The Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman .45 Long Colt 4.75 in Revolver is a single-action six-shooter built for personal defense, range work, and cowboy-action shooting. Chambered in .45 Long Colt with a 4.75-inch blued barrel, this revolver features factory photo engraving that is hand-chased by a craftsman to add depth to the floral, cross-hatch, and stippling patterns. The forged steel frame carries a coin photo engraved finish with a white-heat treated surface that requires the same care as traditional blued steel. It ships with Navy-size walnut grips and a six-round cylinder. At $962.98, it’s a serious tool for anyone who trusts a classic single-action platform for protection.
| Manufacturer | Taylors & Company |
|---|---|
| Model | 1873 Cattleman |
| Material | Forged steel frame, blued barrel and cylinder, walnut grips |
| Compatibility | .45 Long Colt ammunition |
| Finish | Blued barrel and cylinder, coin photo engraved frame with white-heat treated surface |
| Weight | Approx. 39 oz (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Hand-Chased Factory Engraving — WHY IT MATTERS: This revolver is photo engraved at the factory, then hand-chased by an engraver to add real depth to the floral, cross-hatch, and stippling patterns. You get custom-grade detail without the custom price.
- 4.75-Inch Blued Barrel — WHY IT MATTERS: The 4.75-inch length balances concealability and sight radius. You can draw from a holster quickly, yet still get a stable sight picture for defensive shots at self-defense distances.
- .45 Long Colt Chambering — WHY IT MATTERS: The .45 LC round delivers proven stopping power with manageable recoil. You can load it with defensive hollow points or light cowboy loads for practice.
- Forged Steel Frame with White-Heat Treated Surface — WHY IT MATTERS: The frame is forged steel, not cast, and the white-heat treated surface resists wear better than standard bluing. It needs the same care as blued steel, but it holds up to holster wear and daily carry.
- Navy-Size Walnut Grips — WHY IT MATTERS: These grips fill your hand naturally and reduce felt recoil. You get a solid purchase for fast follow-up shots without slipping.
Who It’s For
This revolver is for the shooter who trusts a single-action platform for personal defense, home defense, or range training. If you want a classic cowboy gun that’s been upgraded with factory engraving and a durable finish, this is it. It’s also ideal for cowboy-action competitors who want a period-correct revolver with modern metallurgy.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Authentic hand-chased engraving adds real depth; forged steel frame is stronger than cast; .45 LC offers proven defensive ballistics; Navy-size grips fit most hands; coin finish is unique and durable with proper care.
- Cons: The white-heat treated frame requires the same care as blued steel — it’s not stainless, so you need to keep it oiled and dry. Single-action only means you must manually cock the hammer for each shot, which requires more training for defensive use.
Comparison
| Feature | Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman | Ruger Vaquero .45 LC (4.62 in) | Uberti 1873 Cattleman .45 LC (4.75 in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finish | Blued barrel + coin engraved frame | Blued or stainless | Blued or case-hardened |
| Engraving | Hand-chased factory engraving | None (custom aftermarket only) | None (custom aftermarket only) |
| Frame Material | Forged steel | Cast stainless or blued steel | Forged steel |
| Price | $962.98 | ~$750–$850 | ~$550–$650 |
| Best For | Collectors & shooters who want factory engraving | Durable workhorse for cowboy action | Budget-friendly entry-level single action |
FAQ
Is this revolver safe for modern .45 Long Colt +P ammunition?
Per Taylors & Company specs, the 1873 Cattleman is designed for standard-pressure .45 Long Colt ammunition only. Do not use +P or high-pressure loads. Stick to factory standard-pressure ammo for safe operation and to avoid damaging the cylinder or frame.
Can I carry this revolver for concealed carry?
Yes, but it requires a dedicated single-action holster that covers the trigger guard. The 4.75-inch barrel is manageable for OWB carry under a jacket or vest. You must train to manually cock the hammer before each shot — it’s not a defensive choice for everyone, but it works for experienced single-action shooters.
How do I maintain the white-heat treated finish?
Treat it like blued steel: keep it lightly oiled with a quality gun oil, wipe it down after handling, and store it in a dry place. Avoid abrasive cleaners. The coin finish is durable but can rust if neglected. Taylors & Company recommends using a silicone cloth for routine maintenance.
Is the engraving real or laser-etched?
The engraving starts as photo engraving (laser-guided) at the factory, then is hand-chased by an engraver to add depth and definition to the floral, cross-hatch, and stippling patterns. It’s not a cheap laser etch — you get real hand-work that makes each revolver slightly unique.
What grips does it ship with?
It ships with Navy-size walnut grips. These are standard-sized grips that fit most medium-to-large hands. They are not oversized or undersized. If you need smaller or larger grips, aftermarket options from companies like Altamont or Eagle Grips will fit.
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Last updated: April 2026
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