Traditions 1873 Single Action Revolver .357 Mag 4.75in Case CCH

If you carry a revolver for trail work, range days, or just because you prefer a six-gun over a plastic frame, the Traditions 1873 Single Action Revolver .357 Mag 4.75in Case CCH is a solid pick. This is a faithful reproduction of the classic 1873 pattern, built by Pietta in Italy, and imported by Traditions. It chambers .357 Magnum and .38 Special, so you can run hot defensive loads or cheaper practice ammo. The 4.75-inch barrel keeps it balanced for belt carry and still gives you a decent sight radius. Color case hardened frame, blued barrel, walnut grips — it looks like it belongs in a holster from 1873, but with a modern transfer-bar safety system that lets you carry all six rounds safely.

Manufacturer	Traditions Performance Firearms (imported, made by Pietta, Italy)
Model	1873 Frontier
Material	Steel frame, barrel, and cylinder; walnut grips
Compatibility	.357 Magnum / .38 Special +P (per manufacturer specs)
Finish	Color case hardened frame, blued barrel and cylinder
Weight	Approx. 2.3 lbs (unloaded, per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Transfer-Bar Safety System — Unlike original 1873 Colts that required an empty chamber under the hammer, this Pietta-built revolver lets you carry six rounds safely. The hammer rests on a bar, not the firing pin, reducing the risk of accidental discharge if dropped.
• Dual Caliber Cylinder — Chambered in .357 Magnum, but also accepts .38 Special. That means you can train with cheaper .38 loads and carry full-power .357s for defense or hunting. Per Traditions specs, the cylinder is heat-treated for .357 pressures.
• Fixed Sights with 4.75-Inch Barrel — The barrel is short enough to draw from a hip holster without snagging, but the fixed front and rear sights are still usable for minute-of-bad-guy accuracy at typical self-defense distances. No adjustable sights to snag or break.
• Walnut Grips with Smooth Profile — The one-piece walnut grip fills your hand naturally and helps manage .357 recoil. It’s slim enough for a secure hold, but thick enough to keep your hand from sliding under heavy loads.
• Color Case Hardened Frame — That mottled, vintage look isn’t just for show. The color case hardening process adds surface wear resistance and reduces galling on the frame. It also makes the gun stand out in a safe full of black blued revolvers.

Who It’s For

This revolver is for the EDC enthusiast who wants a single-action sixgun that’s practical for daily carry — not just a safe queen. If you hike, hunt, or spend time on a ranch, the 1873 Frontier in .357 Mag gives you a lightweight, reliable sidearm that can handle two-legged and four-legged threats. It’s also a solid choice for cowboy action shooters who want a modern safety system without sacrificing authenticity. And if you’re a revolver guy who’s been carrying a double-action snub, this is a chance to slow down and appreciate a manual-action wheelgun.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Transfer-bar safety means you can carry all six rounds — no empty chamber nonsense.
• Pro: .357 Mag/.38 Special compatibility gives you flexibility for practice and carry.
• Pro: Pietta build quality is solid for the price; Italian gunmaking tradition shows in the fit and finish.
• Cons: Single-action only — you must manually cock the hammer for each shot. This slows down follow-up shots compared to a double-action revolver. Also, the fixed sights are not adjustable, so you’ll need to learn where your specific load hits.
• Cons: The 4.75-inch barrel is a compromise — it’s not as concealable as a 3-inch snub, nor as accurate as a 5.5-inch or 7.5-inch barrel. But for most EDC and trail use, it’s the sweet spot.

Comparison vs. Similar Revolvers

Feature	Traditions 1873 Frontier	Ruger Vaquero .357 Mag 4.62″	Uberti 1873 Cattleman .357 Mag 4.75″
Safety System	Transfer-bar (carry 6 rounds)	Transfer-bar (carry 6 rounds)	Hammer block (carry 5 rounds)
Barrel Length	4.75″	4.62″	4.75″
Frame Material	Case hardened steel	Stainless or blued steel	Case hardened steel
Grips	Walnut, one-piece	Hard rubber or walnut	Walnut, two-piece
Price	$632.47	$719.00 (MSRP)	$589.00 (MSRP)
Country of Origin	Italy (Pietta)	USA	Italy (Uberti)

FAQ

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

Yes. The Traditions 1873 Frontier uses a transfer-bar safety system. The hammer does not rest directly on the firing pin; instead, it contacts a bar that only transfers the hammer’s energy when the trigger is pulled. This allows you to safely carry all six rounds without risk of accidental discharge if dropped or bumped.

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

Yes. According to Traditions Performance Firearms, the revolver is rated for .357 Magnum pressures, which are higher than .38 Special +P. You can safely run .38 Special, .38 Special +P, and .357 Magnum loads through this gun. However, always avoid using +P+ or proof loads not specified by the manufacturer.

What is the barrel twist rate on this model?

Per Traditions specs, the barrel twist rate is 1:16 inches, which stabilizes both 158-grain .357 Mag loads and lighter 125-grain .38 Special bullets well.

Does this revolver come with a safety lock or internal lock?

No. The Traditions 1873 Frontier does not include a key-based internal lock. The only safety is the transfer-bar system, which is passive and does not require a key to operate. This keeps the clean lines of the original 1873 design.

Why Buy from Us

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

Last updated: April 2026

Related Categories

• Revolvers
• Single Action Revolvers
• Traditions Firearms