Pietta 1873 GWII The Shootist Revolver 45 LC 4.75 in. Laser Engraved Blue Ultra Ivory

If you’ve ever stood behind a glass case at a gun show and felt that pull toward something with real history and soul, the Pietta 1873 GWII The Shootist Revolver .45 LC 4.75 in. Laser Engraved Blue Ultra Ivory is exactly that kind of piece. This isn’t just another single-action army clone — it’s a laser-engraved tribute to the Old West, chambered in .45 Colt, with a 4.75-inch barrel that balances like an extension of your hand. The deep blue finish on the barrel and cylinder catches light like a polished sapphire, and those ultra ivory grips? They’re the kind of detail that makes collectors stop mid-conversation. I’ve handled a lot of repros over the years, and this one — the Pietta 1873 GWII The Shootist Revolver .45 LC 4.75 in. Laser Engraved Blue Ultra Ivory — feels like it was pulled straight from a Spaghetti Western set, but built with modern metallurgy you can trust.

Manufacturer	Pietta (per manufacturer specs)
Model	1873 GWII The Shootist
Material	Steel frame, barrel, and cylinder; ultra ivory grips (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.45 Long Colt (LC) ammunition
Finish	Blued barrel and cylinder, laser-engraved scrollwork (per manufacturer specs)
Weight	Approx. 2.3 lbs (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Laser-Engraved Scrollwork: The barrel and cylinder feature intricate laser engraving that mimics hand-cut patterns from the 1880s. Why it matters: This isn’t a plain-Jane six-shooter — the engraving gives it a custom-shop look without the custom-shop wait time or price tag.
• Ultra Ivory Grips: Smooth, period-correct grips that warm up in your hand and provide a solid purchase. Why it matters: These grips aren’t just for show — they reduce felt recoil from .45 LC loads and keep the revolver from twisting in your grip during rapid fire.
• 4.75-Inch Barrel: The classic ‘civilian’ length that balances concealability with accuracy. Why it matters: That extra inch over a 4.5-inch barrel gives you a longer sight radius for precise shots at 25 yards, but it still clears a holster fast for CAS matches.
• Case-Hardened Frame: The frame gets a traditional color case-hardening treatment that adds durability and that old-world mottled look. Why it matters: Case-hardening isn’t just cosmetic — it creates a wear-resistant surface that stands up to holster draw and handling better than a plain blue finish.
• Traditional Action: Single-action with a four-click hammer and a manual half-cock safety notch. Why it matters: This is the same action John Wayne used — it forces you to slow down and shoot with intention, and it’s the gold standard for Cowboy Action Shooting divisions.

Who It’s For

This revolver is built for collectors who appreciate laser-engraved details and ultra ivory grips that pop against a blued finish. It’s also for Cowboy Action Shooters who want a competition-ready piece that looks as good on the firing line as it does in a display case. If you’re a gun show regular who hunts for limited-production runs with authentic period styling, this Pietta 1873 GWII belongs in your collection.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Authentic 1873 profile with modern steel; laser engraving adds value without being gaudy; .45 LC is a versatile caliber for both target loads and defensive rounds; ultra ivory grips are comfortable even in hot weather.
• Cons: The laser engraving is applied over the blue finish — if you carry this revolver daily, holster wear will eventually dull the engraved areas. For a safe queen or match gun, it’s fine, but it’s not a hard-use trail gun.

Comparison

Feature	Pietta 1873 GWII The Shootist	Uberti 1873 Cattleman	Ruger Vaquero
Caliber	.45 LC	.45 LC	.45 LC
Barrel Length	4.75 in.	4.75 in.	4.62 in.
Finish	Blued + laser engraving	Blued (no engraving)	Case-hardened frame, blued barrel
Grips	Ultra ivory	Walnut	Hard rubber or walnut
Action	Single-action 4-click	Single-action 4-click	Single-action transfer bar
MSRP	$792.21	$599.00	$729.00

The Uberti is a solid shooter but lacks the engraving and grip upgrade. The Ruger Vaquero is more robust for heavy loads but doesn’t have the same period-correct vibe. For a collector who wants show-stopping looks straight out of the box, the Pietta 1873 GWII The Shootist wins.

FAQ

Is this revolver safe to shoot with modern .45 LC ammunition?

Yes. Per Pietta specs, the 1873 GWII is built from modern steel and is rated for standard-pressure .45 LC loads. Do not use +P or Ruger-only loads — stick to cowboy action or standard factory ammunition.

Are the ultra ivory grips real ivory?

No, they are a synthetic ultra ivory material that mimics the look and feel of genuine ivory without the CITES restrictions or fragility. They’re durable, non-slip, and won’t yellow with age.

Does this revolver have a transfer bar safety?

No, it uses the original 1873-style hammer with a half-cock safety notch. Carry with the hammer down on an empty chamber for safety, or use five rounds with the hammer resting on an empty chamber — just like the old days.

Will the laser engraving wear off over time?

Laser engraving is etched into the metal, so it won’t ‘wear off’ like a decal, but the blue finish around the engraved areas can show holster wear with heavy use. For occasional shooting and display, it will last for decades.

What is the cylinder capacity?

Six rounds of .45 Long Colt. Standard for a single-action army revolver.

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Last updated: April 2026