The Taylor & Company 1873 Cattleman Handgun .357 Mag/.38 Spl 6rd Capacity 4.75″ Blued Barrel Case Hardened Frame Wood Grip is a modern take on the classic single-action revolver that defined the American frontier. This Birdshead variant swaps the traditional plowshare grip for a compact, rounded birdshead profile, making it a natural fit for everyday carry or range-day nostalgia. Chambered in .357 Magnum (and .38 Special for lighter recoil), it packs 6 rounds into a forged steel frame with case-hardened finish and blued steel barrel. At $639.19, it’s a solid entry into the single-action world without the collector markup.
| Manufacturer | Taylor & Company |
|---|---|
| Model | 1873 Cattleman Birdshead |
| Material | Forged steel frame, blued steel barrel and cylinder |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum / .38 Special +P |
| Finish | Case-hardened frame, blued barrel and backstrap |
| Weight | Approx. 34 oz (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Birdshead Grip – WHY IT MATTERS: The rounded, compact grip reduces printing under a jacket or vest, making this revolver more concealable than standard plowhandle models without sacrificing control.
- Forged Steel Case-Hardened Frame – WHY IT MATTERS: Case hardening adds surface hardness for wear resistance, while the blued steel barrel and cylinder provide corrosion protection and a classic two-tone look that stands out in a safe.
- 4.75″ Round Barrel – WHY IT MATTERS: This barrel length balances sight radius for accuracy with a compact overall profile—short enough to draw quickly, long enough to keep .357 Magnum velocities respectable.
- .357 Mag / .38 Spl Compatibility – WHY IT MATTERS: You can run budget-friendly .38 Special for practice and switch to .357 Magnum for defensive loads, all without changing cylinders or springs.
- Single-Action Trigger – WHY IT MATTERS: The crisp, predictable trigger pull (typically 3.5–4.5 lbs) lets you focus on sight alignment and follow-through, making it ideal for slow-fire accuracy drills.
Who It’s For
This revolver is for the EDC enthusiast who appreciates old-school mechanics but wants a modern caliber. If you’re a pocket-dump guy who carries a leather flap holster, or a new shooter looking for a reliable single-action that won’t break the bank, the Birdshead Cattleman fits. It also appeals to collectors who want a shooter-grade piece they can actually run at the range, not just display.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Affordable entry into the Taylor & Company lineup—under $650 for a forged steel gun is rare these days.
- Pro: Dual-caliber flexibility (.357 Mag and .38 Spl) means you can tailor recoil to your mood or skill level.
- Con: The birdshead grip feels small in larger hands; shooters with XXL gloves may find the pinky dangling. Aftermarket grip options are limited compared to standard plowhandle grips.
- Pro: Classic case-hardened finish gives it a unique look that stands out from all-black revolvers.
Comparison: Taylor & Company 1873 Birdshead vs. Competitors
| Feature | Taylor & Company 1873 Birdshead | Zev Technologies OZ9 | Lone Wolf Distributors G19 Slide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action Type | Single-action revolver | Striker-fired semi-auto | Striker-fired (slide only) |
| Caliber | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | 9mm | 9mm |
| Capacity | 6 rounds | 17+1 (standard) | 15+1 (with G19 frame) |
| Barrel Length | 4.75″ | 4.5″ | 4.0″ |
| Frame Material | Forged steel, case-hardened | Stainless steel | Steel (slide only) |
| Grip Style | Birdshead walnut | Modular backstrap | Factory Glock |
| MSRP | $639.19 | $1,299+ | $399 (slide only) |
| Best For | Classic carry, cowboy action | Competition, custom builds | Glock upgrades |
FAQ
Is this revolver safe to carry with 6 rounds?
Yes, but note that single-action revolvers have no transfer bar safety. Taylor & Company recommends carrying with the hammer down on an empty chamber (load 5) unless you use a cross-draw or flap holster that covers the hammer.
Will .38 Special +P damage this revolver?
Per manufacturer specs, the forged steel frame and blued barrel are rated for +P loads. However, Taylor & Company advises against prolonged use of +P+ ammunition to avoid accelerated wear on the cylinder.
Can I mount optics or a red dot on this revolver?
No—the 1873 Cattleman has no rail or drilled/tapped holes for optics. It’s designed for iron sights only. If you want a red dot, you’ll need a gunsmith to drill and tap the top strap, which voids the warranty.
What holsters fit the 4.75″ barrel Birdshead?
Most holsters made for the Ruger New Vaquero or Colt SAA with 4.75″ barrel will fit. Look for brands like Simply Rugged, Galco, or El Paso Saddlery that offer birdshead-specific retention.
Ready to Add This Classic to Your Collection?
The Taylor & Company 1873 Cattleman delivers authentic single-action performance with modern caliber flexibility. Whether you’re building a cowboy action rig or just want a reliable truck gun with old-school character, this revolver earns its place in the safe. Order yours now and experience the difference a forged steel frame makes.
- ✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✓ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✓ 30-day returns
- ✓ Secure checkout
Looking for more single-action options? Check out our Revolvers, Cowboy Action, and EDC Revolvers categories.
Last updated: April 2026




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