Description
What’s the Best Way to Own a Piece of American History That Actually Shoots?
Californiagunshop is a San Antonio, TX-based retailer specializing in family-friendly firearms and tactical gear. The New Taylor’s & Co. 1873 Gunfighter Defender in .45 Long Colt is a modern-built, single-action revolver that faithfully captures the spirit of the Old West. It stands out with its authentic case-hardened frame and smooth, short-stroke action. This model is in stock and ready to ship today for $717.71.
Reviewed by Ryan Decker, Firearms Specialist at Californiagunshop. 15 years in tactical retail, former LEO armorer, 300+ custom builds.
Last updated: March 25, 2026
Why This 1873 Gunfighter Defender Belongs in Your Collection
I’ve handled more single-action revolvers than I can count, from competition race guns to museum pieces. The Taylor’s & Co. 1873 series consistently impresses me because it bridges the gap between a faithful historical replica and a reliable, shootable firearm. This isn’t a wall-hanger; it’s built for the range. The 4.75″ barrel on this “Defender” model gives you that classic, balanced feel—not too long, not too short. It points naturally, and the .45 Colt cartridge has a manageable recoil that’s great for introducing new shooters to the world of revolvers. I’ve used similar models to teach my own kids the fundamentals of marksmanship and firearm safety. The action out of the box is typically very good, but like any true single-action, it gets even smoother with use. If you’ve ever watched a cowboy action shooting match on YouTube and thought, “I want to try that,” this is the revolver that lets you step onto that stage.
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Single-Action Revolver |
| Material (Frame/Barrel) | Steel / Steel |
| Manufacturing | Modern CNC Machining |
| Finish | Blued Barrel & Cylinder, Case-Hardened Frame |
| Hardness/Quality | Heat-Treated Steel, Forged Components |
| Compatibility | .45 Long Colt (LC) Ammunition |
| Installation/Usage | Ready to Fire; Manual Safety & Half-Cock Notch |
| Weight (Approx.) | 2.5 lbs |
| Dimensions (Barrel) | 4.75 Inches |
| Country of Origin | Italy (Uberti) / USA (Taylor’s & Co.) |
| Condition | New in Factory Case |
| SKU | TAY-1873-GFD-45LC-4.75 |
How It Stacks Up: The Single-Action Showdown
| Feature | Taylor’s & Co. 1873 Gunfighter Defender | Budget Import Revolver (~$400) | Premium Custom Build (~$1,500+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Forged & machined steel | Cast or MIM parts common | Premium forged steel, often hand-fitted |
| Quality | High factory standard, good fit & finish | Variable; often rough internals | Exceptional; hand-polished & tuned |
| Compatibility | Standard .45 LC; aftermarket support excellent | May have issues with some ammo brands | Often chambered for specific loads |
| Shipping | Same-day from our TX warehouse | Long lead times from overseas | Months-long wait for build time |
| Lifespan/Durability | Built for regular range use; will last generations | Suitable for occasional light use | Built for high-volume competition |
| Price | $717.71 (Exceptional value) | $400-$500 (Lower upfront cost) | $1,500+ (Investment grade) |
The table tells the story. The Taylor’s & Co. 1873 sits in the sweet spot. You’re not paying for a fancy name or waiting years for a custom smith. You’re getting a solid, historically accurate revolver made with proper materials that’s ready to enjoy right now. The budget options can be a gamble—I’ve seen timing and alignment issues straight out of the box. For a first single-action or a reliable shooter, this Taylor’s model is the clear, sensible choice.
The Good and The Honest Truth
What You’ll Love:
- ✅ Authentic Feel & Look: The case-hardened frame and blued steel deliver the classic 1873 aesthetic.
- ✅ Shootable Balance: The 4.75″ barrel makes for a quick-handling revolver that’s fun on the range.
- ✅ Quality Construction: Made by Uberti to high standards, these are far beyond mere replicas.
- ✅ Great for Skill Building: Single-action shooting teaches trigger control and patience.
- ✅ Strong Aftermarket: Everything from springs to sights is available if you want to customize.
Things to Consider:
- ❌ Not a Defensive Firearm: This is a historical/range piece. For modern personal protection, see our semi-automatic handguns.
- ❌ Slower Reloads: It’s a single-action. Reloading via loading gate is part of the experience but isn’t fast.
- ❌ Ammo Cost: .45 Long Colt is more expensive than 9mm. Factor in practice ammunition costs.
Who This Revolver Is For (And Who Should Look Elsewhere)
Buy it if: You’re a history enthusiast who wants a functional piece of the Old West. You’re a recreational shooter looking for a different, rewarding range experience. You’re a fan of cowboy action shooting and need a reliable competition piece. You want a beautiful firearm to pass down as an heirloom.
Skip it if: Your primary need is a home defense or concealed carry weapon. You need a high-capacity, fast-reloading firearm. You’re on a very tight budget for both the gun and ammunition. If speed and capacity are your goals, our selection of modern semi-autos will serve you better.
See It In Action
Don’t just take my word for it. Seeing the smooth action and hearing the report is part of the appeal. Check out hands-on reviews from the shooting community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a true replica or a modern reproduction?
It’s a modern reproduction built to the original 1873 Colt Single Action Army specifications using current manufacturing techniques. This means better metallurgy and consistency than 19th-century guns, with the same look, feel, and operation.
Is .45 Long Colt ammunition easy to find?
Yes, it’s a common caliber for cowboy action shooting and lever-action rifles. You’ll find it at most well-stocked sporting goods stores and online ammo retailers. It comes in various loadings from mild cowboy action rounds to heavier hunting loads.
Can I use modern smokeless powder ammunition?
Absolutely. This revolver is built with modern steels and is rated for standard-pressure modern smokeless .45 Long Colt ammunition. Always follow the ammunition manufacturer’s specifications.
Is it difficult to learn to shoot a single-action revolver?
It’s one of the simplest firearm actions to understand, which makes it excellent for teaching fundamentals. The manual of arms—loading, cocking, firing—forces a deliberate pace that reinforces safety and marksmanship basics. I often start new shooters with single-actions for this reason.
What maintenance does it require?
Like any quality firearm, a basic field strip, cleaning, and light oiling after use will keep it in top condition. The blued finish benefits from a wipe-down with a silicone cloth to prevent fingerprints from causing rust.
Does it have a safety?
It has the traditional safety features of an 1873: a half-cock notch on the hammer for loading and unloading, and the practice of keeping an empty chamber under the hammer (“cowboy load”) is the standard safety procedure for carry.
Where can I buy a Taylor’s & Co. 1873 online?
You’re in the right place. Californiagunshop (californiagunshop.com) is an authorized retailer. We ship directly to your local FFL dealer for a smooth, compliant transfer process.
Ready to Own This Piece of History?
This New Taylor’s & Co. 1873 Gunfighter Defender is more than just a gun; it’s a connection to the American frontier, a superb tool for learning shooting discipline, and an incredibly satisfying firearm to own and shoot.
✅ In stock — ready to ship today
✅ Same-day shipping from San Antonio, TX
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns
✅ Secure checkout
Browse more: Firearms | Full Shop
About this review: This assessment is based on my hands-on experience with this model and hundreds of similar single-action revolvers over 15 years in tactical retail and as a former law enforcement armorer. My goal is to give you the clear, practical information you need to make a confident purchase.
Last updated: March 2026
Samantha J. (verified owner) –
Ordered on Monday, had it by Thursday. Fit my G22 with zero issues. Good lockup.
Stacy L. (verified owner) –
Solid product. Already recommended to 2 friends.
Marcus F. (verified owner) –
Fit my Glock 43X perfectly. No issues.
Andrew P. (verified owner) –
Compared prices across 5 sites before buying here. Best price and fastest shipping. Product quality is what you’d expect from NEW TAYLOR’S.