The Traditions 1873 Frontier .357 Mag 3.5in 6-Round Revolver is a faithful reproduction of the iconic 1873 single-action design, built for the shooter who demands old-school handling with modern safety. Chambered in .357 Magnum (also accepts .38 Special), this six-round revolver features a 3.5-inch blued barrel, color case-hardened frame, and one-piece walnut grips. Per Traditions Firearms specifications, it is manufactured by Pietta in Italy and includes a transfer bar safety for drop-safe carry. If you want a compact, carry-friendly single-action that runs both magnum and special loads, this is it.
| Manufacturer | Traditions Firearms (manufactured by Pietta, Italy) |
|---|---|
| Model | 1873 Frontier |
| Material | Steel frame, blued barrel, color case-hardened frame, walnut grips |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Finish | Blued barrel, color case-hardened frame |
| Weight | Approximately 2.3 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Classic 1873 Single-Action Design – WHY IT MATTERS: This revolver delivers the authentic feel and ergonomics of the original frontier sidearm, making it ideal for traditionalists, cowboy action shooters, and anyone who appreciates a straight-pull trigger and fixed sights.
- Dual Caliber Capability (.357 Mag / .38 Special) – WHY IT MATTERS: You can shoot affordable .38 Special for practice and training, then load .357 Magnum for serious defensive or hunting use—all in the same six-round cylinder.
- 3.5-Inch Blued Barrel – WHY IT MATTERS: The shorter barrel keeps the revolver compact and easy to carry, while the blued finish offers corrosion resistance and a low-glare profile for concealed or open carry.
- Color Case-Hardened Frame – WHY IT MATTERS: This traditional finish not only looks rugged and vintage but also adds surface hardness to the frame, extending the life of the revolver under heavy use.
- Transfer Bar Safety – WHY IT MATTERS: Unlike original 1873 models, this revolver includes a transfer bar that prevents the hammer from contacting the firing pin unless the trigger is fully pulled, making it safe to carry with all six chambers loaded.
Who It’s For
The Traditions 1873 Frontier is built for the concealed carrier who wants a single-action revolver with a compact 3.5-inch barrel, the home defender who prefers the simplicity of a six-shot wheelgun, and the collector or cowboy action shooter who values Italian craftsmanship and period-correct styling. If you want a reliable, no-nonsense revolver that bridges the gap between history and modern safety, this is your gun.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Authentic 1873 look and feel; dual caliber versatility; transfer bar safety for drop-safe carry; compact 3.5-inch barrel for easy concealment; high-quality Italian build.
- Cons: Fixed blade front sight limits adjustability for different loads; single-action only means slower follow-up shots compared to double-action revolvers; the color case-hardened frame requires occasional oiling to prevent surface rust.
Comparison: Traditions 1873 Frontier vs. Ruger Vaquero vs. Uberti 1873 Cattleman
| Feature | Traditions 1873 Frontier .357 Mag | Ruger Vaquero .357 Mag | Uberti 1873 Cattleman .357 Mag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 3.5 inches | 4.62 inches (standard) | 4.75 inches (standard) |
| Safety | Transfer bar | Transfer bar | Hammer block / half-cock |
| Frame Material | Steel, color case-hardened | Stainless or blued steel | Steel, color case-hardened |
| Weight | ~2.3 lbs | ~2.5 lbs | ~2.4 lbs |
| Country of Origin | Italy (Pietta) | USA | Italy (Uberti) |
| Price | $571.07 | ~$700–$800 | ~$600–$700 |
| Best For | Budget-friendly, compact carry | Heavy-duty, adjustable sights available | Authentic reproduction, larger grip |
The Traditions 1873 Frontier offers the shortest barrel (3.5 inches) in this comparison, making it the most concealable option. The Ruger Vaquero is heavier and more expensive but built like a tank. The Uberti Cattleman is closest in style but lacks the transfer bar safety. For the price, the Traditions delivers a proven safety upgrade and a compact footprint.
FAQ
Is the Traditions 1873 Frontier safe to carry with all six chambers loaded?
Yes. The transfer bar safety prevents the hammer from contacting the firing pin unless the trigger is fully pulled. This makes it drop-safe and allows you to carry the revolver with all six rounds loaded, unlike original 1873 revolvers that required an empty chamber under the hammer.
Can I shoot .38 Special out of this revolver?
Absolutely. The cylinder is chambered for .357 Magnum and also accepts .38 Special rounds. .38 Special is lower pressure and cheaper, making it ideal for practice and plinking. Just be sure to clean the cylinder chambers regularly if you shoot a lot of .38 Special to prevent carbon rings.
What is the barrel length and overall length of this revolver?
The barrel is 3.5 inches long. Overall length is approximately 9.5 inches, making it one of the most compact single-action revolvers on the market—perfect for concealed carry or a nightstand gun.
Who manufactures the Traditions 1873 Frontier?
Per Traditions Firearms, the 1873 Frontier is manufactured by Pietta in Italy, a respected maker of historical firearm reproductions known for quality steel and tight tolerances.
Does this revolver come with a manual or warranty?
Yes, it ships with a user manual and is covered by Traditions Firearms’ limited lifetime warranty. Always read the manual before use.
Why Buy From Us
- ✔ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states) – ships to your FFL dealer
- ✔ Ships 1–2 business days after payment clears
- ✔ 30-day returns on unused, unfired firearms (see policy)
- ✔ Secure checkout with encrypted payment processing
Last updated: April 2026
According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, single-action revolver sales have grown 12% year-over-year among CCW holders seeking simpler, more reliable defensive tools. The Traditions 1873 Frontier fits that trend perfectly.
Browse more: Revolvers | Single-Action Revolvers | Concealed Carry Firearms
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