The Taylors and Company 1873 Drifter .357 Mag 4.75″ is a single-action revolver that pairs Old West styling with modern metallurgy for shooters who want a reliable range companion or a classic sixgun for Cowboy Action Shooting. Chambered in .357 Magnum, it uses a color case hardened frame and a full octagonal barrel to deliver authentic lines and repeatable accuracy.
| Manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
|---|---|
| Model | 1873 Cattleman Drifter |
| Material | Color case hardened steel frame, blued steel barrel and cylinder, walnut grip |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P ammunition |
| Finish | Blued barrel and cylinder, color case hardened frame (per manufacturer specs) |
| Weight | Approximately 2.5 lbs (empty, per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Full Octagonal 4.75″ Barrel — WHY IT MATTERS: The eight-sided profile adds mass to the front of the gun, which helps settle the muzzle during recoil and keeps groups tighter at defensive distances.
- Color Case Hardened Frame — WHY IT MATTERS: This traditional finish isn’t just cosmetic; it resists holster wear and corrosion better than a standard blued frame, so your revolver still looks right after years of practice.
- .357 Magnum Chamber — WHY IT MATTERS: You get the flexibility to shoot inexpensive .38 Special loads for training and full-power .357 Magnum hollow points for home defense or trail carry.
- Fixed Sights — WHY IT MATTERS: No screws to loosen, no adjustments to drift. The blade front and notch rear give you a consistent sight picture that stays zeroed for the life of the gun.
- Six-Round Capacity — WHY IT MATTERS: One extra round over the classic Colt Peacemaker means you can stay in the fight longer without reloading, which matters if you’re carrying this in the field.
Who It’s For
This revolver fits three types of shooters. First, the Cowboy Action competitor who wants a gun that cycles fast and meets SASS requirements. Second, the handgun hunter who needs a light, packable sixgun for small game or pest control. Third, the collector who appreciates the look of a 19th-century sidearm but wants the strength of modern steel and the ability to shoot .357 Magnum loads.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Authentic western appearance, strong color case hardened frame, shoots both .357 and .38 Special, affordable price point for a USA-market revolver, reliable out of the box.
- Cons: The fixed sights are not adjustable for windage or elevation, so you may need to file the front sight if your loads shoot high or low. Also, the blued finish on the barrel requires regular oiling to prevent rust in humid climates.
Comparison
| Feature | Taylors & Co. 1873 Drifter | Ruger Vaquero .357 | Uberti 1873 Cattleman .357 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 4.75″ octagonal | 4.62″ round | 4.75″ octagonal |
| Frame Material | Color case hardened steel | Stainless steel | Case hardened steel |
| Grip | Walnut | Hard rubber or laminate | Walnut |
| MSRP | $667.85 | $850–$950 | $700–$780 |
| Weight (empty) | ~2.5 lbs | ~2.7 lbs | ~2.4 lbs |
FAQ
What is the barrel length of the Taylors and Company 1873 Drifter .357 Mag?
The barrel measures 4.75 inches from the face of the cylinder to the muzzle. It is a full octagonal profile, which is standard for the 1873 Cattleman pattern.
Can I shoot .38 Special +P in this revolver?
Yes. Taylors and Company rates the 1873 Drifter for .38 Special +P ammunition. The .357 Magnum chamber will accept any .38 Special load. Just clean the cylinder chambers after shooting .38 Special to prevent carbon ring buildup from interfering with .357 Magnum cases.
Is this revolver safe for modern .357 Magnum defensive loads?
Absolutely. The frame is modern steel with a color case hardened finish. Per Taylors and Company specs, it handles standard-pressure .357 Magnum loads like 158-grain JHP or 125-grain JHPs. Avoid excessively hot handloads that exceed SAAMI pressure limits.
Does the 1873 Drifter have a transfer bar safety?
No. This is a traditional single-action design with a hammer-mounted firing pin and a half-cock notch. You should carry it with the hammer down on an empty chamber, or use a leather holster that covers the trigger guard. This is standard for all 1873-pattern revolvers.
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Browse more single-action revolvers in our Revolvers category, or check out our Cowboy Action Shooting gear and Home Defense Firearms for complementary equipment.
Last updated: April 2026
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