Taylors and Company Short Stroke Smoke Wagon — 5.50″ Barrel

The Taylors and Company Short Stroke Smoke Wagon — 5.50″ Barrel is a refined single-action revolver built for shooters who demand a lighter, faster hammer throw and a trigger that breaks like glass. This short-stroke variant of the classic Smoke Wagon features a Taylor Tuned action, case-hardened steel frame, and a blued 5.50-inch barrel, delivering a 6-round capacity in a compact, historically accurate package. It’s the kind of wheelgun that makes you smile every time you run the action — and it’s ready to ship to your FFL today.

Manufacturer	Taylors and Company
Model	Short Stroke Smoke Wagon
Material	Case-hardened steel frame, blued barrel and cylinder (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.45 Colt ammunition, standard single-action holsters
Finish	Case-hardened frame, blued barrel and cylinder
Weight	Approximately 38 oz (unloaded, per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Taylor Tuned Short Stroke Action — The hammer travel is reduced by about 30% compared to a standard Colt-style action, letting you cock and fire faster without sacrificing reliability. Why it matters: You get a smoother, quicker follow-up shot in Cowboy Action matches or plinking sessions.
• 5.50-Inch Blued Barrel — Balances perfectly between a 4.75-inch and 7.5-inch tube, offering a sight radius that’s long enough for accuracy but short enough for easy carry. Why it matters: It hits the sweet spot for both range work and holster duty.
• Case-Hardened Steel Frame — Authentic color case-hardening not only looks gorgeous but also adds surface hardness for long-term wear resistance. Why it matters: This revolver will age gracefully, developing a patina that tells stories.
• Checkered Walnut Navy-Style Grip — The one-piece grip features deep, sharp checkering that locks your hand in place under recoil. Why it matters: You get a secure hold even with hot .45 Colt loads, and it feels like a piece of history in your palm.
• Six-Round Cylinder with Positive Indexing — The cylinder locks up tight at each chamber, with a crisp bolt stop that prevents over-rotation. Why it matters: Consistent alignment means better accuracy and no shaved lead on your bullets.

Who It’s For

This revolver is built for the collector who shoots — the guy who wants a gun that looks right on a display shelf but runs like a race gun at the range. If you compete in Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS) or just appreciate a finely tuned single-action with a short-stroke hammer, the Smoke Wagon is your ticket. It’s also ideal for the shooter who hates the heavy, gritty trigger pull of budget six-guns and wants something that feels like it was hand-fitted by a master gunsmith.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: The short-stroke action is noticeably faster than standard SAA clones — you can fan the hammer with less effort, and the trigger breaks at a consistent 3.5-4 lbs.
• Pro: Fit and finish are excellent for the price point; the case-hardening shows vivid colors without being overdone.
• Pro: It accepts standard .45 Colt loads, including black powder equivalents, so you can shoot it in period-correct matches.
• Con: The short-stroke modification means the hammer sits slightly lower at rest, which can interfere with some aftermarket holsters designed for standard-height hammers. Check your holster compatibility before buying.

Comparison

Feature	Taylors & Co. Short Stroke Smoke Wagon	Ruger Vaquero (Standard)	Uberti 1873 Cattleman (Standard)
Action	Taylor Tuned Short Stroke	Standard single-action	Standard single-action
Barrel Length	5.50″	5.50″	5.50″
Trigger Pull (approx)	3.5-4 lbs	5-6 lbs	4-5 lbs
Hammer Travel	Reduced ~30%	Standard	Standard
Frame Material	Case-hardened steel	Stainless or blued steel	Case-hardened steel
Price	$907.44	$750-$850	$650-$750

The Ruger Vaquero is built like a tank and handles heavy loads, but its standard action is heavier and slower. The Uberti Cattleman is a solid clone but lacks the short-stroke tuning. The Taylors Smoke Wagon gives you that tuned action right out of the box — no gunsmithing required.

FAQ

What is the barrel length of the Taylors and Company Short Stroke Smoke Wagon?

The barrel measures 5.50 inches from the forcing cone to the muzzle, as specified by the manufacturer.

Is this revolver compatible with .45 Colt +P ammunition?

Taylors and Company does not recommend +P loads in this revolver. Stick to standard-pressure .45 Colt ammunition (including black powder equivalents) to ensure safe operation and avoid excessive frame stress.

Does the short stroke action affect reliability with light primer strikes?

No. The Taylor Tuned action uses a reduced-power mainspring that still delivers enough force to ignite standard large-pistol primers reliably. If you use hard military primers, you may encounter an occasional light strike — stick to commercial ammo for best results.

Can I install a different grip on this revolver?

Yes, the Navy-style one-piece grip is interchangeable with standard Colt SAA grips from aftermarket makers like Eagle Grips or VZ Grips. The checkered walnut grip that comes on the gun is already very comfortable, though.

Does this revolver come with a factory warranty?

Yes, Taylors and Company provides a one-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Register your warranty online within 30 days of purchase.

Why Buy From Us?

• ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states) to your FFL dealer
• ✅ Ships within 1-2 business days from our warehouse
• ✅ 30-day return policy — if it’s not right, send it back
• ✅ Secure checkout with encrypted payment processing

Browse more single-action revolvers in our Revolvers collection, or check out our Cowboy Action Shooting Gear for holsters and speedloaders. For other finely tuned firearms, see our Competition Pistols category.

Last updated: April 2026