Taylors and Company Pietta 1873 Cattle Brand 5.50 in Revolver

The Taylors and Company Pietta 1873 Cattle Brand 5.50 in Revolver is a factory-engraved single-action six-shooter that turns heads at every gun show and range session. It pairs a steel frame with a nickel-plated finish and a genuine cattle-brand motif, making it a standout piece for any western collection.

Manufacturer	Taylors and Company (imported by Pietta)
Model	1873 Cattle Brand
Material	Steel frame, walnut grips (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.357 Magnum / .38 Special
Finish	Nickel with engraved cattle-brand patterns
Weight	Approx. 2.4 lbs (unloaded, per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Factory Engraved Cattle Brand Pattern – Why it matters: Each revolver features a unique, laser-engraved motif of actual cattle brands, giving you a piece of western heritage that no off-the-shelf 1873 can match.
• 5.50-Inch Round Barrel – Why it matters: That extra inch over the standard 4.75-inch barrel balances pointability with a longer sight radius for more precise shots at the range.
• Steel Frame with Exposed Hammer – Why it matters: Steel construction soaks up recoil and keeps the action tight, while the exposed hammer lets you fan or thumb-cock like the old-timers did.
• Six-Shot Cylinder in .357 Magnum / .38 Special – Why it matters: You can shoot affordable .38 Special for plinking or step up to .357 Magnum for serious punch, all in the same revolver.
• Fixed Sights – Why it matters: No adjustments to lose zero; the front blade and rear notch are machined right into the barrel and frame, giving you a reliable point of aim that matches the 1873 original.

Who It’s For

This revolver is for collectors who want a factory-custom look without the wait, cowboy action shooters who appreciate a historically accurate platform, and anyone who wants a conversation piece that also shoots flat. If you’re the kind of person who walks a gun show aisle three times before buying, this is the one that stops you on the first pass.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Genuine factory engraving saves you hundreds over aftermarket work; nickel finish resists tarnish; dual-caliber cylinder adds versatility; steel frame is built for a lifetime.
• Cons: The nickel finish can show scratches more easily than blued steel if you’re hard on holsters; the fixed sights are not adjustable for windage, so you may need to file the front sight to dial in your load.

Comparison: Taylors Cattle Brand vs. Competitors

Feature	Taylors & Co. Pietta 1873 Cattle Brand	Ruger Vaquero (Blued)	Uberti 1873 Cattleman (Case-Hardened)
Finish	Nickel with engraved cattle brands	Blued steel	Color case-hardened frame, blued barrel
Barrel Length	5.50 inches	5.50 inches	5.50 inches
Grips	Walnut (per manufacturer specs)	Hard rubber	Walnut
Caliber	.357 Mag / .38 Spl	.357 Mag / .38 Spl	.357 Mag / .38 Spl
Weight	~2.4 lbs	~2.6 lbs	~2.3 lbs
Price Point	Mid-premium	Mid-range	Mid-range

The Ruger Vaquero is a tank and will outlast an apocalypse, but it lacks the factory engraving. The Uberti Cattleman is closer in looks, but you’ll pay extra for aftermarket engraving. The Taylors Cattle Brand gives you that show-stopping nickel and cattle-brand art right out of the box.

FAQ

What caliber does the Taylors and Company Pietta 1873 Cattle Brand 5.50 in revolver shoot?

It chambers .357 Magnum and .38 Special. You can run .38 Special for low-recoil practice and .357 Magnum for full-power loads, all in the same six-shot cylinder.

Is this revolver safe to shoot with modern ammunition?

Yes. According to Taylors and Company specs, the steel frame and cylinder are built to handle standard-pressure .357 Magnum and .38 Special loads. Always follow the manual and avoid +P ammunition unless the manufacturer explicitly approves it.

Can I use this revolver for cowboy action shooting?

Absolutely. The 5.50-inch barrel, fixed sights, and single-action design make it a perfect fit for SASS and NCOWS matches. The nickel finish and engraved cattle brands also give you a distinctive look on the firing line.

How does the nickel finish hold up over time?

Nickel is more corrosion-resistant than blued steel, but it can scratch or chip if dropped or holstered roughly. Keep it wiped down after handling, and store it in a dry place. The engraved areas may collect dirt, so a soft brush helps keep the pattern sharp.

Is the engraving on this revolver hand-done or laser?

It’s laser-engraved at the factory (Pietta, Italy). While not hand-engraved, the precision and consistency of the cattle-brand motifs are exceptional for the price point. If you want hand engraving, expect to pay triple.

Ready to Add This Cattle Brand to Your Collection?

This Taylors and Company Pietta 1873 Cattle Brand 5.50 in revolver is ready to ship to your FFL. Whether you’re a collector or a shooter, this nickel-and-engraved six-gun brings the Old West to your hands.

• ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
• ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
• ✅ 30-day returns
• ✅ Secure checkout

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Last updated: April 2026