The Traditions SAT73-048 1873 Revolver .357 Mag 5.5" 6rd brings a genuine Old West profile to your home-defense or trail carry setup. Chambered in .357 Magnum, this single-action six-shooter pairs a 5.50-inch blued barrel and cylinder with a color case hardened steel frame. The oversized walnut grip fills your hand for a secure purchase, while the transfer bar safety lets you carry six rounds without worry. If you want a classic wheelgun that works for personal protection today, this Traditions revolver delivers.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Traditions Performance Firearms |
| Model | SAT73-048 1873 Revolver |
| Material | Steel frame, blued barrel/cylinder, walnut grip |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum / .38 Special +P |
| Finish | Blued barrel & cylinder, color case hardened frame |
| Weight | Approx. 36 oz. (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Classic Single-Action Operation — Why it matters: You get the proven 1873-style lockwork that requires a deliberate hammer cock for each shot. That manual of arms forces you to slow down and make every round count under stress.
- Transfer Bar Safety — Why it matters: Unlike original Colts, this revolver lets you safely carry six rounds in the cylinder. No need to leave an empty chamber under the hammer. That means full capacity when seconds count.
- Oversized Walnut Grip — Why it matters: The larger grip fills your palm and keeps the revolver from twisting in recoil. You get faster follow-up shots with .357 Magnum loads because your hand stays planted.
- Fixed Blade Front Sight — Why it matters: No moving parts to snag on a cover garment during a draw. The front blade, paired with a rear notch, gives you a clean sight picture for defensive distances out to 25 yards.
- Color Case Hardened Frame — Why it matters: This finish resists holster wear and corrosion better than bluing alone. It also reduces glare from the frame under bright range lights, keeping your focus on the front sight.
Who It’s For
This revolver is built for the concealed carrier who wants a simple, reliable defensive tool without batteries or safeties to fumble with. It also fits the home-defense buyer who keeps a revolver in a nightstand drawer and prefers a traditional manual of arms. If you train with single-action revolvers and appreciate the 1873 design, this Traditions model gives you modern safety with a classic look.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Transfer bar safety allows full six-round carry without compromise.
- Pro: .357 Magnum gives you stopping power and the option to shoot cheaper .38 Special for practice.
- Pro: Walnut grip is larger than most 1873 reproductions — improves control with hot loads.
- Con: Single-action only means you must manually cock the hammer for each shot. This is slower than a double-action revolver for rapid follow-ups. Plan your training accordingly.
Comparison: Traditions SAT73-048 vs. Zev Technologies OZ9 vs. Agency Arms AOS G19
| Feature | Traditions SAT73-048 | Zev Technologies OZ9 | Agency Arms AOS G19 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action | Single-action revolver | Striker-fired semi-auto | Striker-fired semi-auto |
| Caliber | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | 9mm | 9mm |
| Capacity | 6 rounds | 17+1 | 15+1 |
| Safety | Transfer bar | Trigger blade | Trigger blade |
| Grip | Fixed walnut | Modular polymer | Polymer with texture |
| Price | $658 | $1,200+ | $1,100+ |
The Traditions revolver costs about half the price of a custom semi-auto and offers a completely different manual of arms. If you want high capacity and fast reloads, the Zev or Agency is the better choice. But if you value simplicity, classic lines, and a revolver that won’t malfunction from limp-wristing, the Traditions SAT73-048 holds its own.
FAQ
Can I shoot .38 Special +P in this revolver?
Yes. According to Traditions specs, the SAT73-048 is rated for .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P. The .38 Special rounds are milder for practice, while .357 Magnum gives you full defensive power. Always clean the chambers after shooting .38 Special to prevent carbon rings.
How does the transfer bar safety work?
The transfer bar is a steel block that rises between the hammer and firing pin only when the trigger is pulled fully to the rear. If the hammer is accidentally struck (e.g., from a drop), the bar is not in position, so the firing pin can’t hit the primer. This design lets you safely carry six rounds in the cylinder.
Is this revolver legal in all 50 states?
Yes. This is a single-action revolver with a 5.5-inch barrel and no threaded muzzle. It meets federal and state regulations for standard handgun sales. We ship to all 50 states (check your local laws for any specific restrictions).
What holster fits the Traditions 1873 with a 5.5-inch barrel?
Most holsters made for the Colt Single Action Army with a 5.5-inch barrel will fit this Traditions revolver. Look for leather or Kydex holsters designed for the SAA profile. The oversized walnut grip may require a custom-fit or open-bottom holster for a secure draw.
Get the Traditions SAT73-048 1873 Revolver .357 Mag 5.5" 6rd
This revolver gives you old-school reliability with a modern safety feature that makes it practical for everyday carry. The .357 Magnum chambering delivers proven defensive performance, and the 5.5-inch barrel balances sight radius with concealability. Whether you’re adding to a collection or setting up a nightstand gun, this Traditions 1873 is a solid choice at a fair price.
✔ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states) — ✔ Ships 1-2 business days — ✔ 30-day returns — ✔ Secure checkout
Last updated: April 2026
Check out our Revolvers and Single Action Revolvers for more classic wheelguns.
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