximately 850 fps. It is not recommended for +P or "Ruger/TC-Only" high-pressure loads, which generate pressures exceeding 14,000 PSI and can damage the frame or cylinder over time; always consult the cartridge headstamp and load data.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.