The Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman is a .45 Colt single-action revolver with a color case-hardened steel frame, blued barrel and cylinder, and a checkered birdshead walnut grip. The 4.75-inch barrel is the standard length associated with the Colt Single Action Army, and the birdshead grip profile gives it a slightly different hand position and aesthetic compared to the traditional plow-handle grip shape. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: 1873 Cattleman 
• Caliber: .45 Colt (LC) 
• Action: Single Action Only (SAO) 
• Capacity: 6 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 4.75 inches 
• Weight: 39.60 oz (2.47 lbs) 
• Sights: Fixed Front, Notched Rear 
• Grip: Checkered Birdshead Walnut 
• Finish: Color Case Hardened Frame; Blued Cylinder and Barrel 
   

Detailed Features 

 
The color case-hardened frame gives a period-correct mottled appearance from the heat-treating process. The blued barrel and cylinder are the traditional complement to a case-hardened frame on this pattern. Fixed sights are appropriate for cowboy action shooting distances. The birdshead grip shape reduces the overall grip profile and gives a different feel than a full plow-handle. It suits some hands better and is visually distinct. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

• Cowboy Action Shooting: The 1873 Cattleman pattern is a dominant choice in CAS competition; the birdshead grip is a recognized variation within SASS rules. 
• Collecting: The color case-hardened and blued finish combination is historically accurate for the period. 
• Range Shooting: .45 Colt delivers manageable recoil in a 2.47 lb revolver, and the single-action trigger is typically clean on this pattern.

Taylors 1873 Cattleman owners in .45 LC consistently mention the aesthetics as a primary draw. The color case-hardened frame and blued finish combination looks period-correct, and the checkered birdshead walnut grip specifically gets positive comments for feel and appearance as a departure from the standard plow-handle grip.

Shooting feedback is generally positive. Owners report reliable accuracy and a smooth single-action trigger pull. .45 Colt recoil is comfortable for deliberate fire. The versatility of .45 Colt as a caliber gets occasional mention for hunting applications.

Practical discussions acknowledge the revolver's limitations for carry or modern defensive use, though most buyers in this market aren't buying it for those purposes. Weight at 2.47 lbs is noted but not typically treated as a problem for the intended use case. The revolver's position in collector and CAS shooter discussions is consistently favorable.