Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman 45 Colt 5.50-inch 6-Shot

The Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman 45 Colt 5.50-inch 6-shot is a single-action revolver built for shooters who demand period-correct performance without the antique price tag. Chambered in .45 Colt, this 5.50-inch barreled six-shooter pairs a color case-hardened frame with a blued cylinder and barrel. It’s a working cowboy gun that fits your hand, drops into a holster, and runs reliable on the range or in cowboy action matches. If you want a classic single-action that hits hard and feels right, this Cattleman delivers.

Manufacturer	Taylors and Company
Model	1873 Cattleman
Material	Steel frame, walnut grips (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.45 Colt (Long Colt) ammunition
Finish	Blued barrel and cylinder, color case-hardened frame
Weight	Approximately 2.5 lbs (unloaded, per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Classic Single-Action Design – Why it matters: You get the authentic 1873-style exposed hammer and six-shot cylinder that made the West famous, with a crisp, predictable trigger break every time.
• 5.50-Inch Barrel – Why it matters: That extra inch over a 4.75″ gives you a longer sight radius for tighter groups at 25 yards, while still carrying easy in a hip holster.
• Color Case-Hardened Frame – Why it matters: This finish resists wear and corrosion better than plain blued steel, and it looks like a gun that’s been rode hard and put away wet.
• Walnut Navy-Style Grips – Why it matters: The one-piece grip fills your palm with wood that soaks up recoil from .45 Colt loads, keeping your hand on target for follow-up shots.
• Fixed Sights – Why it matters: No adjustments to lose—blade front and notch rear are dead-on from the factory for most shooters, zero drama.

Who It’s For

This revolver is for the shooter who wants a genuine single-action experience without chasing collector-grade prices. It fits cowboy action competitors, historical reenactors, and anyone who appreciates the feel of a six-gun that’s been in production for over 140 years. Urban CCW holders will find it too large for concealed carry, but it’s a solid truck gun or range companion.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Authentic period look and feel; .45 Colt packs serious punch; reliable ignition with factory loads; walnut grips are comfortable for extended shooting; price point is under $700 for a quality single-action.
• Cons: Single-action only—no double-action capability, so it’s slower for defensive use; fixed sights limit customization; 5.50-inch barrel is too long for most concealed holsters.

Comparison: Taylors 1873 Cattleman vs. Ruger Vaquero vs. Uberti 1873

Feature	Taylors 1873 Cattleman	Ruger Vaquero (New Model)	Uberti 1873 Cattleman
Caliber	.45 Colt	.45 Colt	.45 Colt
Barrel Length	5.50″	5.50″	5.50″
Action	Single Action	Single Action	Single Action
Frame Material	Color case-hardened steel	Stainless or blued steel	Color case-hardened steel
Grips	Walnut Navy-style	Hard rubber or wood	Walnut
Price (approx.)	$651	$750–$850	$600–$700
Safety	Hammer notch (4-click)	Transfer bar	Hammer notch (4-click)

FAQ

Is the Taylors 1873 Cattleman safe to carry with a round in the chamber?

Per Taylors and Company, this revolver uses a traditional four-click hammer with a safety notch. You can carry it with the hammer down on an empty chamber under the firing pin—standard practice for single-action six-shooters. Do not carry it with a round under the hammer unless you’re using a modern transfer-bar safety conversion.

What kind of accuracy can I expect at 25 yards?

With the 5.50-inch barrel and fixed sights, most shooters get 3–4 inch groups at 25 yards using quality .45 Colt ammunition. The longer sight radius helps, but the trigger is the real star—clean and predictable once you learn the single-action pull.

Can I use modern .45 Colt +P ammunition in this revolver?

Taylors and Company does not recommend +P loads in this 1873-style frame. Stick to standard-pressure .45 Colt factory loads (250–255 grain lead round nose or semi-wadcutter) to keep the gun running safely and avoid frame stress.

Is this revolver compatible with aftermarket grips?

Yes, the one-piece walnut grip is a standard pattern for 1873-style single actions. Many makers offer aftermarket grips in wood, stag, or synthetic materials. Just ensure the grip frame matches your specific Taylors model.

Trust & Delivery

• ✅ Nationwide delivery to all 50 states
• ✅ Ships within 1–2 business days
• ✅ 30-day return policy
• ✅ Secure checkout with encryption

Last updated: April 2026

According to industry data, single-action revolvers account for roughly 12% of the U.S. revolver market, with the 1873 pattern remaining the most popular among cowboy action shooters.

Explore more: Revolvers | Single-Action Revolvers | .45 Colt Firearms