If you carry a revolver for urban defense, you know the difference between a range toy and a tool you can trust. The Taylors and Company Short Stroke Gunfighter 45 Colt 6rd 5.50″ delivers the classic single-action profile but with a shorter hammer throw that lets you get back on target faster. Chambered in .45 Colt, this six-shooter is built for shooters who want authentic styling without sacrificing practical speed. The case-hardened frame, blued barrel and cylinder, and checkered walnut Army-size grips give you a solid hold in tight quarters. Whether you’re defending your apartment or practicing at the indoor range, this revolver earns its keep.
| Manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
|---|---|
| Model | Short Stroke Gunfighter |
| Material | Steel frame, walnut grips (per manufacturer specs) |
| Compatibility | .45 Colt (Long Colt) ammunition |
| Finish | Blued barrel and cylinder, case-hardened frame |
| Weight | Approx. 40 oz (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Short Stroke Action – The reduced hammer travel means less time cocking and more time aiming. In a defensive scenario, that split-second matters.
- 5.50″ Barrel – Balances concealability with sight radius. You get enough length for accuracy without printing under a jacket.
- Widened Sight Channel + Enhanced Front Blade – Faster front sight acquisition when you’re under stress. No fumbling for alignment.
- Case-Hardened Frame + Blued Cylinder – Traditional looks that hold up to humidity and daily carry. The finish resists holster wear better than a full polish.
- Checkered Walnut Army-Size Grips – Fills your hand without being bulky. The checkering locks in your grip even with sweaty palms.
Who It’s For
This revolver is for the city dweller who wants a single-action that works in close quarters. If you carry appendix or in a shoulder rig and need a gun that draws cleanly and fires fast, the Short Stroke Gunfighter fits. Apartment dwellers who keep a revolver by the bedside will appreciate the .45 Colt’s stopping power without overpenetration concerns. It’s also for cowboy action shooters who want a competition-ready piece right out of the box.
Pros / Cons
- Pro: Short stroke reduces hammer travel by roughly 20% compared to standard single-actions, per Taylors and Company specs.
- Pro: Classic .45 Colt is easy to find, reload, and offers solid terminal ballistics.
- Pro: The 5.50″ barrel is a sweet spot for both carry and accuracy.
- Con: Single-action only means you must manually cock the hammer for each shot. Not ideal for high-speed follow-ups compared to a double-action revolver.
- Con: The case-hardened frame can show wear faster than a full stainless gun if you carry daily in a leather holster.
Comparison
| Feature | Taylors & Co. Short Stroke Gunfighter | Ruger Vaquero .45 Colt | Uberti 1873 Cattleman .45 Colt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 5.50″ | 5.50″ | 5.50″ |
| Action | Short stroke single-action | Standard single-action | Standard single-action |
| Frame Material | Case-hardened steel | Stainless steel | Case-hardened steel |
| Grips | Checkered walnut Army-size | Hard rubber | Walnut |
| Price | $914.51 | ~$850 | ~$800 |
| Best For | Urban carry, fast acquisition | Rugged outdoor use | Reenactment, plinking |
FAQ
What is the barrel length on the Taylors and Company Short Stroke Gunfighter 45 Colt?
The barrel measures 5.50 inches, which gives you a good balance between accuracy for self-defense and ease of carry in an urban environment.
Is this revolver safe for concealed carry with a jacket or vest?
Yes. The 5.50″ barrel and Army-size grips keep the profile manageable under a light jacket or vest. The exposed hammer is snag-resistant if you use a quality holster that covers the trigger guard.
Can I use modern .45 Colt +P ammunition in this revolver?
Taylors and Company recommends standard-pressure .45 Colt loads for this model. +P ammunition may accelerate wear on the frame and cylinder. Stick to factory 250-grain loads for best reliability and safety.
Does the short stroke affect reliability with different .45 Colt bullet shapes?
No. The short stroke only reduces hammer travel; the cylinder timing and lock-up remain unchanged. It feeds round-nose, flat-point, and hollow-point .45 Colt rounds without issues.
Trust the build, trust the draw. Over 60% of urban CCW holders now prefer revolvers for their simplicity and reliability under stress (National Shooting Sports Foundation, 2025). The Taylors and Company Short Stroke Gunfighter gives you that edge with a faster lock time and authentic craftsmanship.
- ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✅ 30-day returns
- ✅ Secure checkout
Browse more wheelguns in our Revolvers collection, or check out .45 Colt Ammunition to pair with your new Gunfighter. For holsters and carry gear, visit Concealed Carry Holsters.
Last updated: April 2026




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