Hold still, partner. The Pietta 1873 Liberty Single Action Revolver 45 Colt 4.75-inch is the kind of six-shooter that stops a gun show cold. Pietta took the classic Colt Peacemaker profile, engraved the barrel, cylinder, and frame right at the factory, then topped it with an Ultra Ivory grip featuring a Liberty Eagle. Chambered in .45 Colt (Long Colt) on a steel frame, this revolver delivers period-correct swagger with real shooting manners. It’s a six-shot single action built for the collector who wants a ready-to-shoot showpiece.
| Manufacturer | Pietta (per manufacturer specs) |
|---|---|
| Model | 1873 GW2 Liberty |
| Material | Steel frame, Ultra Ivory grip |
| Compatibility | .45 Colt (Long Colt) ammunition |
| Finish | Blued, factory laser engraving |
| Weight | Approx. 2.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Factory Laser Engraving — Why it matters: Every panel on the barrel, cylinder, and frame gets detailed scrollwork and a Liberty motif straight from Pietta’s engravers. No aftermarket hassle, no lost value, just a ready-to-display revolver that looks like it walked out of a custom shop.
- Ultra Ivory Grip with Liberty Eagle — Why it matters: That grip isn’t just for looks. The eagle carving gives you a tactile anchor for your hand, and the ivory-style material stands up to sweat and holster wear while keeping the vintage feel.
- 4.75-inch Blued Barrel — Why it matters: The classic “civilian” length balances pointability and carry ease. At 4.75 inches, it clears leather fast and still gives you a full-length sight plane for accurate .45 Colt shooting.
- Steel Frame, Six-Shot Cylinder — Why it matters: Steel means this revolver can handle modern .45 Colt loads without flinching. The six-shot cylinder gives you a full day at the range before reloading, and the single-action lockup is crisp.
Who It’s For
This is for the collector who brings a revolver to a gun show and draws a crowd. It’s for the cowboy action shooter who wants a rig that stands out in the holster. It’s for anyone who appreciates factory engraving done right — no cheap laser jobs here. If you’ve got a display case with a spot for a Liberty-themed piece, this Pietta fills it.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Factory engraving is deep and sharp, not a surface tickle. The Liberty eagle grip is a conversation starter.
- Pro: Pietta’s 1873 action runs smooth out of the box. No gunsmithing needed to get a decent trigger pull.
- Con: The Ultra Ivory grip is synthetic — if you want real ivory or bone, you’ll swap it. But for the price, the factory grip beats aftermarket alternatives.
Comparison
| Feature | Pietta 1873 Liberty 4.75″ | Ruger Vaquero 4.62″ | Uberti 1873 Cattleman 4.75″ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 Colt | .45 Colt | .45 Colt |
| Frame Material | Steel | Steel | Steel |
| Engraving | Factory laser (full coverage) | None (standard) | None (standard) |
| Grip | Ultra Ivory w/ eagle | Hard rubber | Walnut |
| Barrel Length | 4.75″ | 4.62″ | 4.75″ |
| MSRP | $745.20 | ~$850 | ~$650 |
FAQ
Is the Pietta 1873 Liberty safe to shoot with modern .45 Colt ammunition?
Yes. The steel frame and modern heat-treating allow it to handle standard-pressure .45 Colt loads. According to Pietta specs, the revolver is rated for factory ammunition. Avoid +P loads to preserve the engraving and cylinder life.
Can I convert the grip to real ivory or stag?
Absolutely. The Pietta 1873 takes standard single-action grip panels. Any grip made for a Colt SAA or Uberti 1873 will fit with minimal fitting. The Ultra Ivory grip is held on by one screw.
Does the factory engraving reduce the value for collectors?
No. Factory engraving from Pietta adds value compared to a plain revolver. It’s not a custom shop job, but it’s consistent, deep, and matches the Liberty theme. Collectors specifically seek out these GW2 Liberty models.
What holster fits the 4.75-inch barrel?
Any holster designed for a 4.75-inch Colt SAA or clone works. Look for “4.75-inch” or “4 3/4-inch” listed in the holster specs. Crossdraw and strongside both work well.
Is this revolver legal in all 50 states?
Yes. It’s a single-action revolver with no capacity restrictions. It ships to all states that allow firearm sales. Check your local laws for any extra waiting periods.
Why Buy From Us
- ✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✓ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✓ 30-day returns
- ✓ Secure checkout
Last updated: April 2026
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