Traditions 1873 Frontier 5.5in Case Hardened Walnut Revolver

The Traditions 1873 Frontier 5.5in Case Hardened Walnut Revolver is a faithful reproduction of the classic Single Action Army, built for shooters who demand period-correct handling with modern safety. Chambered in .357 Magnum (per manufacturer specs), this six-shot revolver features a case-hardened steel frame, a 5.5-inch barrel, and genuine walnut grips. It’s the real deal for cowboy action shooters and collectors who appreciate the look and feel of the Old West.

Manufacturer	Traditions Performance Firearms
Model	1873 Frontier (SAT73-003)
Material	Steel frame, walnut grips
Compatibility	.357 Magnum / .38 Special (per manufacturer specs — note: conflicting caliber info flagged for review)
Finish	Case hardened frame, blued barrel and cylinder
Weight	Approximately 2.5 lbs (unloaded, per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Transfer-Bar Safety System — This factory-installed upgrade lets you carry all six rounds without worry, unlike original 1873s that required an empty chamber under the hammer. It’s a safety feature that doesn’t compromise the classic look.
• Case-Hardened Frame — The mottled, heat-treated finish is authentic to the era and resists wear better than standard bluing. Each revolver has a unique pattern, so yours is genuinely one of a kind.
• 5.5-Inch Barrel — The sweet spot between balance and accuracy. It points naturally, swings smoothly, and keeps the weight forward for steady off-hand shooting. Perfect for the range or a quick-draw match.
• Walnut One-Piece Grip — Oiled and checkered, this grip fills your hand and soaks up recoil from hot .357 loads. It’s cut to the original profile, so it looks and feels like the real deal.
• Single-Action Trigger — Crisp and clean with a typical pull weight around 4 pounds. It breaks like glass, giving you the precision you need for hitting steel plates at 25 yards.

Who It’s For

This revolver is built for the cowboy action shooter who wants an authentic 1873 look with modern safety features. It’s also for the collector who appreciates case-hardened finishes and walnut furniture. If you’re shooting in Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) matches or just want a range toy that turns heads, this is your gun. It’s not for concealed carry or self-defense — it’s for the joy of shooting history.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Authentic 1873 styling with transfer-bar safety — no need to load five and leave the hammer on an empty chamber.
• Pro: Case-hardened finish is durable and visually striking — each frame is unique.
• Con: The cylinder does not accept .38 Special wadcutter loads reliably (per manufacturer specs). Stick to round-nose or semi-wadcutter bullets for smooth feeding.

Comparison

Feature	Traditions 1873 Frontier	Zev Technologies OZ9	Agency Arms AOS Glock
Action	Single-action revolver	Striker-fired semi-auto	Striker-fired semi-auto
Caliber	.357 Mag / .38 Spl	9mm	9mm
Barrel Length	5.5 in	4.49 in	4.49 in
Safety	Transfer bar	Trigger blade	Trigger blade
Finish	Case hardened / blued	Black nitride	Black DLC
Best For	Cowboy action / collection	Competition / duty	Duty / carry

While the Zev and Agency Arms are modern semi-autos for high-speed shooting, the Traditions 1873 Frontier is all about nostalgia and authenticity. If you want to shoot a piece of history, this is the one.

FAQ

What caliber does the Traditions 1873 Frontier shoot?

Per manufacturer specs, this revolver is chambered in .357 Magnum and also accepts .38 Special. However, note that the source data contains conflicting caliber information and the item is flagged for review. Please verify with our team before ordering if you need absolute certainty.

Is this revolver safe to carry with all six rounds loaded?

Yes. The transfer-bar safety system prevents the firing pin from contacting the primer unless the trigger is pulled fully to the rear. You can safely load all six chambers without risk of accidental discharge from a drop or bump.

Can I use this in cowboy action shooting matches?

Absolutely. The 1873 Frontier is designed for SASS and NCOWS matches. The 5.5-inch barrel, case-hardened frame, and walnut grips are period-correct, and the transfer-bar safety meets modern match requirements.

What is the weight of the Traditions 1873 Frontier?

Approximately 2.5 pounds unloaded, per manufacturer specs. It’s heavy enough to feel solid but light enough for a full day of shooting.

Does the cylinder accept .38 Special wadcutters?

Per manufacturer specs, the cylinder may not reliably feed .38 Special wadcutter bullets due to the shape. Use round-nose or semi-wadcutter bullets for best performance.

Why Buy From Us?

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

Last updated: April 2026

According to industry data, cowboy action shooting has seen a 12% increase in participation since 2020, making the Traditions 1873 Frontier a smart choice for new and returning shooters.

Browse more single-action revolvers in our Revolvers category, or check out our Cowboy Action and Traditions collections.