Taylors and Company 1873 Gunfighter .45 Long Colt 5.5 in

The Taylors and Company 1873 Gunfighter .45 Long Colt 5.5 in is a single-action revolver built for defensive and recreational shooters who demand authenticity and reliability. Chambered in .45 Long Colt with a 5.5-inch barrel and six-round cylinder, this model features the longer 1860 Army-style walnut grip for better control with larger hands. The forged color case-hardened frame pairs with Taylor polished blued barrel and cylinder for a durable, classic finish. Deluxe/hand-tuned models deliver a smoother trigger, making this revolver a solid choice for competition or personal protection.

Manufacturer	Taylors and Company
Model	1873 Gunfighter
Material	Forged steel frame, walnut grips
Compatibility	.45 Long Colt ammunition only
Finish	Color case-hardened frame, polished blued barrel and cylinder
Weight	40 oz (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Forged Color Case-Hardened Frame — WHY IT MATTERS: Provides superior strength and resistance to wear, ensuring the revolver holds up under heavy use in training or defensive scenarios.
• 1860 Army-Style Walnut Grip (Longer Design) — WHY IT MATTERS: Delivers a fuller purchase for shooters with larger hands, reducing muzzle flip and improving follow-up shot speed during rapid fire.
• Taylor Polished Blued Barrel and Cylinder — WHY IT MATTERS: Offers corrosion resistance and a smooth draw from a holster, critical for concealed carry reliability.
• Deluxe/Hand-Tuned Trigger — WHY IT MATTERS: Reduces trigger pull weight and creep, giving you cleaner breaks for more accurate shots at the range or in a self-defense situation.
• Six-Round Cylinder in .45 Long Colt — WHY IT MATTERS: Combines proven stopping power with a classic capacity, making it effective for home defense or competition without overcomplicating reloads.

Who It’s For

This revolver is built for the concealed carry holder who values old-school reliability and the shooter who competes in cowboy action or single-action matches. Home defense buyers will appreciate the .45 Long Colt’s terminal performance and the revolver’s straightforward manual of arms. If you have larger hands or prefer a longer grip for better control, the 1860 Army-style stock makes this a standout choice.

Pros / Cons

• Pros: Authentic single-action design with modern tuning; longer grip fits larger hands; durable forged frame; smooth trigger on deluxe models; classic .45 LC stopping power.
• Cons: Single-action only requires manual cocking for each shot, which can slow follow-up speed compared to double-action revolvers or semi-autos in high-stress situations.

Comparison: Taylors 1873 Gunfighter vs. Competitors

Feature	Taylors 1873 Gunfighter	Zev Technologies OZ9	Geissele Automatics Super 1911
Action Type	Single-Action Revolver	Striker-Fired Semi-Auto	Single-Action Semi-Auto
Caliber	.45 Long Colt	9mm	.45 ACP
Capacity	6 rounds	17+1	8+1
Barrel Length	5.5 in	4.49 in	5 in
Grip Style	1860 Army Walnut (longer)	Modular polymer	Standard 1911
Price	$773.69	$1,200+	$1,000+

What type of ammunition works best in the Taylors 1873 Gunfighter?

Use standard .45 Long Colt ammunition with lead or jacketed bullets rated for revolver use. Avoid +P loads unless specifically approved by Taylors and Company, as the single-action frame is designed for standard pressure rounds.

Is this revolver suitable for concealed carry?

Yes, with the 5.5-inch barrel and longer grip, it works for open carry or concealed carry in a quality holster. The single-action design requires practice for safe carry, but the .45 LC round offers solid defensive performance.

How does the trigger compare to other single-action revolvers?

The deluxe/hand-tuned models provide a noticeably smoother trigger pull—around 3.5 to 4.5 pounds—compared to standard production models. This makes it competitive for cowboy action shooting and more pleasant for range use.

Can I use .45 Schofield or .45 Cowboy Special in this revolver?

Yes, .45 Schofield and .45 Cowboy Special are safe to fire in the 1873 Gunfighter chambered in .45 Long Colt. They offer lighter recoil and are popular for CAS matches.

What maintenance does the color case-hardened frame require?

Wipe down with a silicone cloth after handling to prevent rust. Avoid abrasive cleaners. The blued barrel and cylinder benefit from standard gun oil. Per Taylors and Company, the finish is durable but not impervious to neglect.

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✓ Ships 1-2 business days
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Explore more in our Revolvers and Single Action categories. .45 Long Colt Ammo also available.

Last updated: April 2026