Taylors & Company 556101 1873 Cattleman Drifter 45 Colt (LC) Caliber with 4.75″ Blued Finish Barrel, 6rd Capacity Blued Finish Cylinder, Color Case Hardened Finish Steel Frame & Walnut Grip

The Taylors & Company 556101 1873 Cattleman Drifter in .45 Colt (LC) is the revolver you bring when you want to stand out at a gun show or run a clean stage in Cowboy Action Shooting. That full octagonal barrel is the first thing everyone notices — it gives the Drifter a distinct profile that sets it apart from standard Cattleman models. Built on a forged frame with a color case hardened finish steel frame and a 4.75″ blued finish barrel, this six-shot single-action is ready to ride.

Manufacturer	Taylors & Company
Model	1873 Cattleman Drifter
Material	Forged steel frame, walnut grip
Compatibility	.45 Colt (LC) ammunition
Finish	Color case hardened frame, blued barrel and cylinder
Weight	Approx. 38 oz (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Forged Steel Frame — Better grain structure and strength than cast frames, so you get a revolver that holds up to heavy use in competition or on the range.
• Full Octagonal Barrel (4.75″) — Adds mass up front for steadier aiming and gives the Drifter that iconic look that turns heads at every gun show table.
• Color Case Hardened Finish — This isn’t just for show. The case hardening provides a durable, wear-resistant surface that develops character over time without losing its integrity.
• Fixed Blade Front Sight & Rear Notch — Simple, snag-free sight picture that’s fast to acquire on target. No adjustments needed — just point and shoot.
• Walnut One-Piece Grip — Oil-finished walnut feels natural in the hand and soaks up recoil from .45 Colt loads while keeping the classic western silhouette.

Who It’s For

This revolver is for the collector who wants a working gun with real history in its lines, not a safe queen. It’s for the cowboy action shooter who shows up to the line with something that looks as good as it shoots. And it’s for anyone who appreciates the craftsmanship of a forged frame and a color case hardened finish — details that matter when you’re handling a piece of the Old West.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Forged frame gives you a stronger, more durable revolver than many entry-level single-actions.
• Pro: Octagonal barrel adds front weight for reduced muzzle flip — noticeable improvement in follow-up shot speed.
• Con: Fixed sights are not adjustable, so point of impact may vary with different .45 Colt loads. You’ll want to test a few brands to find what your Drifter likes best.
• Pro: Color case hardened finish is both beautiful and practical — it hides holster wear better than a full blued gun.

Comparison

Feature	Taylors Drifter 45 LC	Ruger Vaquero 45 LC	Uberti 1873 Cattleman 45 LC
Frame	Forged steel	Cast steel	Forged steel
Barrel	4.75″ octagonal	4.62″ round	4.75″ round
Finish	Case hardened frame, blued barrel/cylinder	Blued	Case hardened frame, blued barrel/cylinder
Grip	Walnut one-piece	Hard rubber	Walnut one-piece
Price	~$674	~$750	~$600

FAQ

What caliber is the Taylors & Company 556101 1873 Cattleman Drifter?

It’s chambered in .45 Colt (LC), the classic cowboy round. Six rounds in the cylinder, plenty of punch for targets or steel.

Is the Drifter safe to carry with all six chambers loaded?

Yes — this is a New Model Cattleman frame with a transfer bar safety system. You can load all six rounds without worry, unlike older single-actions that required an empty chamber under the hammer.

Does the color case hardened finish wear off quickly?

No. The case hardening is a surface treatment that’s actually quite durable. It will develop a patina with use, but that’s part of the character collectors love. According to Taylors & Company specs, it’s designed to hold up to regular shooting and holster carry.

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

Stick to standard-pressure .45 Colt ammunition. The forged frame is strong, but this is a traditional design intended for loads that match the original ballistics. +P loads may accelerate wear.

What’s the barrel length on the Drifter?

4.75 inches, and it’s a full octagonal profile — that’s one of the key features that differentiates it from standard Cattleman models.

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Last updated: April 2026