The Traditions 1873 Single Action Revolver .357 Magnum 5.5″ is a no-frills six-shooter built for the shooter who wants a classic cowboy gun that actually works for urban defense. Chambered in .357 Magnum, this revolver gives you the punch to stop threats while keeping your grip tight in close quarters. The 5.5-inch barrel balances accuracy and concealability, making it a solid choice for apartment dwellers who need a reliable backup or a range toy that doubles as a home defender.
| Manufacturer | Traditions Performance Firearms |
|---|---|
| Model | 1873 Single Action Revolver |
| Material | Steel barrel and cylinder, case-hardened frame, walnut grips (per manufacturer specs) |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum / .38 Special +P |
| Finish | Case-hardened frame, blued barrel |
| Weight | Approximately 38 oz |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Classic Single-Action Operation – WHY IT MATTERS: The hammer must be manually cocked for each shot, which forces you to be deliberate under stress. That’s a plus for urban self-defense because it prevents accidental discharges when you’re fumbling with keys or a flashlight.
- .357 Magnum Chambering – WHY IT MATTERS: You get the stopping power of a magnum round in a revolver that can also shoot .38 Special +P for reduced recoil. Perfect for apartment walls where overpenetration is a real concern.
- 5.5-Inch Steel Barrel – WHY IT MATTERS: The barrel length gives you a solid sight radius for accurate shots at typical indoor distances (7-15 yards) without being too long to draw from a nightstand or holster.
- Fixed Sights – WHY IT MATTERS: No adjustments needed. Point-and-shoot reliability for when you don’t have time to zero in a red dot. The front blade is easy to pick up in low light.
- Walnut Grips with Case-Hardened Frame – WHY IT MATTERS: The wood grips fill your hand naturally and absorb recoil better than synthetic options. The case-hardened finish adds corrosion resistance for humid city storage.
Who It’s For
This revolver is for the urban shooter who values simplicity over complexity. If you’re a CCW holder who wants a backup gun that won’t malfunction, or an apartment dweller who needs a home defense piece that’s easy to secure in a small safe, the Traditions 1873 fits. It’s also for collectors who want a historically accurate piece that can actually shoot.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Reliable six-round capacity, works with .38 Special for practice, rugged steel construction, affordable price point for a magnum revolver, easy to clean and maintain.
Cons: Single-action only means slower follow-up shots compared to double-action revolvers. The fixed sights are basic and not adjustable for windage. According to Traditions specs, the cylinder gap is standard, so expect some gas blowback if you shoot hot loads.
Comparison
| Feature | Traditions 1873 .357 Mag 5.5″ | Ruger Vaquero .357 Mag 5.5″ | Uberti 1873 Cattleman .357 Mag 5.5″ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action | Single Action | Single Action | Single Action |
| Barrel Length | 5.5″ | 5.5″ | 5.5″ |
| Capacity | 6 rounds | 6 rounds | 6 rounds |
| Frame Material | Case-hardened steel | Stainless steel or blued | Case-hardened steel |
| Price | $632.47 | $850+ | $700+ |
| Warranty | 1 year (limited) | Lifetime | 1 year |
FAQ
What is the cylinder made of on the Traditions 1873 .357 Magnum?
The cylinder is machined from solid steel per Traditions specs. It’s heat-treated to handle .357 Magnum pressures, so you can run full-power loads without worry.
Can I shoot .38 Special in this revolver?
Yes, the Traditions 1873 is chambered for .357 Magnum but safely fires .38 Special and .38 Special +P. Just note that .38 Special may leave more residue in the cylinder chambers, so clean it regularly.
Is this revolver legal in my state for carry?
Check your local laws. The 5.5-inch barrel and single-action design may not meet some state’s ‘safe handgun’ roster requirements. In most states, it’s legal as a range or home defense gun, but not ideal for concealed carry due to the size.
What is the trigger pull weight on the Traditions 1873?
The single-action trigger pull is approximately 4-5 pounds per manufacturer specs. It’s crisp with minimal creep, which helps with accuracy at the range.
Does this revolver come with a safety?
Yes, it has a hammer block safety that prevents firing unless the hammer is fully cocked. This is standard on modern reproductions of the 1873 design.
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Explore more: Revolvers | Home Defense | Single Action Revolvers
Last updated: April 2026
Data point: According to a 2024 shooting industry report, single-action revolvers account for 12% of all revolver sales in the U.S., driven by collectors and self-defense buyers looking for simple, robust firearms.





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