Taylor & Company Gunfighter Defender Handgun .357 Mag/.38 Spl 6rd Capacity 4.75″ Barrel Case Hardened Steel Frame

The Taylor & Company Gunfighter Defender Handgun .357 Mag/.38 Spl 6rd Capacity 4.75″ Barrel Case Hardened Steel Frame is a modern take on the classic 1873 single-action revolver, blending the original Gunfighter’s rugged reliability with the shooter-favored lowered Runnin’ Iron® hammer. This six-shooter comes chambered in .357 Magnum and .38 Special, giving you versatility at the range or in the field. At $726.44, it’s a solid investment for anyone who appreciates a piece of Old West engineering updated for today’s enthusiast.

Manufacturer	Taylor & Company
Model	Gunfighter Defender
Material	Case hardened forged steel frame, blued steel parts (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.357 Magnum / .38 Special +P
Finish	Case hardened frame, blued cylinder and barrel
Weight	Approximately 38 oz (unloaded, per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Lowered Runnin’ Iron® Hammer – This factory-installed hammer spur sits lower than standard, making it easier to reach without shifting your grip. Why it matters: Faster follow-up shots and less fumbling under recoil, especially for shooters with larger hands.
• 1860 Army Grip Frame – Taylor swapped the typical Navy grip for the longer, wider 1860 Army profile on the Cattleman frame. Why it matters: That extra palm swell fills your hand better, reducing felt recoil and improving control during rapid fire.
• 4.75″ Barrel – A classic Single Action Army length that balances sight radius and concealability. Why it matters: You get accurate sight alignment without the bulk of a 5.5″ or 7.5″ tube, making it a solid choice for open carry or trail use.
• Checkered Walnut Army-Size Grip – The checkering provides a sure hold, even with sweaty hands or gloves. Why it matters: No slipping when the hammer falls, especially with hot .357 loads that generate over 500 ft-lbs of energy.
• Case Hardened Forged Steel Frame – Not a cast frame; this is forged and color case-hardened for durability and that classic two-tone look. Why it matters: Forged steel handles the higher pressures of .357 Magnum better than cast, and the case hardening resists wear at contact points.

Who It’s For

This revolver is built for the collector who wants a shooter-grade Single Action Army that doesn’t need immediate gunsmithing. If you’ve got larger hands and found standard Navy-grip 1873s cramped, the 1860 Army grip here is a game-changer. It’s also for the cowboy action shooter who prefers a lowered hammer for faster thumb work without modifying a vintage piece. And honestly, anyone who appreciates a case-hardened frame with a blued cylinder—that contrast is pure eye candy at the gun show table.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: .357 Magnum chambering gives you the option to shoot cheaper .38 Special for practice, then step up to full-power loads for hunting or defense.
• Pro: The 4.75″ barrel is a sweet spot for balance—not too nose-heavy, not too short for accuracy.
• Pro: Checkered walnut grips provide a non-slip surface that looks period-correct but feels modern.
• Con: The lowered hammer spur sits closer to the frame, which can pinch the web of your hand if you don’t ride it properly during cocking. A minor learning curve for new single-action shooters.

Comparison: Taylor & Company Gunfighter Defender vs. Competitors

Feature	Taylor & Company Gunfighter Defender	Ruger Vaquero (4.62″ barrel)	Uberti 1873 Cattleman (4.75″ barrel)
Frame Material	Case hardened forged steel	Investment cast stainless steel	Case hardened forged steel
Hammer Type	Lowered Runnin’ Iron® spur	Standard spur	Standard spur
Grip Frame	1860 Army (wider/longer)	Standard Navy	Standard Navy
Caliber Options	.357 Mag / .38 Spl	.357 Mag / .38 Spl	.357 Mag / .38 Spl
Price (approx)	$726.44	$850–$900	$650–$700

The Ruger Vaquero is a tank—durable but heavy, and the standard spur isn’t as fast. The Uberti is cheaper but lacks the Runnin’ Iron hammer and Army grip. The Taylor Gunfighter Defender splits the difference: you get the forged frame and lowered hammer at a price that undercuts Ruger, with a grip that fits bigger hands better than either.

FAQ

Is the Taylor & Company Gunfighter Defender safe to shoot with .357 Magnum loads?

Yes. According to Taylor & Company specs, the forged steel frame and heat-treated cylinder are rated for standard .357 Magnum pressures. The 4.75″ barrel handles the extra velocity without issues. Stick to factory loads or published data for handloads.

Can I mount a red dot or optics on this revolver?

No, the Gunfighter Defender does not come drilled and tapped for optics. The top strap is solid steel, but adding a mount would require custom gunsmithing. This revolver is designed for iron sights—a fixed front blade and rear notch on the hammer.

Does the lowered Runnin’ Iron hammer affect reliability with different primers?

No. The hammer fall is still full-power, so it will ignite any standard large pistol primer in .357 or .38 Special cases. The lowered spur only changes the thumb placement, not the hammer strike force.

What is the warranty on the Taylor & Company Gunfighter Defender?

Taylor & Company offers a one-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. If you have an issue, contact their customer service directly—they’re known for supporting their single-action line.

Ready to Add This to Your Collection?

This is a limited-production run from Taylor & Company, and at $726.44, it’s a solid deal for a forged-frame .357 with the Army grip and lowered hammer. Whether you’re a cowboy action competitor, a trail carry enthusiast, or a collector who shoots, the Gunfighter Defender delivers. Browse all revolvers or check out our single-action handguns for more options.

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

Last updated: April 2026