The Taylors and Company 1873 Drifter .45 Long Colt 5.50-inch is a single-action revolver built on a forged Cattleman frame with a full octagonal barrel. Chambered in .45 Long Colt, it pairs period-correct styling with modern manufacturing standards. The Drifter features a blued octagonal barrel and cylinder, a color case-hardened steel frame, fixed blade front sight with a rear frame notch, and walnut grips. Taylor Tuning is available for shooters who want tailored performance.
| Manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
|---|---|
| Model | 1873 Cattleman Drifter |
| Material | Forged steel frame, blued steel barrel and cylinder |
| Compatibility | .45 Long Colt ammunition |
| Finish | Color case-hardened frame, blued barrel and cylinder |
| Weight | Approx. 2.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Forged Cattleman Frame — Built from solid steel, this frame gives you the strength and longevity you need for regular range days or casual carry. Why it matters: A forged frame resists flex and wear better than cast alternatives, keeping your action tight for thousands of rounds.
- Full Octagonal Barrel — The 5.50-inch octagonal profile adds mass up front, reducing muzzle rise and improving sight alignment. Why it matters: More weight forward means faster follow-up shots and a steadier hold in the hand.
- Color Case-Hardened Frame — Classic mottled finish that’s both corrosion-resistant and visually authentic to the 1873 originals. Why it matters: You get a revolver that looks like it rode with cowboys but holds up to modern humidity and sweat.
- Walnut Grips — Smooth, oil-finished walnut panels fill your palm without snagging on clothing or holsters. Why it matters: Natural wood grips absorb recoil better than synthetic ones, and they’re easy to refinish if you ding them up.
- Taylor Tuning Available — Taylors and Company offers custom action jobs to lighten the trigger pull and smooth the cylinder timing. Why it matters: You can dial in the revolver to your exact preference without sending it to a third-party smith.
Who It’s For
This revolver is for the shooter who appreciates Old West style but wants modern reliability. It fits the cowboy action competitor, the woods walker who carries a .45 LC for defense against two-legged or four-legged threats, and the collector who shoots their guns. If you’re into period-correct gear that still hits steel at 25 yards without drama, the Drifter is your wheelgun.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Classic lines and authentic finishes — looks right at home in a basket-weave holster or on a display shelf.
- Pro: .45 Long Colt packs a punch but is still manageable for all-day carrying or range sessions.
- Con: The fixed sights are precise for the cartridge but can’t be drifted or swapped for different loads — you’ll need to adjust your hold for varying bullet weights.
Comparison
| Feature | Taylors & Co. 1873 Drifter | Ruger Vaquero | Uberti 1873 Cattleman |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame Material | Forged steel | Cast steel | Forged steel |
| Barrel Length | 5.50-inch octagonal | 4.62- or 5.5-inch round | 4.75- or 5.5-inch octagonal |
| Finish Options | Case-hardened frame, blued barrel | Blued or stainless | Case-hardened frame, blued barrel |
| Grip Material | Walnut | Hard rubber or walnut | Walnut or synthetic |
| Taylor Tuning Available | Yes, factory-direct | No factory tuning | No factory tuning |
| Price | $674.09 | ~$750 | ~$600 |
FAQ
Is the Taylors and Company 1873 Drifter safe to carry with a round under the hammer?
Yes. The 1873 design includes a half-cock notch and a hammer block safety. For modern carry, you can load five rounds and rest the hammer on an empty chamber, which is the standard practice for single-action revolvers. Per Taylors and Company specs, the revolver is designed for safe carry this way.
Does the Drifter come with a manual or warranty card?
Yes, every new Taylors and Company revolver ships with a manual, warranty registration card, and a lock. The warranty covers manufacturing defects for one year from the date of purchase.
Can I shoot .45 Colt +P ammunition through this revolver?
Taylors and Company does not recommend +P loads in the 1873 Drifter. The forged steel frame is strong, but the action and cylinder are designed for standard-pressure .45 Long Colt loads. Stick to factory .45 LC (around 14,000 PSI) for reliability and longevity.
What holsters fit the 5.50-inch octagonal barrel?
Most holsters made for 5.5-inch single-action revolvers will work, but you’ll want one with an open muzzle or a slight extra length to accommodate the octagonal profile. Brands like Simply Rugged, Galco, and El Paso Saddlery make models specifically for the 1873 frame.
Is the Drifter compatible with aftermarket grips?
Yes. The grip frame uses the standard 1873 single-action dimensions, so aftermarket grips from Altamont, Hogue, and Eagle Grips will fit without modification. Just make sure you order grips for a Colt SAA or Uberti 1873 pattern.
Trust & Delivery
- ✅ Nationwide delivery to all 50 states (where legal)
- ✅ Ships within 1–2 business days
- ✅ 30-day return policy on unfired, unmodified revolvers
- ✅ Secure checkout with encrypted payment
Last updated: April 2026
Explore more in our Single-Action Revolvers collection, or check out Cowboy Action Gear and All Firearms.




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