Taylors and Company Drifter 5.50″ Octagon .357 Magnum Revolver

Name: Taylors and Company Drifter 5.50″ Octagon .357 Magnum Revolver | Revolvers
SKU: LIP|TY556105
Price: 731.71 USD
Availability: InStock

$731.71

The Taylors and Company Drifter 5.50″ Octagon .357 Magnum Revolver combines a forged 1873-style frame, color case-hardened finish, and walnut grips for a classic single-action that handles modern .357 loads. Perfect for cowboy-action, range shooting, and collecting.

SKU: LIP|TY556105 Category: Revolvers Tags: 357 Mag, Ammo, classic, fit, Guns, man, MANUFACTURER, New, Q, revolver, Revolvers, Ruger, sig, SINGLE ACTION, Targets, Taylors and Co

The Taylors and Company Drifter 5.50″ Octagon .357 Magnum Revolver is a traditional single-action six-shooter built on the 1873 Cattleman-style frame. Chambered in .357 Magnum with a full octagonal barrel, it blends classic aesthetics with modern shooting capability. The revolver pairs a color case-hardened frame with a blued barrel and cylinder, walnut grips, and fixed sights—a straightforward setup for range days, cowboy-action competition, or period-accurate collecting.

Manufacturer	Taylors and Company (per manufacturer specs)
Model	Drifter
Material	Forged steel frame, blued barrel/cylinder, color case-hardened frame, walnut grips
Compatibility	.357 Magnum /.38 Special +P
Finish	Blued barrel and cylinder, color case-hardened frame
Weight	Approx. 36 oz (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

5.50″ Full Octagon Barrel — The extra weight and rigid profile tame recoil in .357 Magnum loads and deliver a classic silhouette that balances like a target revolver. Why it matters: You get a steadier sight picture and less muzzle flip during rapid follow-up shots.
Forged 1873-Style Frame — Machined from solid steel, this frame handles the higher pressure of .357 Magnum without the flex of cast frames. Why it matters: Long-term durability and a smooth, reliable action that improves with use.
Color Case-Hardened Frame — A traditional finish that resists wear and adds visual character. Why it matters: It keeps the revolver looking good for decades, even with holster carry and regular handling.
Fixed Blade Front and Notch Rear Sights — No adjustments, no batteries, no moving parts. Why it matters: Zero maintenance, instant sight acquisition, and a low profile that won’t snag on clothing or gear.
Six-Shot Cylinder in .357 Magnum — Accepts both .357 and .38 Special +P loads. Why it matters: Versatile ammo choices for plinking, defense, or competition—one gun, multiple roles.

Who It’s For

This revolver fits the EDC enthusiast who appreciates old-school craftsmanship but wants modern cartridge performance. It’s for cowboy-action shooters who need a reliable, period-correct six-gun that also works for steel targets and range practice. Collectors will value the forged frame and case-hardening, while daily carriers will like the compact 5.5″ barrel that clears a holster cleanly.

Pros & Cons

Pro: Forged steel frame handles .357 Magnum pressure without issue.
Pro: Octagon barrel adds weight for recoil control and a distinctive look.
Pro: Color case-hardening is durable and visually striking.
Con: Fixed sights are not adjustable—you’ll need to know your load’s point of impact. For most shooters, it’s a non-issue with standard .357 loads.
Con: The single-action trigger requires manual cocking between shots—slower than a double-action revolver for defensive use.

Comparison: Taylors Drifter vs. Ruger Vaquero vs. Uberti 1873 Cattleman

Feature	Taylors Drifter	Ruger Vaquero	Uberti 1873 Cattleman
Frame Material	Forged steel	Cast steel	Forged steel
Barrel Length	5.5″ octagon	5.5″ round	5.5″ round or octagon
Caliber	.357 Magnum	.357 Magnum	.357 Magnum
Finish	Blued + case-hardened	Blued or stainless	Blued + case-hardened
Price	$653	$789	$579
Grips	Walnut	Hard rubber	Walnut

FAQ

Is the Taylors Drifter safe to shoot with modern .357 Magnum loads?

Yes. According to Taylors and Company specs, the forged steel frame and cylinder are rated for all SAAMI-spec .357 Magnum ammunition. Stick to factory loads and avoid handloads that exceed pressure limits.

Can I use .38 Special +P in this revolver?

Yes. The Drifter chambers and fires .38 Special +P without issues. It’s a great way to practice with less recoil and lower cost, while still having .357 Magnum capability for serious use.

Does this revolver have a transfer bar safety?

No. Like traditional 1873-style single actions, the Drifter uses a hammer-mounted firing pin and a half-cock safety notch. Carry with the hammer down on an empty chamber, or use a safe holster that covers the trigger.

What is the barrel twist rate?

Per Taylors and Company, the 5.5″ octagon barrel has a 1:16″ twist rate, standard for .357 Magnum revolvers. It stabilizes bullets from 125 to 158 grains reliably.

How does the Drifter compare to a Ruger Vaquero?

The Drifter is lighter and more traditionally styled (case-hardened frame, walnut grips). The Vaquero is heavier and built on a stronger cast frame, but costs about $130 more. For cowboy-action and range use, the Drifter offers better value.

Ready to Add the Taylors Drifter to Your Collection?

This revolver delivers authentic 1873 style with modern .357 Magnum performance. Whether you’re shooting steel, competing in cowboy-action, or just want a reliable six-gun for the range, the Drifter is a solid choice at a fair price.