The Taylors & Company Drifter 357 Mag 5.5in Single-Action Revolver is a six-shot wheelgun built for shooters who want old-school handling with modern .357 Magnum punch. It’s a fixed-sight, blued-steel revolver that splits the difference between a trail gun and a range companion, weighing about 2.5 pounds with a 5.5-inch barrel that keeps the balance point right over your hand. If you’re into traditional single-action operation—cock the hammer, squeeze the trigger, repeat—this one delivers the feel without the collector markup.
| Manufacturer | Taylors & Company |
|---|---|
| Model | Drifter |
| Material | Steel frame, walnut grips |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum / .38 Special +P |
| Finish | Blued steel |
| Weight | Approx. 2.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 5.5-inch barrel — Why it matters: That extra inch over a 4.75″ gives you a longer sight radius for better accuracy at the range or in the field, without turning the gun into a boat anchor.
- Fixed blade front and notch rear sights — Why it matters: No adjustable parts to snag or shift; you get a clean, repeatable sight picture that’s rock-solid for defensive loads or hunting in brush.
- Blued steel frame — Why it matters: Traditional rust-resistant finish that holds up to holster wear and looks better with age, unlike matte coatings that fade.
- Walnut grips — Why it matters: Wood soaks up recoil better than hard polymer, and the smooth profile lets you shift your grip for speed-loading or thumb-cocking without tearing up your hand.
- Single-action trigger — Why it matters: A crisp, light pull (typically 3-4 lbs on these) makes it easier to stay on target for follow-up shots, especially with hot .357 loads.
Who It’s For
This revolver is for the carry guy who wants a backup in the woods, the cowboy-action shooter who doesn’t want to spend SAA money, and the collector who appreciates a no-frills sixgun that actually gets used. If you carry a Glock or a 1911 all week, the Drifter is the weekend gun that reminds you why single-actions still sell. It’s also a solid option for new shooters who want to learn fundamentals on a platform that forces you to stage the trigger and follow through.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Runs .38 Special +P for cheaper practice and .357 Mag for when you need the extra velocity. One gun, two personalities.
- Pro: The 5.5-inch barrel gives you a full-length ejector rod, so spent cases clear cleanly instead of hanging up like on shorter barrels.
- Con: Fixed sights mean you can’t adjust for windage or elevation if your loads shoot high or low. You’ll need to experiment with bullet weight to find the sweet spot.
Comparison
| Feature | Taylors & Company Drifter | Ruger Vaquero (Blued 5.5″) | Uberti Cattleman (Case-Hardened 5.5″) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | .357 Mag / .38 Spl |
| Frame Material | Steel (blued) | Steel (blued or stainless) | Steel (case-hardened) |
| Grips | Walnut | Hard rubber or walnut | Walnut |
| Price | ~$778 | ~$850 | ~$700 |
| Weight | ~2.5 lbs | ~2.6 lbs | ~2.4 lbs |
| Safety | Hammer notch (4-position) | Transfer bar | Hammer notch (4-position) |
FAQ
Can this revolver handle hot .357 Magnum loads like Buffalo Bore or Underwood?
Yes. The steel frame and cylinder are built to SAAMI spec .357 Magnum pressures. Per Taylors & Company specs, it’s rated for standard-pressure .357 Mag and .38 Special +P. Heavy hunting loads are fine, but avoid proof loads or continuous use of extremely high-pressure boutique ammo.
Is the Taylors Drifter compatible with .38 Special +P?
Yes. The cylinder chambers accept .38 Special and .38 Special +P without issue. The longer 5.5-inch barrel gives you a velocity bump with .38 Spl loads, making it a great plinker or small-game gun.
Does the Drifter have a transfer bar safety?
No. It uses the traditional four-position hammer notch system. You carry with the hammer down on an empty chamber, or use the “safety notch” if you prefer. This is standard for reproduction single-actions and is reliable if you follow the manual.
What holster fits the Taylors Drifter 5.5-inch?
Any holster designed for a Ruger Vaquero or Uberti Cattleman with a 5.5-inch barrel will fit. The frame dimensions are nearly identical. For EDC, look for a crossdraw or strongside leather holster from Simply Rugged or Galco.
Can I mount optics or a red dot on this revolver?
No. The Drifter has a fixed, milled rear sight and no optics cut. If you need a dot, look at the Ruger Super Blackhawk or a custom-machined SAA. This is a traditional iron-sight gun.
Trust Block
- ✔ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✔ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✔ 30-day returns
- ✔ Secure checkout
Last updated: April 2026
According to industry data, single-action revolver sales grew 12% in 2025 among EDC and outdoor shooters, with the .357 Mag being the most popular caliber in that category. The Drifter fits right into that trend.
Browse more: Revolvers | Single-Action Revolvers | Taylors & Company




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