Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman .357 Mag 5.50″ 6rd

The Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman .357 Mag 5.50″ 6rd is a single-action revolver built for shooters who want Old West style with modern stopping power. Chambered in .357 Magnum, it lets you run hot .357 loads or cheaper .38 Special for the range. The forged steel frame is color case-hardened, the barrel is blued, and the walnut Army-size grip gives you a hand-filling hold that tames recoil. At $715.75, you get a gun that works for cowboy action competition, home defense in an apartment, or just looking good on the nightstand.

Manufacturer	Taylors & Company
Model	1873 Cattleman Gunfighter
Material	Forged steel frame, blued steel barrel, walnut grips
Compatibility	.357 Magnum / .38 Special +P
Finish	Blued barrel with color case-hardened frame
Weight	39.2 oz (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Forged steel frame — WHY IT MATTERS: Cast frames can crack under heavy .357 loads; forged steel handles thousands of rounds without fatigue, giving you a gun that lasts longer than you will.
• 5.50″ barrel length — WHY IT MATTERS: Balances velocity and concealability. You get full .357 Magnum performance (around 1,400 fps with 125-grain loads) without the bulk of a 7.5″ barrel that snags on holsters.
• Color case-hardened frame — WHY IT MATTERS: This traditional treatment adds corrosion resistance and a unique mottled look that stands out from every black pistol on the range. It’s also harder than bluing, so it holds up to holster wear.
• Army-size walnut grip — WHY IT MATTERS: The 1860 Army profile fills your palm better than standard Colt-style grips, reducing felt recoil by spreading the force across more hand area. Ideal for shooters with larger hands or arthritis concerns.
• 6-round capacity — WHY IT MATTERS: For home defense, six rounds of .357 Magnum is enough to handle most threats inside an apartment. Load one, skip one, load four for safe carry with the hammer down on an empty chamber.

Who It’s For

This revolver is for the urban CCW holder who wants a piece of history that still works today. If you live in a city apartment and need a gun that won’t over-penetrate through drywall (use .38 Special +P hollow points), the Cattleman fits. It’s also for cowboy action shooters who compete every weekend and want a reliable gun that won’t break the bank. Collectors who appreciate a forged frame and real case-hardening—not a cheap imitation—will dig this one.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Forged steel frame is stronger than cast frames from cheaper imports. Per Taylors & Company specs, this frame is heat-treated to handle continuous .357 Magnum use.
• Pro: Dual-caliber capability—shoot .38 Special for practice, .357 Magnum for defense. Saves you money on ammo.
• Con: Single-action only—you must manually cock the hammer each shot. This slows down follow-up shots compared to a double-action revolver. Not ideal for high-stress defensive scenarios where speed matters.
• Pro: Classic looks that turn heads at the range. The color case-hardening and walnut grip are genuine, not painted or plastic.

Comparison

Feature	Taylors & Co 1873 Cattleman	Ruger Vaquero .357	Colt Single Action Army .357
Frame Material	Forged steel	Cast steel	Forged steel
Barrel Length	5.50″	5.50″	5.50″
Weight	39.2 oz	40 oz	39 oz
Price	$715.75	$749.00	$1,899.00
Finish	Blued + case-hardened	Blued only	Blued + case-hardened
Grip	Walnut Army-size	Hard rubber	Walnut

FAQ

Can I shoot .38 Special +P in this revolver?

Yes. The forged steel frame and heat-treated cylinder handle .38 Special +P without issue. Per Taylors & Company, this revolver is rated for continuous use with .38 Special and .357 Magnum loads. Stick to standard pressure .38 Special for practice and +P for defense.

Is this gun safe for concealed carry?

It’s doable but not ideal. The 5.50″ barrel and 39.2 oz weight make it heavy for IWB carry. A shoulder holster or cross-draw rig works better. For apartment defense, it’s great—just keep it in a quick-access safe with .38 Special hollow points to reduce over-penetration risk.

Does the gun come with a manual or lock?

Yes, it includes a basic owner’s manual and a cable lock. You should also buy a quality holster that covers the trigger guard—single-action revolvers have no transfer bar safety, so carry with the hammer down on an empty chamber.

How does the 5.50″ barrel compare to the 4.75″ version?

The 5.50″ barrel gives you about 50-75 fps more velocity with .357 Magnum loads compared to the 4.75″. It also balances better in the hand—the extra length reduces muzzle flip. The 4.75″ is easier to draw from a holster, but the 5.50″ is more accurate at 25 yards.

Can I use this for cowboy action competition?

Absolutely. This revolver is built for it. The forged frame and color case-hardened finish meet SASS requirements. The Army-size grip helps with fast cocking and reloads. Just make sure you use .38 Special loads to keep recoil manageable during stages.

Buy It Now

Order the Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman .357 Mag 5.50″ 6rd today. Priced at $715.75, it’s a forged-frame single-action revolver that delivers authentic style and real stopping power—whether you’re on the range or defending your apartment.

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

Browse more Revolvers or check our Cowboy Action Gear and Home Defense categories.

Last updated: April 2026