Taylor's & Co. 1873 Cattleman: A Modern Peacemaker Performance Review

There's something about the weight of a single-action revolver in your hand that takes you back. Back to a time when the dust of old ghost towns swirled in the afternoon heat, when a man's word was his bond, and when the Colt Single Action Army earned its legendary nickname: the Peacemaker.

If you've ever dreamed of owning a piece of that history without sacrificing modern reliability, you've likely stumbled across the Taylor's & Co. 1873 Cattleman. And friend, you're in for a treat. This Taylor's & Co 1873 Cattleman review and performance breakdown is going to show you exactly why this revolver has become a favorite among Cowboy Action shooters, collectors, and trail-ready enthusiasts alike.

Saddle up. Let's take a closer look.

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A Faithful Tribute to the Original Peacemaker

The 1873 Cattleman isn't just another reproduction: it's a love letter to the firearm that won the West. Made to Taylor's exacting specifications by the legendary Italian manufacturer Uberti, this revolver faithfully reproduces every period-correct detail that made the original Colt Single Action Army an icon.

We're talking about a spring-loaded ejector rod head, a grooved cylinder pin, and that classic rounded trigger guard flowing into a single-piece grip frame. The case coloring on the frame? Absolutely stunning: swirls of blues, purples, tans, and blacks that catch the light like a sunset over the Pecos River. The barrel sports a deep, highly polished blue finish that tells you right away: this is quality craftsmanship.

Available in multiple barrel lengths and classic calibers including .45 Colt, .44-40 Winchester, and .32-20 Winchester, the Cattleman gives you options to match your shooting style and your sense of Western authenticity.

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The Taylor Tuned Advantage: Smooth as Silk

Here's where Taylor's & Company separates itself from the pack. While the base Cattleman already offers solid performance, their optional Taylor Tuned action service transforms this six-shooter into something special.

What does "Taylor Tuned" mean? It's an in-house process that includes:

✔ Precision spring changes for optimal tension ✔ Internal polishing for buttery-smooth cycling ✔ Trigger refinement for a crisp, predictable break

The result? A trigger pull hovering around 3 pounds: sometimes even lighter. One test of the Gunfighter model came in at an incredibly crisp 1 lb, 10 oz. That's competition-grade performance in a revolver that looks like it just stepped out of Tombstone.

When you're thumbing that hammer back, you'll hear those satisfying clicks as the cylinder rotates into perfect alignment. It's the kind of action that makes you want to fan off a few more rounds just for the pure joy of it.

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The Gunfighter Model: Built for Bigger Hands and Better Control

Now, if you've got hands like a blacksmith or you're looking for superior recoil management, let me introduce you to the Gunfighter model.

The key difference? Taylor's equipped this variant with the larger 1860 Army-style grip. It fills your palm more completely, giving you a more secure purchase on the revolver during rapid fire. For Cowboy Action competitors who need to run through stages quickly, or for anyone who finds the traditional plow-handle grip a bit slim, the Gunfighter is a game-changer.

That extra grip real estate translates directly into better recoil control, especially when you're running hotter loads for trail defense. Speaking of which...

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Accuracy That'll Make You Proud

Let's talk brass tacks. How does the Cattleman actually shoot?

In a word: beautifully.

Testing the Gunfighter in .45 Colt at 25 yards produced groups averaging around 2.70" with premium ammunition: more than respectable for a fixed-sight revolver with that classic blade front and notched rear setup. The .44-40 version showed even tighter groupings at closer distances, while the .32-20 proved itself a genuine tack-driver with minimal recoil.

For Cowboy Action shooting competitions where speed and accuracy go hand-in-hand, the Cattleman delivers. Those rudimentary sights might look old-fashioned, but trust me: they work. After a few sessions getting acquainted with your particular revolver's point of impact, you'll be ringing steel and punching paper with confidence.

The action cycles smoothly between shots, and the manageable recoil means you can shoot all day without punishing your wrists. Whether you're competing in SASS events or just enjoying some recreational plinking on a Saturday afternoon, this revolver won't let you down.

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Ammunition Performance: From Range Days to Trail Defense

Here's something a lot of folks don't realize about these historically styled revolvers: they're not limited to cowboy-era ammunition. The Taylor's & Co. Cattleman is built to handle modern, high-quality loads that turn this classic six-gun into a legitimate personal protection or trail defense tool.

For Serious Stopping Power

If you're carrying your Cattleman in bear country or want serious defensive capability, consider loading up with buffalo bore 45 Colt ammunition. These hot-loaded rounds transform the old .45 Colt cartridge into a genuine powerhouse: we're talking velocities and energy levels that rival magnum cartridges.

For those running a .357 Magnum conversion or a compatible revolver, buffalo bore 357 loads offer similar hard-hitting performance for backcountry protection.

For Balanced Defense

Want something with proven defensive capability but a bit less recoil? Quality 38 special hollow points offer an excellent balance of stopping power and shootability. They're perfect for folks who prioritize shot placement over raw energy: and in a single-action revolver, follow-up shots matter.

A Note on Safe Handling

One important consideration: the Cattleman uses traditional lockwork without a modern transfer bar safety. This means you'll want to follow the time-honored "load one, skip one, load four" method: keeping the hammer down on an empty chamber. It's how the old-timers did it, and it's still the safest way to carry these beautiful revolvers today.

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Pairing Your Cattleman with a Lever Gun

Now, if you really want to capture that Old West magic, consider pairing your Cattleman with a matching lever-action rifle. There's nothing quite like having a revolver and rifle that share the same caliber: one box of ammunition feeds both guns.

For those who hunt with their lever guns, winchester deer season xp ammunition is a perfect companion. Designed for rapid expansion and devastating terminal performance on whitetail, it's become a go-to choice for hunters who appreciate classic firearms but demand modern ballistic performance.

Imagine riding out to your deer stand with a .45 Colt lever gun and a matching Cattleman on your hip. That's not just hunting: that's an experience.

Check out our guide to cowboy action guns for more on building your perfect Old West collection.

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The Verdict: Worth Every Penny

So where does this Taylor's & Co 1873 Cattleman review and performance evaluation land?

Simply put: the Cattleman is one of the finest reproduction single-action revolvers you can buy. The combination of authentic period styling, excellent fit and finish, and that butter-smooth Taylor Tuned action makes it a joy to own and shoot.

Whether you're:

✔ Competing in Cowboy Action shooting ✔ Building an Old West collection ✔ Looking for a reliable trail companion ✔ Simply wanting to own a piece of American firearms history

...the Cattleman delivers.

Taylor's & Company even includes quality leather rigs with many purchases: hand-molded holsters with period-correct styling that complete the package beautifully.

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Your Next Adventure Starts Here

The spirit of the frontier never really died. It lives on in every shooter who appreciates craftsmanship, history, and the simple satisfaction of thumbing back that hammer and letting one fly.

The Taylor's & Co. 1873 Cattleman isn't just a revolver. It's a time machine.

Ready to claim yours? Visit Western Gun Store and explore our selection of classic Western firearms, ammunition, and everything you need to keep that frontier spirit alive.

We'll see you on the range, partner.