The Taylors and Company 1873 Pietta .45 Long Colt 5.5in 6-Shot Revolver is a rugged single-action piece built for the urban shooter who values deliberate, accurate fire over spray-and-pray. Chambered in .45 Long Colt with a 5.5-inch barrel, this six-round revolver delivers classic stopping power with modern metallurgy—no springs, no slides, no jams. It’s your backup when the streets get loud and you need a round that stays put.
| Manufacturer | Taylors and Company (imported by Taylors & Co., Winchester, VA) |
|---|---|
| Model | 1873 Pietta Single Action Army |
| Material | Steel frame, barrel, and cylinder; black checkered plastic Navy grip |
| Compatibility | .45 Long Colt ammunition only |
| Finish | Blued steel |
| Weight | Approximately 38 oz. (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 6-Shot Cylinder — Why it matters: In a self-defense scenario, six rounds of .45 Long Colt give you enough firepower to handle multiple threats without reloading, while the exposed hammer lets you thumb-cock for precision shots.
- 5.5-inch Blued Barrel — Why it matters: That barrel length balances concealability with accuracy—short enough to clear a holster under a jacket, long enough to keep your shots on target at 15 yards.
- Traditional Single-Action Trigger — Why it matters: You have to consciously cock the hammer before each shot, which trains you to make every round count. No accidental double-taps. No wasted ammo.
- Black Checkered Plastic Navy Grip — Why it matters: The checkering locks your hand in place, even with sweaty palms in a July heat wave. The plastic construction sheds moisture and won’t crack like old wood can.
- Period Styling with Modern Cartridge Compatibility — Why it matters: You get the look of a frontier revolver, but .45 Long Colt is still widely available and proven for defensive use—no obscure black-powder loads needed.
Who It’s For
This revolver is for the city dweller who wants a simple, reliable tool for home defense or open carry on rural property. It’s also for the collector who appreciates the 1873 lineage but needs a shooter, not a safe queen. If you’re an apartment owner who doesn’t want to deal with magazine springs or cycling issues, this single-action is your answer.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Dead-simple manual of arms—no safeties, no decockers, just point, cock, and squeeze.
- Pro: .45 Long Colt offers excellent stopping power with low pressure, reducing recoil compared to .44 Magnum.
- Con: Single-action only—you must manually cock the hammer before each shot, which slows follow-ups compared to a double-action revolver or semi-auto.
Comparison
| Feature | Taylors 1873 Pietta .45 LC | Ruger Vaquero .45 LC | Colt Single Action Army .45 LC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 5.5 in. | 5.5 in. | 5.5 in. |
| Capacity | 6 rounds | 6 rounds | 6 rounds |
| Action | Single action only | Single action only | Single action only |
| Frame Material | Steel | Steel | Steel |
| Grip | Black plastic Navy | Hard rubber | Hard rubber |
| Price | $564.72 | ~$750 | ~$1,800+ |
| Best For | Budget-conscious shooters wanting authentic feel | Ruger durability with transfer-bar safety | Collectors and purists |
FAQ
Is the Taylors and Company 1873 Pietta .45 Long Colt 5.5in 6-shot revolver safe to carry with a round under the hammer?
No. Like all traditional single-action revolvers without a transfer bar, this revolver should only be carried with an empty chamber under the hammer. Load five rounds, lower the hammer on the empty chamber, and you’re good to go. Per Taylors and Company specs, the hammer rests directly on the firing pin when down.
What kind of accuracy can I expect from the 5.5-inch barrel at self-defense distances?
At 10 to 15 yards, you should consistently hit a man-sized target with factory .45 Long Colt ammo. The 5.5-inch barrel provides a decent sight radius, and the fixed sights are regulated for standard loads. Expect 2- to 4-inch groups offhand with practice.
Can I use .45 Schofield or .45 Cowboy Specials in this revolver?
Yes, the cylinder chambers accept .45 Schofield and .45 Cowboy Specials, but note that .45 Schofield may leave a gap at the cylinder throat. For best reliability, stick with .45 Long Colt. Always check headspace and function before relying on alternate loads.
Does the plastic grip feel cheap or affect handling?
The black checkered plastic Navy grip is durable and moisture-resistant, but it’s not as grippy as rubber or as warm as wood. For urban carry, it works fine—just be aware that with heavy .45 loads, the plastic can feel slick if your hands are wet. You can always swap to aftermarket wood grips if you prefer.
Trust & Delivery
- ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states) — ships to your FFL dealer
- ✅ Ships 1-2 business days from order
- ✅ 30-day returns on new, unfired firearms
- ✅ Secure checkout with encrypted payment
Browse more revolvers or check out our single-action handguns and .45 Long Colt ammo to complete your setup.
Last updated: April 2026
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