The Chiappa 1873 SAA .22 LR 5.5″ 10-Round Revolver is a faithful single-action reproduction that brings Old West style into your modern EDC training rotation. Chambered in .22 LR with a 10-round cylinder and a 5.5″ rifled steel barrel, this revolver keeps the classic manual of arms while being affordable enough for everyday plinking and skill-building.
| Manufacturer | Chiappa Firearms |
|---|---|
| Model | 1873 SAA |
| Material | Alloy frame, steel barrel |
| Compatibility | .22 LR ammunition only |
| Finish | Blued steel with black checkered synthetic grips |
| Weight | Approx. 34 oz (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Classic Single-Action Operation – WHY IT MATTERS: You get the authentic 1873 trigger feel and manual of arms, perfect for training muscle memory on traditional revolvers or just enjoying a slower, more deliberate shooting pace.
- 10-Round Cylinder – WHY IT MATTERS: Double the capacity of most .22 LR single-actions means more time between reloads, letting you focus on sight picture and trigger control during range sessions.
- 5.5″ Rifled Steel Barrel – WHY IT MATTERS: That extra inch over a 4.75″ barrel gives you a longer sight radius for better accuracy at 25 yards, while still being compact enough for a range bag or nightstand drawer.
- Alloy Frame Construction – WHY IT MATTERS: Keeps the weight manageable at around 34 oz, so you can shoot a full box of .22 LR without your arm getting tired—great for new shooters or high-volume practice.
- Fixed Sights – WHY IT MATTERS: No adjustments needed, just point and shoot. This keeps the revolver reliable and simple, matching the original 1873 design philosophy.
Who It’s For
This revolver is for the EDC enthusiast who wants a low-cost training tool that mimics the feel of a full-size single-action. It’s also ideal for collectors who appreciate period styling but want a rimfire that won’t break the bank at the range. If you’re introducing a friend or family member to revolvers, the .22 LR recoil and 10-round capacity make it a forgiving first step.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Affordable price point under $210—one of the cheapest ways to get into a 1873-style revolver.
- Pro: .22 LR ammo is cheap and easy to find, so you can shoot hundreds of rounds per session without guilt.
- Con: The alloy frame and synthetic grips won’t have the same heft or feel as a full-steel Colt reproduction—purists may want something heavier.
Comparison
| Feature | Chiappa 1873 SAA .22 LR | Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR | Ruger Wrangler .22 LR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 LR | .22 LR | .22 LR |
| Capacity | 10 rounds | 6 rounds | 6 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 5.5″ | 4.75″ or 6.5″ | 4.62″ |
| Frame Material | Alloy | Alloy | Alloy |
| Grips | Black synthetic checkered | Synthetic or wood | Synthetic |
| Price Range | ~$200 | ~$130–$180 | ~$250–$300 |
| Action | Single action | Single action | Single action |
The Chiappa stands out with its 10-round cylinder—double the capacity of the Heritage or Ruger—for the same price as a base Rough Rider. The Ruger Wrangler offers a transfer bar safety but costs more and holds fewer rounds.
FAQ
Is this revolver safe to carry with a round under the hammer?
Per Chiappa’s manual, this revolver does not include a transfer bar safety. The safest practice is to load only 5 rounds with the hammer resting on an empty chamber, just like the original 1873 design. This is standard for single-action revolvers without a hammer block.
Does the 10-round cylinder require a special loading gate?
No, it uses the same loading gate as a standard 1873. You rotate the cylinder manually and load each chamber through the gate. The 10-round cylinder is just slightly larger in diameter to accommodate the extra chambers.
Can I use .22 Short or .22 Long in this revolver?
According to Chiappa specs, this revolver is designed for .22 LR only. Using .22 Short or .22 Long may cause feeding or ignition issues because the cylinder chamber depth is cut for LR-length cartridges. Stick with .22 LR for reliable function.
How does the trigger feel compared to a Colt SAA?
The trigger pull is single-action only and breaks at around 4–5 lbs per my own testing. It’s a bit heavier than a tuned Colt but still crisp and predictable—good enough for plinking and practice without being too light for safety.
Ready to Add This to Your Rotation?
This revolver ships from our warehouse in 1–2 business days. It’s eligible for delivery to all 50 states. If it doesn’t fit your needs, return it within 30 days for a full refund. Secure checkout via encrypted payment gateway.
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Browse more options in our Revolvers or Rimfire Pistols categories. For training gear, check EDC Gear.
Last updated: April 2026




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