Uberti 1873 vs. Taylor's & Co. Cattleman: Which Six-Shooter Should You Carry?

There's something about the weight of a single-action revolver in your hand that takes you back. Back to the dust of old cattle trails, the creak of worn leather, and the rugged days when the American frontier was still wild and untamed. The 1873 Colt Single Action Army: the legendary "Peacemaker": defined an era. And today, two names keep that spirit alive for shooters who want to carry a piece of that history: Uberti and Taylor's & Co.

If you've been searching for an Uberti 1873 vs Taylor's 1873 Cattleman comparison, you've probably noticed something curious. These revolvers look almost identical. The specs read the same. So what's the real difference? And more importantly, which one deserves a spot on your hip?

Saddle up, friend. Let's dive into the details.

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The Secret Most Folks Don't Know

Here's something that surprises a lot of new shooters: Uberti and Taylor's & Co. aren't competitors: they're partners.

Uberti, the legendary Italian manufacturer, builds the 1873 Cattleman revolver. They've been crafting faithful reproductions of Old West firearms for decades, and their attention to detail is nothing short of remarkable. Taylor's & Co., on the other hand, is a U.S.-based importer and distributor. They don't manufacture firearms themselves.

So what does Taylor's actually do?

They take those beautifully made Uberti frames and elevate them with in-house gunsmithing, specialized finishes, and unique grip configurations that you won't find straight from the Uberti catalog. Think of it this way: Uberti builds the foundation, and Taylor's & Co. adds the custom touches that make a good revolver great.

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The Uberti 1873 Cattleman: Authentic Heritage at a Great Price

If you want the classic Colt Single Action Army experience without emptying your savings account, the Uberti 1873 Cattleman is your ticket to ride.

Uberti has built their reputation on authenticity. When you pick up one of their revolvers, you're holding a firearm that's faithful to the original 1873 design in nearly every way: the case-hardened frame, the one-piece walnut grip, the half-cock loading gate. It's the real deal, Italian-crafted with Old World precision.

Why choose the Uberti 1873?

✔ Authentic Colt reproduction with period-correct details ✔ Excellent price point for collectors and shooters alike ✔ Multiple calibers available, including .45 Colt, .357 Magnum, and .44-40 ✔ Proven reliability trusted by cowboy action shooters worldwide ✔ Beautiful case-hardened finishes straight from the factory

For folks getting into cowboy action shooting or those who simply appreciate a well-made revolver that honors history, the base Uberti Cattleman delivers tremendous value. It's a working man's six-shooter with aristocratic looks.

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Taylor's & Co. Cattleman: The Tuned-Up Trail Gun

Now, let's say you want something more. You want a revolver that's been gone over by skilled hands before it ever reaches your holster. That's where Taylor's & Co. steps into the spotlight.

Taylor's takes those same Uberti-manufactured frames and works their magic. Their most popular offering? The Deluxe Tuned Action service.

Here's what that means for you:

✔ Spring changes for a lighter, crisper trigger pull ✔ Polished internal components for a silky-smooth action ✔ Target trigger pulls around 3 pounds (some tested examples have clocked in at an incredible 1 pound, 10 ounces) ✔ Exclusive grip options, like the 1860 Army grip found on their popular Gunfighter model ✔ Unique finishes not available through standard Uberti channels

The Taylor's & Co. Gunfighter series, for example, features that distinctive 1860 Army-style grip that fills the hand differently than the traditional plow-handle grip. It's a subtle change, but shooters who've tried it often swear they'll never go back.

Pricing reality: A standard Taylor's & Co. Cattleman runs around $518 MSRP, while the Deluxe Tuned Action version comes in at approximately $643. That extra investment gets you professional gunsmithing that would cost similar money if you had it done separately.

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Head-to-Head: Breaking Down the Differences

Let's make this comparison crystal clear:

Feature	Uberti 1873 Cattleman	Taylor's & Co. Cattleman
Manufacturer	Uberti (Italy)	Uberti frame, Taylor's customization
Action	Factory standard	Optional Deluxe Tuned Action
Trigger Pull	Standard (4-5 lbs typical)	~3 lbs (tuned versions)
Grip Options	Traditional plow-handle	Multiple options including 1860 Army
Finish Options	Standard Uberti catalog	Expanded exclusive finishes
Price Range	Lower entry point	Moderate premium for upgrades
Best For	Purists, budget-conscious buyers	Competition shooters, enthusiasts wanting refinement

Both revolvers share the same DNA. The question is whether you want to do your own customization down the road or have it handled by professionals before your six-shooter arrives at your door.

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Feeding Your Cattleman: The Best Ammunition Choices

No matter which Cattleman you choose, you'll need to feed it right. And when it comes to single-action revolvers chambered in classic calibers, ammunition selection matters more than most folks realize.

For .45 Colt Revolvers

The .45 Colt is the cartridge of the Old West, and modern loads have only made it better. For general range work and cowboy action competition, standard-pressure loads work beautifully. But if you're carrying your Cattleman on the trail for protection, Buffalo Bore 45 loads deliver the serious stopping power that made this caliber legendary.

Buffalo Bore's heavy .45 Colt loads are specifically designed for strong, modern revolvers and offer performance that would make any old-time lawman jealous.

For .357 Magnum Revolvers

Here's where things get interesting. A .357 Magnum Cattleman gives you incredible versatility: you can shoot mild .38 Special loads for practice and competition, then load up Buffalo Bore 357 for serious business.

38 special hollow points are perfect for everyday shooting and offer excellent accuracy with manageable recoil. When you need more authority: whether for wilderness carry or home defense: Buffalo Bore's .357 Magnum offerings bring the thunder.

Pairing with a Lever Gun

Many Western gun enthusiasts don't stop at just a revolver. There's a beautiful symmetry in carrying a lever-action rifle chambered in the same caliber as your sidearm. One ammo type, two firearms, endless possibilities.

If you're running a .30-30 lever gun alongside your Cattleman, Winchester Deer Season XP delivers exceptional performance for hunting whitetail and other medium game. Check out options like the Nosler Whitetail Country 30-30 or the Norma Whitetail 30-30 for classic hunting performance.

For more on building your perfect lever-action setup, take a look at our guide to modern replica cowboy guns.

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So, Which Six-Shooter Should You Carry?

The honest answer? You can't go wrong with either one.

Choose the Uberti 1873 Cattleman if:

• You appreciate authentic, factory-original reproductions
• You're working within a tighter budget
• You enjoy doing your own trigger work and customization
• You want a solid foundation to build upon over time

Choose the Taylor's & Co. Cattleman if:

• You want a refined, competition-ready action out of the box
• You prefer unique grip styles like the 1860 Army configuration
• You value the convenience of professional gunsmithing already completed
• You're willing to invest a bit more for immediate shootability

Both revolvers carry the soul of the Old West. Both will serve you faithfully on the range, in competition, or on the trail. The difference comes down to how much refinement you want before that first cylinder spins.

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Your Next Adventure Starts Here

Whether you're drawn to the pure, unmodified heritage of an Uberti or the polished perfection of a Taylor's & Co. Cattleman, one thing's certain: there's never been a better time to own a piece of frontier history.

At Western Gun Store, we understand the romance of the Old West and the practical needs of today's shooters. From the right revolver to the perfect ammunition, we're here to help you build your collection the right way.

Have questions about finding your perfect Cattleman? Reach out to us: we'd love to help you find the six-shooter that speaks to your soul.

The frontier is calling. Time to answer.