Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman .357 Mag 3.50-inch 6-Round — a single-action revolver built for city carry and home defense. The birdshead grip and compact barrel make it a reliable belly gun for close encounters. Chambered in .357 Magnum, this six-shot revolver gives you stopping power without the bulk of a full-size frame.
| Manufacturer | Taylors & Company |
|---|---|
| Model | 1873 Cattleman Birdshead |
| Material | Forged steel frame, nickel-plated finish |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum / .38 Special +P |
| Finish | Nickel-plated (frame, cylinder, barrel, grip frame) |
| Weight | Approx. 34 oz. (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Birdshead Grip Profile — WHY IT MATTERS: The compact, ivory synthetic grip reduces overall length, making this revolver easier to conceal under a jacket or in a waistband holster in tight urban spaces.
- 3.50-inch Barrel — WHY IT MATTERS: Shorter barrel means faster draw and better maneuverability inside an apartment, car, or crowded street; still accurate enough for defensive shots at 10-15 yards.
- Nickel-Plated Forged Steel Frame — WHY IT MATTERS: Corrosion-resistant finish holds up to sweat and humidity common in city carry, and the forged steel handles .357 Magnum pressure cycles without cracking.
- Fixed Sights (Blade Front, Notch Rear) — WHY IT MATTERS: No adjustments needed for defensive use — point-and-shoot simplicity for close-range encounters where speed beats precision.
- Six-Round Cylinder — WHY IT MATTERS: Standard capacity for a single-action .357, giving you enough rounds to handle a multiple-threat scenario without reloading under stress.
Who It’s For
Urban CCW holders who want a classic single-action revolver for concealed carry. Apartment dwellers looking for a compact home-defense backup that fits in a nightstand drawer. Shooters who appreciate the birdshead “belly gun“ style for close-quarters protection.
Pros/Cons
- Pro: Nickel finish is easy to clean and resists rust from daily carry sweat.
- Pro: Birdshead grip reduces printing under a T-shirt or hoodie.
- Con: Fixed sights limit precision beyond 20 yards — not ideal for target competition or long-range plinking.
Comparison vs. Similar Compact Revolvers
| Feature | Taylors & Co. 1873 Cattleman .357 | Ruger SP101 .357 (2.25-inch) | Smith & Wesson Model 686+ .357 (3-inch) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 3.50 inches | 2.25 inches | 3 inches |
| Capacity | 6 rounds | 5 rounds | 7 rounds |
| Action | Single-action only | Double-action/single-action | Double-action/single-action |
| Finish | Nickel-plated | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Weight | ~34 oz. | ~26 oz. | ~36 oz. |
| Grip Style | Birdshead (compact) | Full rubber | Full rubber |
| Street Price | $854.84 | ~$750 | ~$900 |
FAQ
Is this revolver safe to carry with a round under the hammer?
Yes — the Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman has a half-cock safety notch on the hammer. For maximum safety in a holster, carry with the hammer resting on an empty chamber (load 5, not 6). Per Taylors & Company specs, the revolver is designed for single-action use only, so always keep the hammer down on a safe chamber when holstered.
Can I shoot .38 Special +P in this revolver?
Yes — the .357 Magnum chamber handles .38 Special and .38 Special +P without issue. The forged steel frame and nickel-plated cylinder are rated for continuous use of both calibers. Just note that .38 Special will have less recoil and lower velocity compared to .357 Magnum loads.
How do I clean the nickel-plated finish?
Use a soft cloth and a solvent safe for nickel finishes (avoid abrasive cleaners or steel wool). Per Taylors & Company specs, wipe down the frame and cylinder after each range session to prevent residue buildup. The nickel plating is durable but can scratch if you use harsh brushes.
What holsters fit the birdshead grip?
Look for holsters specifically molded for the 1873 Cattleman with a 3.50-inch barrel and birdshead grip. Many leather holster makers (like Simply Rugged or Galco) offer options. The compact profile also fits some universal revolver holsters for 4-inch barrels, but a custom fit is recommended for retention.
Does this revolver come with a manual safety?
No — the 1873 Cattleman is a traditional single-action design with no manual safety lever. The only safety is the half-cock notch and the practice of carrying with an empty chamber under the hammer. This is standard for cowboy-style single-action revolvers and requires responsible handling.
Trust & Delivery
- ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✅ 30-day returns
- ✅ Secure checkout
Last updated: April 2026
According to the NRA, single-action revolvers still account for 12% of the revolver market among CCW holders, proving their enduring role in urban self-defense.
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