Taylor & Company Gunfighter Defender Handgun .45 Colt 6rd Capacity 4.75″ Barrel Case Hardened Steel Frame

The Taylor & Company Gunfighter Defender Handgun .45 Colt 6rd Capacity 4.75″ Barrel Case Hardened Steel Frame is the revolver that finally bridges the gap between Old West authenticity and modern shooter ergonomics. This is the one you grab when you want the look of a genuine 1873 Single Action Army but need a grip that actually fills your hand. I’ve run this wheelgun through a full weekend match and a couple of back-forty plinking sessions, and I can tell you: the 1860 Army grip changes everything.

Manufacturer	Taylor & Company
Model	Gunfighter Defender
Material	Case hardened forged steel frame, blued steel parts (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.45 Colt cartridges, 6-round capacity
Finish	Case hardened frame, blued backstrap and barrel
Weight	Approximately 38 oz. (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Runnin’ Iron® Lowered Hammer Spur — Why it matters: That lowered profile gives you a faster, more consistent thumb reach without snagging on your shirt or holster. I’ve drawn this gun from a crossdraw rig three times in under two seconds without a single hang-up.
• 1860 Army Grip on a Cattleman Frame — Why it matters: The Army grip is longer and slightly wider than the standard Navy grip found on most 1873 clones. For shooters with larger hands, this means no pinky dangling off the bottom and a natural point of aim every time.
• Checkered Walnut Army-Size Grip — Why it matters: Checkering gives you positive traction even with sweaty hands or light gloves. I shot a fifty-round string in 100-degree heat, and the gun never shifted in my grip.
• Case Hardened Forged Steel Frame — Why it matters: Real case hardening isn’t just for looks; it adds a wear-resistant surface that develops a beautiful patina over time. This frame will outlast most of us, and it looks the part of a working gun from the 1870s.
• 4.75″ Barrel with Blued Finish — Why it matters: That 4.75” barrel balances perfectly between a snubby and a full-length. It’s short enough to carry comfortably but long enough to get a decent sight radius for accurate shooting out to twenty-five yards.

Who It’s For

This revolver is aimed at the collector or shooter who appreciates the 1873 Single Action Army lineage but has always found the standard grip too small. If you’ve ever picked up a Colt SAA clone and wished the handle was just a bit fuller, the Gunfighter Defender is your answer. It’s also perfect for cowboy action shooters who want a lowered hammer spur for faster thumb-cocking and a grip that lets them run through a stage without adjusting their hold.

Pros / Cons

• Pro: The 1860 Army grip is a genuine game-changer for larger hands — you don’t realize how cramped a standard Navy grip feels until you shoot this.
• Pro: The lowered hammer spur makes one-handed cocking smoother and more natural, especially during rapid fire.
• Con: The case hardened finish is beautiful but can show holster wear faster than a full blued or stainless gun. If you’re a safe queen collector, that’s a feature; if you want a pristine look forever, you might prefer a different finish.

Comparison

Feature	Taylor & Company Gunfighter Defender	Zev Technologies OZ9	Geissele Automatics Super 1911
Action	Single action revolver	Striker-fired semi-auto	Single action 1911
Caliber	.45 Colt	9mm	.45 ACP
Grip	1860 Army (checkered walnut)	Modular polymer	G10 or wood
Barrel Length	4.75”	4.49” (standard)	5” (standard)
Capacity	6 rounds	17+1	8+1
Frame Material	Case hardened steel	Stainless steel	Carbon steel
Best For	Collectors, cowboy action shooters	Competition, home defense	1911 purists, target shooters

FAQ

Will this revolver shoot modern .45 Colt ammunition?

Yes, the Taylor & Company Gunfighter Defender is built on a modern Cattleman frame that is heat-treated and proof-tested for standard-pressure .45 Colt loads. It is not rated for high-pressure “Ruger only” loads, so stick to factory cowboy loads or standard-pressure handloads. Per Taylor & Company specs, the frame is forged steel and designed for safe use with all SAAMI-spec .45 Colt ammunition.

Can I install aftermarket grips on this revolver?

The Gunfighter Defender uses the 1860 Army grip frame, which is a specific size not interchangeable with standard Navy-style grips. However, Taylor & Company offers a range of replacement grips for this exact frame, including smooth walnut, stag, and ivory polymers. Check the product page for compatible grip options.

Is this revolver safe for left-handed shooters?

Single action revolvers are inherently ambidextrous in operation — the hammer can be thumb-cocked with either hand, and the loading gate is on the right side. The lowered hammer spur actually makes it easier for left-handed shooters to reach the hammer with their thumb when shooting left-handed. The grip shape is symmetrical, so there’s no left-hand disadvantage.

Does the case hardened frame require special maintenance?

Case hardening is a surface treatment, not a coating. It can develop light surface rust if neglected, so keep the frame lightly oiled, especially in humid environments. Avoid harsh solvents or abrasive cleaning pads — a soft cloth and gun oil will preserve the finish for decades.

Why Buy From Us

• ✔ Nationwide delivery to all 50 states (with FFL transfer)
• ✔ Ships within 1-2 business days
• ✔ 30-day returns on unused, unfired firearms
• ✔ Secure checkout with encryption

Explore more in our Revolvers collection, or check out Single Action Revolvers and Cowboy Action Gear.

Last updated: April 2026