The Taylor's & CO. Short Stroke Gunfighter is a .357 Mag single-action revolver with a 5.5-inch barrel, checkered walnut army-size grip, Taylor Polished Blued barrel, and color case-hardened frame. The "Short Stroke" designation refers to a reduced hammer travel modification that speeds up cocking for competitive use in cowboy action shooting. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model Name: Short Stroke Gunfighter 
• Brand: Taylor's & CO. 
• Caliber: .357 MAG 
• Action Type: Single Action Only (SAO) 
• Barrel Length: 5.5 inches 
• Overall Length: 11.1 inches 
• Capacity: 6 rounds 
• Weight: 2.2 lbs (35.20 oz) 
• Sights: Blade Front & Notched Rear 
• Grip Type: Checkered Walnut Army Size 
• Barrel Finish: Taylor Polished Blued 
• Frame Finish: Color Case Hardened 
   

Detailed Features 

The short-stroke action reduces the distance the hammer must travel before reaching full cock. In cowboy action shooting, where stages are timed and hammer manipulation speed matters, this translates to measurably faster shooting. 
 
The Taylor Polished Blued barrel has a mirror-polished appearance on the blued steel. The color case-hardened frame has the mottled blue, gray, and orange tones that come from the heat-treatment process. Together they give the revolver a display-worthy finish while retaining full mechanical function. 
 
The checkered walnut Army-size grip fills the hand and provides a secure hold. At 2.2 lbs, the revolver is lighter than many comparable Cattleman variants, which can help with maneuverability during fast-paced stages. 
 
Fixed blade front and notched rear sights are correct for the design and get the shooter on target quickly. 
 

Target Audience 

Primarily cowboy action shooters who want the timing advantage of the short-stroke action. Also appealing to collectors who want a higher-finish variant of the Cattleman with the polished barrel and case-hardened frame. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

• Cowboy Action Shooting: The short-stroke action is specifically designed to improve competitive stage times. 
• Competitive Shooting: Precision sights and clean trigger work in accuracy-focused events. 

The Taylor's Short Stroke Gunfighter in .357 Mag is discussed almost exclusively in the context of cowboy action shooting, where the short-stroke action modification is the defining feature.

Competitive shooters who've used the short-stroke action report that the reduced hammer travel is a real advantage in staged events. The difference in hammer cycling speed is noticeable when running multiple shots quickly, and SASS competitors specifically mention it as worth the premium over a standard Cattleman.

The finish quality on the Taylor Polished Blued barrel draws consistent admiration. The mirror polish is described as noticeably better than standard production bluing, and the case-hardened frame complements it well visually.

The .357 Mag chamber accepting both .357 and .38 Special is mentioned as a practical benefit. Competitors often use lighter .38 Special loads for reduced recoil during stages.

A minority of users note that for casual range shooting without competitive aspirations, the short-stroke action and premium finish may not justify the additional cost over a standard Cattleman. This is a fair observation. The short stroke is purpose-built for timed competition.