The Traditions 1873 Frontier is a single-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum with compatibility for .38 Special. Its color case-hardened steel frame and blued cylinder give it the look of a 19th-century Colt SAA, and it's built to run in cowboy action shooting where that aesthetic is part of the rules. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Traditions 
• Model Name: 1873 Frontier 
• Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special 
• Action Type: Single Action Only (SAO) 
• Capacity: 6 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 5.5 inches 
• Weight: 11 ounces 
• Sights: Fixed Blade Front Sight 
• Grip Type: Walnut 
• Frame Material/Finish: Color Case Hardened Steel 
• Cylinder Finish: Blued 
• Safety Feature: Transfer Bar 
   

Detailed Features 

 
The transfer bar safety is a modern addition that prevents the revolver from firing unless the trigger is fully depressed, addressing the traditional single-action concern of a hammer resting on a live primer. The 5.5-inch barrel sits in the middle ground between the shorter 4.75-inch and longer 7.5-inch barrel lengths common to the pattern, giving good balance without going unwieldy. The single-action trigger pull is characteristically crisp. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

• Cowboy Action Shooting: The 1873 pattern is the dominant choice in CAS competition, and this Traditions version meets the basic requirements. 
• Range Shooting: The .38 Special compatibility keeps ammo costs down for high-volume sessions. 
• Collection: The color case-hardened finish has genuine visual appeal, especially new in box.

Owners of the Traditions 1873 Frontier consistently mention the aesthetic as a selling point. The case-hardened finish looks good and the walnut grip gives it a period-correct feel that buyers in the cowboy-action market specifically want.

Shooters report a smooth trigger pull and manageable recoil, particularly with .38 Special loads. The .357 Magnum option gives more versatility, though some prefer to shoot lighter loads for volume practice. Accuracy feedback is generally positive at the distances typical of CAS competition.

Practical concerns are mostly about size and weight for those who considered it for concealed carry. The 5.5-inch barrel and single-action mechanism make it a poor choice for that role, and most buyers understand that going in. Some discussions touch on whether the traditional styling trades off against modern features like adjustable sights or higher capacity, though that's less a criticism than a statement of the product's purpose.

Overall reception is positive among the target audience of cowboy action shooters and collectors.