The Taylors and Company 1873 Pietta .45 Colt 5.50″ Revolver is a single-action six-shooter built for shooters who demand period-correct design and defensive-level reliability. Chambered in .45 Colt and wearing a 5.50-inch barrel, this revolver delivers the stopping power and balance that made the 1873 a legend. If you carry or stage a revolver for personal protection, this is a tool that works as hard as it looks.
| Manufacturer | Taylors and Company / Pietta (per manufacturer specs) |
|---|---|
| Model | 1873 Cattle Brand |
| Material | Steel frame and cylinder |
| Compatibility | .45 Colt (Long Colt) ammunition |
| Finish | Nickel engraved barrel and cylinder |
| Weight | Approx. 40 oz (unloaded, per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Traditional Single-Action Trigger – WHY IT MATTERS: A crisp, predictable trigger pull gives you precise shot placement under stress. In a defensive scenario, that one clean break can be the difference between a stop and a miss.
- 5.50-Inch Barrel – WHY IT MATTERS: This length balances sight radius for accurate aimed fire with a profile that clears a holster or nightstand drawer quickly. It also boosts muzzle velocity on .45 Colt defensive loads.
- Fixed Front Blade and Notched Rear Sight – WHY IT MATTERS: No adjustments to fail or snag. You get a reliable sight picture that stays zeroed from the factory—critical when you need to put rounds on target without fumbling.
- Nickel Engraved Finish – WHY IT MATTERS: The nickel plating resists corrosion from sweat, humidity, or carry wear. The engraving adds visual deterrent value—a serious-looking revolver can make a bad guy reconsider.
- Six-Round Capacity – WHY IT MATTERS: In a home-defense or CCW revolver, six rounds of .45 Colt give you enough firepower to handle multiple threats without reloading. The .45 Colt round has a proven track record for stopping power.
Who It’s For
This revolver is built for the concealed carrier who wants a classic single-action for backup or open carry, the home defender who stages a revolver for bedside security, and the collector who shoots his investments. It also fits Cowboy Action competitors who need a period-correct firearm that won’t let them down on the clock.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Authentic 1873 design with modern Pietta quality. Nickel finish is low-maintenance and corrosion-resistant. .45 Colt is a proven defensive caliber. Fixed sights stay zeroed. Smooth action out of the box.
- Cons: Single-action requires manual cocking for each shot—slower than a double-action revolver in high-stress drills. The engraved nickel finish may show wear faster if carried against a holster daily. No adjustable rear sight for precision load tuning.
Comparison
| Feature | Taylors & Co. 1873 Pietta .45 Colt | Ruger Vaquero .45 Colt | Colt Single Action Army .45 Colt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 5.50 in | 5.50 in | 5.50 in |
| Frame Material | Steel | Steel | Steel |
| Finish | Nickel engraved | Blued/CCH | Blued/CCH |
| Price | $1,057 | $750–$900 | $1,800–$2,200 |
| Action | Single-action | Single-action | Single-action |
| Best For | Self-defense, competition, collectible | Rugged carry, cowboy shooting | Collectors, high-end shooters |
FAQ
Is the Taylors and Company 1873 Pietta .45 Colt 5.50″ revolver safe for modern .45 Colt +P ammunition?
Per Taylors and Company specs, this revolver is built with a steel frame and cylinder rated for standard-pressure .45 Colt loads only. Do not use +P or +P+ ammunition in this firearm to avoid excessive pressure and potential damage. Stick with factory-standard .45 Colt (Long Colt) for safe, reliable operation.
Can I carry this revolver concealed?
Yes, but it’s a full-size single-action revolver. A 5.50-inch barrel and 40-ounce weight make it more suitable for open carry, shoulder holster, or cross-draw rigs. It works for belt carry under a jacket or vest, but it’s not a pocket piece. Many defensive shooters stage it for home defense or vehicle carry instead.
Does this revolver have a transfer bar safety?
No. The Taylors and Company 1873 Pietta uses the original 1873 design with a hammer-mounted firing pin and a half-cock safety notch. Always carry with the hammer down on an empty chamber (five rounds loaded, hammer over the empty chamber) to prevent accidental discharge. This is standard for traditional single-action revolvers.
What type of holster fits the 5.50-inch barrel?
Look for holsters designed for the Colt Single Action Army or Ruger Vaquero with a 5.50-inch barrel. Leather cross-draw, strong-side, or shoulder holsters work best. Kydex options are limited due to the barrel profile, but custom makers like Simply Rugged or El Paso Saddlery offer good fits.
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Browse more in our Revolvers and Single-Action Firearms categories. Last updated: April 2026.
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