Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman .45 LC 5.5″ Revolver

The Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman .45 LC 5.5″ Revolver is a faithful reproduction of the classic single-action six-shooter that won the West. Chambered in .45 Long Colt with a 5.5-inch barrel, this white photo engraved steel revolver delivers the look, feel, and function of an original Colt Peacemaker. For collectors who demand authenticity without the museum price tag, this is the real deal.

Manufacturer	Taylors and Company
Model	1873 Cattleman
Material	Forged steel frame, walnut grips (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.45 Long Colt ammunition
Finish	White photo engraved steel (frame, barrel, cylinder)
Weight	Approximately 2.5 lbs (unloaded, per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New production

Key Features

• White Photo Engraved Steel Finish — This isn’t a cheap paint job. The engraved white steel finish mimics the look of period-correct nickel plating, giving your revolver a show-stopping, high-contrast appearance that stands out in any collection.
• Forged Steel Frame — Unlike cast frames found on budget clones, Taylors uses a forged frame for superior strength and longevity. This means tighter cylinder gap, better timing, and a revolver that will outlast you.
• 5.5-Inch Barrel — The sweet spot between the 4.75″ quick-draw and the 7.5″ target barrel. You get a full-length ejector rod housing, improved sight radius, and a balanced feel that points naturally. Perfect for both holster carry and range work.
• Traditional Walnut Grips — Oil-finished walnut panels with the classic one-piece backstrap profile. They absorb recoil better than hard rubber and look right at home in a display case or on a gun show table.
• Six-Round .45 LC Cylinder — Full six-shots of .45 Long Colt, the same cartridge carried by cavalry and cowboys. You get authentic power and history in every pull of the hammer.

Who It’s For

This revolver is built for the collector who wants a working piece of history, not a safe queen. If you appreciate the mechanical simplicity of the 1873 action, the heft of a forged frame, and the look of engraved steel, this is your gun. It’s also ideal for cowboy action shooters who want a distinctive sidearm that gets noticed at the line. And if you’re a gun show regular, you know the Cattleman is the benchmark for single-action replicas.

Pros / Cons

• Pro: Authentic white engraved steel finish that turns heads. Con: The finish shows fingerprints and wear more easily than blued steel — keep a soft cloth handy.
• Pro: Forged frame ensures tight lockup and long service life. Con: Heavier than alloy-frame replicas, but that’s the price of authenticity.
• Pro: .45 LC packs a punch and is widely available. Con: Single-action only means you’ll need to manually cock the hammer for each shot — no double-action speed here.

Comparison

Feature	Taylors 1873 Cattleman	Ruger Vaquero	Uberti 1873 Cattleman
Frame Material	Forged steel	Investment cast stainless	Forged steel
Finish	White photo engraved steel	Brushed stainless	Case-hardened / blue
Barrel Length	5.5″	4.62″ / 5.5″	4.75″ / 5.5″ / 7.5″
Caliber	.45 LC	.45 LC / .357 Mag	.45 LC / .357 Mag
Price	$1,054.83	$850–$950	$500–$700
Best For	Collectors wanting engraved steel	Shooters wanting durability	Budget-conscious buyers

FAQ

Is the Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman .45 LC 5.5″ revolver safe to shoot with modern .45 Colt ammunition?

Yes, this revolver is built with a forged steel frame and is rated for standard-pressure .45 Long Colt ammunition. Do not use +P or magnum loads — stick to factory loads marked for cowboy action or standard pressure. Per Taylors and Company specs, the cylinder is heat-treated and timed for reliable ignition.

Does the white photo engraved finish wear off over time?

The finish is a durable engraved steel surface, but like all polished finishes, it can show holster wear and handling marks. It is not a plated finish — it’s a surface treatment applied to the steel. With proper care (light oil and a microfiber cloth), it will hold up well for years. Some collectors actually prefer the patina that develops over time.

Can I use this revolver for cowboy action shooting?

Absolutely. The 5.5″ barrel is a popular choice among SASS and NCOWS shooters because it balances fast handling with a decent sight radius. The forged frame and walnut grips give you a reliable, traditional platform. Just make sure you use lead round-nose or flat-point bullets rated for cowboy loads to avoid leading issues.

Does this revolver come with a safety?

Yes, the Taylors 1873 Cattleman includes a hammer-mounted transfer bar safety, which prevents the gun from firing if the hammer is accidentally struck while the gun is loaded. This is a modern safety upgrade not found on original Colts, but it doesn’t affect the classic look or function.

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Browse more single-action revolvers in our Revolvers category, or check out our Cowboy Action Gear for holsters and ammo. Looking for something different? See our Collector Firearms section.

Last updated: April 2026