The Taylor's & Company 1873 Gunfighter is a single-action revolver chambered in .45 Colt, built on the classic 1873 pattern with a casehardened steel frame, blued finish, and walnut grips. At 4.75 inches of barrel and 2.45 lbs., it sits in the standard "Cavalry" configuration that most cowboy action shooters gravitate toward.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Taylor's & Company
- Family: 1873 Series
- Model: Gunfighter
- Type: Revolver
- Action: Single Action
- Caliber/Gauge: .45 Colt
- Finish: Blued Steel
- Frame Material: Casehardened Steel Frame
- Stock/Grips Material: Walnut
- Barrel Length: 4.75"
- Overall Length: 10.35"
- Rate-of-Twist: 1-in-16"
- Capacity: 6 rounds
- Sights Type: Fixed Sights (Fixed Blade | Notch Rear)
- Weight: 2.45 lbs.
- Safety Features: Retractable Firing Pin
Detailed Features
The single-action mechanism requires manually cocking the hammer before each shot, which slows the rate of fire but gives a clean, short trigger pull, something competitive cowboy action shooters specifically look for. The blued steel resists surface corrosion and gives a consistent period-correct look; the casehardened frame adds visual contrast and surface hardness at wear points.
Walnut grips fill the hand naturally for most shooters. The fixed blade front and notch rear sights are standard for 1873-style guns and adequate for the ranges involved in cowboy action or general range use. The retractable firing pin is a practical safety addition. This design doesn't have a transfer bar, so the pin retraction matters when carrying all six chambers loaded.
Target Audience
Cowboy action competitors are the primary market, but it also works for collectors who want a well-made 1873 clone they can actually shoot, and for casual range shooters who enjoy single-action revolvers. The straightforward operation suits beginners; experienced shooters appreciate the consistent quality.
Usage Scenarios
At a cowboy action match, the Gunfighter's smooth action and reliable lockup matter. A timing issue mid-stage is expensive. For range use, .45 Colt at standard pressures is comfortable to shoot for extended sessions. It's also a reasonable option for small game hunting at close range where the .45 Colt's terminal performance is more than adequate.