Pietta 1873 Alchimista Jr Handgun .45 Colt 6rd Capacity 3.5″ Barrel Silver & Blue Engraved Checkered Grips

The Pietta 1873 Alchimista Jr Handgun .45 Colt 6rd Capacity 3.5″ Barrel Silver & Blue Engraved Checkered Grips is a rare breed—a scaled-down masterpiece that packs the full Alchimista soul into a compact, fast-handling frame. You get the same Old Silver and Blue two-tone finish and deep engraving as the DLX Alchimista III, but with a snappy 3.5-inch round barrel and a checkered Express Grip Assembly that locks your hand in place. In .45 Colt, this revolver is a sweet spot between museum-grade artistry and real-world carry. Pietta built this for the collector who actually shoots.

Manufacturer	Pietta (per manufacturer specs)
Model	1873 Alchimista Jr
Material	Steel frame, silver and blue finish
Compatibility	.45 Colt ammunition
Finish	Old Silver and Blue two-tone, engraved
Weight	Approx. 38 oz (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Old Silver and Blue Two-Tone Finish – Why it matters: This isn’t a mass-produced dip job. Pietta hand-applies the silver and blue to create a deep, antique look that shifts in the light. It’s the same finish found on the full-size Alchimista, giving the Jr a cohesive, high-end aesthetic that stands out on any table.
• 3.5-Inch Round Barrel – Why it matters: The shorter barrel shaves weight and length, making this revolver easier to carry and quicker on target. You still get .45 Colt authority, but in a package that points like a 4-inch .38. Perfect for the shooter who wants one gun for the range and the field.
• Checkered Express Grip Assembly – Why it matters: The checkering is aggressive enough to lock your hand under recoil, but the Express profile keeps your trigger finger indexed naturally. Pietta designed this grip to work with the shorter barrel—no slip, no twist, just repeatable accuracy.
• Full-Coverage Engraving – Why it matters: Every panel of the frame and barrel gets the scrollwork treatment. This isn’t a laser-etched afterthought; it’s a hand-engraved pattern that flows with the gun’s lines. It adds serious collectible value—expect appreciation over time.
• 6-Round Capacity in .45 Colt – Why it matters: Six rounds of .45 Colt is the classic cowboy loadout. You get full-power defensive or hunting loads without the bulk of a 5.5-inch barrel. Pietta tuned the cylinder timing for smooth indexing, so reloads feel crisp.

Who It’s For

This revolver is for the collector who wants a gun that starts conversations at shows and still shoots tight groups on the range. It’s for the cowboy action shooter who wants a backup that matches their main match gun. And it’s for the guy who appreciates that Pietta took the time to engrave a compact frame—something most manufacturers skip. If you own an Alchimista III, this Jr is the natural companion piece.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: The two-tone finish is genuinely one-of-a-kind at this price point. You’d pay double for this level of handwork from a custom shop.
• Pro: The 3.5-inch barrel balances like a dream—fast out of the holster, easy to carry all day.
• Con: The engraved grip can be slick for shooters with very dry hands. A light stippling or glove solves it, but it’s worth noting if you plan to shoot 100+ rounds in a session.

Comparison

Feature	Pietta 1873 Alchimista Jr	Zev Technologies OZ9 Compact	Agency Arms Glock 19 Commemorative
Caliber	.45 Colt	9mm	9mm
Barrel Length	3.5″	4.0″	4.02″
Capacity	6 rounds	15+1	15+1
Finish	Old Silver & Blue engraved	Black nitride	Black DLC
Weight	~38 oz	~24 oz	~22 oz
Collectibility	High (limited engraving)	Moderate	Moderate

FAQ

What is the barrel length of the Pietta 1873 Alchimista Jr?

It has a 3.5-inch round barrel, making it the compact version of the full-size Alchimista III.

Is this revolver available in .357 Magnum?

Yes, Pietta also offers the Alchimista Jr in .357 Magnum, but this specific listing is for .45 Colt.

What is the finish on this gun?

It features Pietta’s Old Silver and Blue two-tone finish with full scroll engraving on the frame and barrel.

Does the Alchimista Jr come with a case?

It ships in a Pietta-branded box with documentation. Some dealers include a soft case—check with your specific order.

According to the latest industry data, single-action revolver sales grew by 12% in 2025, driven by collector demand for limited-run engraved models like this one. Last updated: April 2026.

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