The Pietta 1873 GW2 Sheriff is a short-barreled .45 Colt single-action revolver with a 3.5-inch barrel, blued barrel and cylinder, and color case-hardened frame. The shorter barrel makes it more compact than a standard Cattleman-length SAO while keeping the same 6-round capacity. At 2.9 lbs and 14.7 inches overall, it handles well. Walnut grips and a blade front sight are standard. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Pietta 
• Model Name: 1873 GW2 Sheriff 
• Caliber: .45 Colt (LC) 
• Action: Single Action Only (SAO) 
• Capacity: 6 Rounds 
• Barrel Length: 3.5 inches 
• Overall Length: 14.7 inches 
• Weight: 2.9 lbs 
• Sights: Blade Front Sight 
• Grip Material: Walnut 
• Trigger Type: Standard 
• Finish: Blued Barrel and Cylinder, Color Case Hardened Frame 
• Condition: New in Box 
   

Detailed Features 

The 3.5-inch barrel is the defining spec here, shorter than the 4.75-inch standard and noticeably more compact. The single-action mechanism requires manual hammer cocking before each shot. The color case-hardened frame provides the classic visual contrast with the blued components. The walnut grips are standard and comfortable for the gun's proportions. 
 

Target Audience 

Cowboy action shooters who prefer or require a shorter barrel format, and collectors interested in the Sheriff-length variant of the 1873 pattern. Also appeals to range shooters who want a shorter, lighter .45 Colt SAO. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

Cowboy action shooting, range use with .45 Colt, and display or collection.

The case-hardened finish and traditional aesthetics are consistently the lead praise point in user feedback. Buyers who want a period-correct look in a shorter barrel are generally satisfied with Pietta's execution.

Build quality draws positive reactions. The gun feels substantial, 2.9 lbs for a 3.5-inch barrel is solid, and users report that the action runs smoothly and reliably.

Range performance is described favorably. The .45 Colt caliber is manageable in this format, accuracy is reported as good, and the action feels smooth after break-in.

The compact size is frequently cited as an advantage by shooters who specifically chose the Sheriff model. A few buyers note some initial stiffness in the action before it settles, which is a common characteristic across new single-action revolvers.

Price-to-quality discussions position Pietta as solid value in the Italian SAA reproduction market, with most users feeling the craftsmanship justifies the cost.