Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman .45 Long Colt, 5.5-inch

The Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman .45 Long Colt, 5.5-inch is a faithful reproduction of the legendary Peacemaker, built for the shooter who demands authentic lines and proven reliability. This single-action revolver delivers a slice of Old West history with every trigger pull, chambered in the timeless .45 Long Colt for serious range work or cowboy-action competition.

Manufacturer	Taylors and Company
Model	1873 Cattleman
Material	Steel frame, walnut grips
Compatibility	.45 Long Colt ammunition
Finish	Charcoal Blue with case-hardened frame and hammer
Weight	Approx. 39 oz
Condition	New, per manufacturer specs

Key Features

• Charcoal Blue Finish: This isn’t a cheap spray job. The charcoal blue on the barrel, cylinder, and grip frame replicates the deep, smoky patina of original 1873s—it resists holster wear and looks dead-nuts authentic in the light.
• Case-Hardened Frame and Hammer: The mottled, color-case finish on the frame and hammer isn’t just for show. It’s a traditional heat-treating process that adds surface hardness where it counts, reducing wear at the firing pin and hand engagement points.
• 5.5-Inch Round Barrel: That sweet spot length. Long enough for a full sight radius and steady aiming, short enough to clear a holster fast. It balances like a dream—pointable and quick on target for Cowboy Action or plinking.
• Walnut One-Piece Grip: Oil-finished walnut feels warm and solid in the hand. The one-piece design mates to the grip frame without a seam, so it won’t shift or split under heavy .45 Colt loads. It fills the palm just right for a natural point of aim.
• Traditional Fixed Sights: No adjustable nonsense here. The front blade and rear groove are milled into the barrel and frame, zeroed from the factory for standard .45 Colt loads. This is the same sight picture that won the West—reliable, snag-free, and dead-on at 25 yards.

Who It’s For

This revolver is for the collector who wants a showpiece that actually shoots, the cowboy-action competitor who needs a reliable sixgun for matches, and the range enthusiast who appreciates the feel of real American history. If you’ve ever handled a genuine 1873 and wished you could afford one, this is your ticket—built to the same specs but without the museum price tag.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Authentic period-correct finish and materials; smooth, light action out of the box; chambered in .45 Long Colt for versatility; solid walnut grips with no seam; made by Uberti under license for Taylors—consistent quality control.
• Cons: The fixed sights are zeroed for one load weight; you’ll need to file the front blade if you switch to heavy cast bullets. Also, the case-hardening is cosmetic on some production runs—it’s real, but it can fade if you don’t oil it occasionally.

Comparison

Feature	Taylors 1873 Cattleman 5.5″ .45 LC	Ruger Vaquero 5.5″ .45 LC	Uberti 1873 Cattleman 5.5″ .45 LC
Frame Material	Steel, case-hardened	Stainless or blued steel	Steel, case-hardened
Finish	Charcoal Blue + case-hardened	Gloss blue or stainless	Blue + case-hardened
Grip	Walnut, one-piece	Hard rubber or walnut	Walnut, one-piece
Action	Traditional 4-click	Transfer-bar (safe for 6 rounds)	Traditional 4-click
Price	$753.15	$850–$950	$700–$800
Best For	Collectors & competitors who want authentic looks	Shooters who want a modern safety system	Budget-conscious buyers who still want Italian quality

FAQ

What is the barrel length on the Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman .45 Long Colt?

It has a 5.5-inch barrel, measured from the front of the cylinder to the muzzle. That’s the classic “gunfighter” length—balances perfectly in a cross-draw rig and gives you a full sight radius for accurate shooting.

Is this revolver safe to carry with all six chambers loaded?

No. Like all traditional single-action revolvers, the 1873 Cattleman has a firing pin on the hammer and no transfer bar. Carry with the hammer down on an empty chamber to prevent accidental discharge if dropped. Always follow standard SA revolver safety rules.

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

Not recommended. According to Taylors and Company specs, this revolver is designed for standard-pressure .45 Long Colt loads only (approx. 14,000 psi). +P loads generate higher pressure and could damage the cylinder or frame over time. Stick to cowboy-action loads or factory standard pressure.

Does the charcoal blue finish wear off quickly?

It’s a traditional hot-blue finish, not a coating. It will wear with holster use, but that’s part of the appeal—it develops a natural patina that looks even more authentic. If you want it pristine, keep it oiled and store it in a soft case. For a shooter, a little wear adds character.

What is the weight of the 1873 Cattleman with a 5.5-inch barrel?

It weighs approximately 39 ounces empty, per Taylors and Company specs. That’s light enough to carry on a gun belt all day, heavy enough to tame .45 Colt recoil for fast follow-up shots.

Last updated: April 2026

According to the 2024 NSSF survey, single-action revolver sales grew 12% year-over-year, driven by cowboy-action shooting and historical collectors—the 1873 Cattleman is a top seller in that segment.

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

Explore more: Revolvers | Cowboy Action Gear | Taylors and Company