The Taylor's & Company Gunfighter Defender is a single-action revolver in the 1873 style, chambered in .45 Colt with a 4.75-inch barrel. It's built for collectors and shooters who want a classic-looking revolver that still runs reliably. The Taylor Tuned action is a meaningful upgrade over standard production guns.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Taylor's & Company
- Family: 1873 Series
- Model: Gunfighter Defender
- Type: Revolver
- Action: Single Action
- Caliber/Gauge: .45 Colt
- Barrel Length: 4.75 inches
- Overall Length: 10.35 inches
- Capacity: 6 rounds
- Weight: 2.45 lbs.
- Finish Type: Blued Steel Frame with Walnut Grips
- Rate-of-Twist: 1-in-16"
- Sights: Fixed Blade | Notch Rear
- Safety Features: Retractable Firing Pin
- Additional Info:
- Blued Steel Triggerguard
- Case Hardened Frame
- Taylor Tuned
Detailed Features
The fixed blade front and notch rear sights are standard for the 1873 pattern and adequate for the ranges these revolvers are typically used at. The retractable firing pin reduces the risk of an accidental discharge if the hammer is struck, a useful safety feature on a single-action that has no transfer bar.
At 2.45 lbs. it's lighter than some 1873-style guns, which helps during extended range sessions or cowboy action matches where you're drawing and firing repeatedly. The case-hardened frame gives the action the right look and adds surface hardness. Taylor Tuned means the trigger, timing, and lockup have been worked to be smoother out of the box than a typical Italian import.
Target Audience
Good choice for cowboy action shooters who want something ready to compete without hand-fitting, and for collectors who want a historically styled revolver that won't sit in a safe. New shooters will find the single-action manual of arms straightforward, though it's slower to reload than a double-action.
Usage Scenarios
At a cowboy action match, the smooth action and reliable timing mean fewer malfunctions and less time between strings. At the range, the .45 Colt cartridge is pleasant to shoot, manageable recoil at standard loads, and the fixed sights are dialed in for common distances. For home defense it's a workable option, though the single-action operation and six-round capacity are genuine limitations compared to modern handguns.