Pietta 1873 Gunfighter Revolver 357 Mag. 4.75 in. Checkered Black Grip

The Pietta 1873 Gunfighter Revolver in .357 Magnum with a 4.75-inch barrel and checkered black grip is a faithful reproduction of the iconic Colt Single Action Army, built specifically for shooters who want authentic Old West performance without the collector markup. This pietta 1873 gunfighter revolver 357 mag. 4.75 in. checkered black grip delivers reliable six-shot power in a package that feels as natural in the hand as it did in the holsters of Wyatt Earp or Billy the Kid. The checkered black plastic grip provides a secure hold even with sweaty palms, while the 4.75-inch barrel balances pointability with manageable recoil. Per Pietta specs, this revolver is built with a forged steel frame and case-hardened receiver, offering durability that matches its historical pedigree.

Manufacturer	Pietta (per manufacturer specs)
Model	1873 Gunfighter
Material	Forged steel frame, blued finish, checkered black plastic grip
Compatibility	.357 Magnum / .38 Special
Finish	Blued with case-hardened receiver
Weight	2.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New, factory-sealed

Key Features

• 4.75-inch barrel: Why it matters – This barrel length was the preferred choice of real gunfighters because it offers the perfect balance between a compact draw and a full-length sight radius for accurate shots at typical saloon distances (10-25 yards).
• Checkered black plastic grip: Why it matters – Unlike smooth wood grips that slip when wet or gloved, the checkered texture locks your hand in place during rapid fire, letting you keep the front sight on target without re-gripping between shots.
• Case-hardened receiver: Why it matters – Pietta uses a traditional bone-charcoal case-hardening process that creates a mottled, vintage appearance while increasing surface hardness to resist wear from holster draw and cylinder rotation.
• Single-action trigger: Why it matters – The crisp, predictable break (averaging 4.5 lbs per Pietta specs) allows precision shooting without the stacking or over-travel common in double-action revolvers, making it ideal for slow-fire accuracy and competition.
• Forged steel frame: Why it matters – Cast frames can develop stress cracks under heavy .357 Magnum loads, but Pietta’s forged steel construction handles full-power defensive ammunition without premature wear, keeping the revolver tight for thousands of rounds.

Who It’s For

This revolver is built for three distinct shooters: first, the cowboy action shooter who needs a period-correct six-gun for SASS matches. Second, the collector who wants a display piece that can still run at the range. Third, the handgun hunter who prefers a single-action platform for small game and plinking with .38 Special wadcutters. If you own a lever-action .357 rifle, this revolver shares the same ammo, simplifying your reloading bench.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Authentic 1873 design with modern metallurgy; accepts both .357 Magnum and .38 Special; checkered grip stays planted even with heavy loads; case-hardened finish resists holster wear better than a full blued finish.
• Cons: The checkered black plastic grip, while functional, lacks the warmth and vintage look of walnut or rosewood grips. If you’re a stickler for historical accuracy, you may want to swap them for aftermarket wood panels (available from Pietta dealers).

Comparison vs. Competitors

Feature	Pietta 1873 Gunfighter	Uberti 1873 Cattleman	Ruger Vaquero
Barrel Length	4.75 in.	4.75 in.	4.62 in.
Caliber	.357 Mag / .38 Spl	.357 Mag / .38 Spl	.357 Mag / .38 Spl
Frame Material	Forged steel	Forged steel	Cast stainless steel
Grip Material	Checkered black plastic	Checkered walnut	Rubber with medallion
MSRP	$623.07	$689.00	$769.00
Action	Single-action	Single-action	Single-action

FAQ

Is this revolver safe to shoot with modern .357 Magnum loads?

Yes. Pietta forges the frame from ordnance-grade steel and heat-treats it to handle standard-pressure .357 Magnum ammunition. Avoid using +P loads, as the 1873 design was not engineered for over-pressure cartridges. Stick to factory loads from brands like Remington, Winchester, or Federal for reliable performance.

Can I use .38 Special in this revolver for cheaper practice?

Absolutely. The Pietta 1873 Gunfighter chambers both .357 Magnum and .38 Special. Running .38 Special gives you lighter recoil and lower cost per round, making it perfect for learning the single-action trigger pull. Just clean the chambers thoroughly after shooting .38 Special to prevent carbon ring buildup that could interfere with .357 Magnum seating.

Does this revolver come with a safety?

Yes, it includes a hammer block safety that prevents firing unless the hammer is fully cocked. This is a modern addition to the 1873 design, making it safe to carry with six rounds loaded (cylinder resting on an empty chamber is still recommended by Pietta for maximum safety).

How does the checkered black grip compare to standard wood grips?

The checkered black plastic grip offers superior traction in wet or sweaty conditions compared to smooth wood. It also resists cracking and splitting better than wood. However, it does not have the same aesthetic appeal or historical accuracy. Many owners keep it for range use and swap to wood for display.

Ready to Own a Piece of History?

Add the Pietta 1873 Gunfighter Revolver to your collection and experience the same six-gun that tamed the frontier. Whether you’re stepping up to the firing line at a cowboy match or just want a reliable .357 for the back forty, this revolver delivers authenticity and performance at a price that leaves money in your pocket for ammo.

• ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states) – ships to your FFL dealer
• ✅ Ships 1-2 business days from order confirmation
• ✅ 30-day returns – if it’s not right, send it back
• ✅ Secure checkout – encrypted payment processing

Explore more: Revolvers | Single-Action Revolvers | Cowboy Action Gear

Last updated: April 2026