The 1873 Cattleman NM is a single-action revolver with a polished nickel finish chambered in .45 LC. It's built for cowboy action shooting, recreational range use, or collecting. The classic Colt SAA-inspired lines translate directly into this Uberti piece. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: 1873 Cattleman NM 
• Caliber: .45 LC 
• Action: Single Action 
• Barrel Length: 5.5 in 
• Capacity: 6 rounds (cylinder: fluted) 
• Weight: 2.3 lbs. 
• Finish: Polished Nickel 
• Grip: 1-piece walnut 
• Sights: Open notch 
   

Features 

The 5.5-inch barrel hits a practical middle ground, accurate enough for modest target distances, short enough to clear a holster cleanly. At 2.3 lbs. it's comfortable to carry through a full day at a cowboy action match. The fluted cylinder keeps weight down without weakening the cylinder walls, and the single-action mechanism gives a clean, consistent trigger pull every time. 
 
The polished nickel finish resists corrosion and cleans up easily. The one-piece walnut grip fits the hand naturally and promotes a consistent point-of-aim for right-handed shooters. 
 

Usage 

Cowboy action shooters will find the Cattleman NM fits SASS rules and the 5.5" barrel keeps it competitive. Collectors appreciate the nickel finish and the historical lineage. The 1873 design is about as iconic as single-action revolvers get. It handles .45 LC standard pressure loads without issue.

Owners of the Uberti 1873 Cattleman NM in .45 LC with polished nickel finish and 5.5" barrel consistently come back to a few key points.

The polished nickel finish draws the most immediate attention. It photographs well and holds up over time with reasonable care. Most owners recommend avoiding abrasive cleaners to protect the surface, but day-to-day handling doesn't dull it noticeably.

Build quality is generally well-regarded. The action feels solid, the cylinder rotates cleanly, and the fit between parts is tight without being stiff. Uberti's reputation for consistent craftsmanship holds up in most owners' hands-on experience.

At the range, .45 LC recoil is manageable, not harsh. Accuracy gets positive marks from most users; with practice, tight groupings at typical revolver distances are achievable. Cowboy action competitors find the trigger pull crisp and predictable, which matters when you're moving through stages quickly.

The historical connection to the original 1873 design comes up often. A lot of owners treat it as both a working shooter and a display piece, and the polished nickel finish serves both purposes.

On the practical side, the single-action mechanism is simple to understand and maintain, a real plus for newer shooters who want a revolver without complexity. Price-to-quality ratio gets generally favorable marks relative to comparable Italian-made single-action revolvers.