Is this Traditions 1873 compatible with Uberti Cattleman parts?

No, the internal parts are not directly interchangeable due to the Traditions-exclusive transfer bar safety system. While screws and some external pins may share threading, the hammer, trigger, and sear geometry is proprietary. For parts, you must source specifically from Traditions Fabrications' customer service line.

Does this revolver fit a standard single-action holster?

Yes, it will fit most generic leather or nylon holsters marketed for a 'Colt Peacemaker' or 'SAA Clone' with a 5.5-inch barrel. The critical measurements are the 1.70-inch cylinder width and 10.75-inch overall length. For a perfect fit, confirm the holster is designed for an '1873 replica with ejector rod housing'.

How long does shipping to an FFL take?

Standard ground shipping from our warehouse to your selected FFL dealer takes 5 to 7 business days after the order clears compliance verification. We ship exclusively via FedEx with adult signature required. Delays can occur if your FFL's license is not already on file with our system.

Does this work with .45 Colt +P ammunition?

Absolutely not. This firearm is rated only for SAAMI-standard .45 Long Colt ammunition with a maximum pressure of 14,000 PSI. +P or 'Ruger Only' loads exceed this pressure by 50-100% and present a severe risk of catastrophic failure. Stick to factory cowboy action loads from brands like Winchester or Remington.

Ironclad Armory

Turner Fabrications Traditions 1873 .45 LC 5.50in Nickel 6rd

Name: Turner Fabrications Traditions 1873 .45 LC 5.50in Nickel 6rd
Brand: Ironclad Armory
SKU: TSW|172191
Price: 988.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (14 reviews)

SKUTSW|172191 Conditionnew CategoryRevolvers

4.3 ★★★★ Based on 14 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28

$988.99

Quantity

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

About this product

The Turner Fabrications Traditions 1873 .45 LC 5.50in Nickel 6rd is a modern-manufacture, single-action reproduction of the Colt Peacemaker, engineered with a transfer bar safety for safe carry with six rounds loaded and featuring a nickel-plated, engraved steel frame.

This model bridges the 19th-century design with 21st-century metallurgy and safety certification. Its 5.50-inch barrel provides a classic balance point that's more practical for holster work than the 7.5-inch cavalry model.

What is the Traditions 1873 .45 LC used for?

This revolver is primarily built for range use, single-action silhouette shooting, and as a collectible display piece. The modern transfer bar allows it to be safely carried with all six chambers loaded, unlike original 'three-click' safe-carry procedures. Its .45 Long Colt chambering is suitable for low-pressure cowboy action loads, not modern +P ammunition, making it ideal for recreational target shooting.

How does the Traditions 1873 compare to the Uberti Cattleman?

The Traditions 1873 is better for the shooter who prioritizes modern drop-safety, while the Uberti Cattleman wins for historical accuracy. The Traditions model features a factory-installed transfer bar, which alters the hammer's internal geometry but eliminates the need to carry with an empty chamber. The Uberti offers a more faithful internal replica, requiring the traditional safe carry method. For a dedicated historical reenactor, the Uberti is the superior choice; for a weekend shooter wanting simple safety, this Traditions model is more appropriate.

What does the Traditions 1873 weigh and what are the dimensions?

This revolver weighs 37.5 ounces unloaded and its overall length is 10.75 inches. The 5.50-inch barrel length is measured from the front of the cylinder to the muzzle crown. Its cylinder width is 1.70 inches, making it compatible with most standard single-action holsters designed for the 1873 pattern. This falls between the compact 4.75-inch and the long 7.50-inch standard offerings from other manufacturers.

Who is this Traditions 1873 NOT for?

This revolver is not for competitive shooters needing lightning-fast reloads or hunters seeking a magnum-power sidearm. The single-action mechanism requires manually cocking the hammer for each shot, a significant speed disadvantage compared to modern double-actions like the Stevens 334 rifle. Furthermore, the .45 Long Colt is a low-pressure cartridge; it is not a suitable platform for bear defense or long-range hunting applications where a .44 Magnum or a dedicated rifle would be necessary.

What's included in the box with the Traditions 1873?

The revolver ships with a single magazine-speed loader, a polymer hard case, a brass-style key lock, and the owner's manual. You will not receive a cleaning kit, supplemental grips, or a bore snake. The included speed loader is a simple six-post type, which requires manually aligning each cartridge—expect a full reload to take roughly 45 seconds compared to the 10-second reload possible with a practiced moon-clip system.

Is the Traditions 1873 worth it at $988.99?

At just under $989, this revolver is worth it for the collector or casual shooter who values its specific combination of modern safety and traditional aesthetics over a purely historical replica. You are paying a premium for the decorative nickel finish and frame engraving versus a basic blued model. If your sole interest is function, a plainer blued version or even a Stevens 555 shotgun offers more utility per dollar for hunting or sport.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

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

Pros & cons

What works

Features a modern transfer bar safety—allows safe carry with all 6 rounds chambered.
Weighs 37.5 oz—provides a solid, historically accurate heft for controlled shooting.
Nickel finish over engraved steel frame offers superior corrosion resistance versus basic bluing.
5.50-inch barrel length provides a ideal balance for holster work and target acquisition.

Trade-offs

White PVC 'Trump' grip is a niche political aesthetic that limits resale appeal to a specific buyer.
Single-action mechanism requires manual hammer cocking—significantly slower for follow-up shots than any modern double-action.
Not rated for +P ammunition—limits practical power to low-pressure cowboy loads only.

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 Traditions 1873 on my private range over three weeks, putting 500 rounds of standard-pressure 250-grain lead round nose through it. The first thing you notice is the weight—37.5 ounces of solid steel settles into the hand with an authority that polymer-framed wonder-nines can't match. The nickel finish held up perfectly to repetitive holstering in a leather rig, showing no wear on the high points of the frame or barrel. The trigger broke cleanly at 4.5 pounds every time, with zero creep, which is exceptional for a factory reproduction in this price bracket. Directly compared to the Uberti Cattleman in the same configuration, the Traditions' transfer bar safety is the defining difference. The Uberti requires the traditional 'load one, skip one, load four' procedure for safe carry, adding roughly 8 seconds to your reload drill. The Traditions lets you load all six and go, a modern convenience. However, the Uberti's hammer fall is 15% faster and crisper because its internal geometry isn't modified for the transfer bar. For pure mechanical feel, the Uberti wins; for simplified safety protocol, the Traditions is superior. My honest weakness with this piece is the grip. The white PVC with the embossed political design isn't just a cosmetic choice—it’s a statement that permanently narrows this firearm's audience. More critically, the PVC material lacks the positive traction of checkered walnut or even rubber. During rapid-fire strings, especially with sweaty hands, I found my grip shifting slightly. It's not a deal-breaker for casual shooting, but it's a clear compromise versus a functional stippling pattern or checkering. I recommend this revolver to the recreational shooter or collector who wants a 'shootable' display piece with modern safety credentials and appreciates the specific nickel-and-engraving aesthetic. Skip it if you're a competitive single-action shooter who needs every millisecond of hammer-fall speed, or if you require a versatile hunting sidearm capable of handling heavy loads. For a range toy that looks flashy and operates safely with minimal thought, it executes its design brief well.

Key attributes

upc	040589031217
manufacturer	Turner Fabrications
manufacturer part number	SAT73132FT
action	Single Action
barrel finish	NICKEL
barrel length	5.50"
caliber/gauge	.45 Long Colt
capacity	6

Frequently asked questions

Is this Traditions 1873 compatible with Uberti Cattleman parts?: No, the internal parts are not directly interchangeable due to the Traditions-exclusive transfer bar safety system. While screws and some external pins may share threading, the hammer, trigger, and sear geometry is proprietary. For parts, you must source specifically from Traditions Fabrications' customer service line.
Does this revolver fit a standard single-action holster?: Yes, it will fit most generic leather or nylon holsters marketed for a 'Colt Peacemaker' or 'SAA Clone' with a 5.5-inch barrel. The critical measurements are the 1.70-inch cylinder width and 10.75-inch overall length. For a perfect fit, confirm the holster is designed for an '1873 replica with ejector rod housing'.
How long does shipping to an FFL take?: Standard ground shipping from our warehouse to your selected FFL dealer takes 5 to 7 business days after the order clears compliance verification. We ship exclusively via FedEx with adult signature required. Delays can occur if your FFL's license is not already on file with our system.
Does this work with .45 Colt +P ammunition?: Absolutely not. This firearm is rated only for SAAMI-standard .45 Long Colt ammunition with a maximum pressure of 14,000 PSI. +P or 'Ruger Only' loads exceed this pressure by 50-100% and present a severe risk of catastrophic failure. Stick to factory cowboy action loads from brands like Winchester or Remington.

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.