The Taylors & Company Short Stroke Gunfighter is a single-action .45 Colt revolver with a 5.5-inch barrel, color case hardened finish, and checkered walnut army-size grips. Capacity is 6 rounds and weight is 35.20 oz (2.27 lbs). It uses a blade front and notched rear sight. The short stroke action is tuned for a reduced hammer travel, which is useful in timed cowboy action events. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Taylors & Company 
• Model Name: Short Stroke Gunfighter 
• Caliber: .45 Colt (LC) 
• Action: Single Action Only (SAO) 
• Capacity: 6 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 5.5 inches 
• Weight: 35.20 oz (2.27 lbs) 
• Sights: Blade Front / Notched Rear 
• Grip Type: Checkered Walnut Army Size 
• Finish: Taylor Polished Color Case Hardened Steel 
   

Detailed Features 

The short stroke modification reduces the amount the hammer needs to travel to reach full cock, allowing faster cycling in competition. The color case hardened finish is polished by Taylors before shipping, giving it a more vibrant coloring than standard production case hardening. Checkered walnut grips provide good grip retention without being aggressive on the hand. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

1. Cowboy Action Shooting: The short stroke trigger job is specifically aimed at SASS-format matches where faster hammer cycling translates to better times. 
2. Competitive Shooting: Works in any timed event where a SAO revolver is appropriate. 
3. Collecting: The color case hardened finish appeals to collectors who want a visually finished revolver, not just a functional one.

Feedback on the Taylor Gunfighter Short Stroke in .45 LC is mostly positive, with the typical SAO and caliber caveats.

1. Aesthetics: The polished color case hardened finish generates consistent praise. The blueing and case coloring combination is visually distinctive, and the checkered walnut grips are considered attractive and functional.

2. Performance: Range sessions with .45 Colt go well for most owners. Accuracy is good, and the short stroke modification is appreciated by cowboy action shooters who use it in competition.

3. Ergonomics: Most owners find the army-size walnut grips comfortable, though some wish for a larger selection of grip sizes.

4. Recoil: .45 Colt in a 35.20 oz revolver is manageable for experienced shooters. New shooters may find the push more noticeable than lighter calibers.

5. Price: The price is considered appropriate by most given the Taylor polish and short stroke work; some buyers think it's high relative to standard production 1873 revolvers.

6. Collecting Appeal: The historical design and quality finish make it a dual-purpose piece: functional competition gun and display piece.

7. Maintenance: Color case hardened finishes require more careful maintenance than matte or blued finishes to preserve their appearance.