The Traditions SAT73004 1873 revolver in .45 Colt (LC) with a 6-round capacity and 7.50-inch barrel is a straight-up workhorse for anyone who wants a reliable, old-school sixgun for home defense or range work. This blued cylinder and barrel sit on a color case hardened steel frame, paired with walnut grips that give you a solid purchase even in a hurry. At $652.35, it’s a no-nonsense piece of steel that chambers the .45 Colt round — a proven stopper that’s been keeping people safe since 1873.
| Manufacturer | Traditions Performance Firearms |
|---|---|
| Model | SAT73004 1873 |
| Material | Color case hardened steel frame, blued steel cylinder and barrel, walnut grips (per manufacturer specs) |
| Compatibility | .45 Colt (LC) ammunition |
| Finish | Blued cylinder and barrel, color case hardened frame |
| Weight | Approx. 2.5 lbs (unloaded, per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Color Case Hardened Frame — This isn’t just for looks. The case hardening process creates a surface that resists wear and corrosion better than standard bluing, so your revolver stays tight and functional even if you carry it in a humid city environment or leave it in a nightstand drawer for years.
- 7.50-Inch Barrel — The longer barrel gives you a longer sight radius, which means more accurate shot placement at home-defense distances. In a .45 Colt, that extra inch or two also helps manage recoil so you can get back on target faster.
- Walnut Grips — Wood grips might seem old school, but they absorb recoil better than hard plastic and don’t get slippery when your hands sweat. The shape fills your palm naturally, giving you a consistent grip every time you draw.
- 6-Round Capacity — Six rounds of .45 Colt is plenty for an apartment or house defense scenario. You don’t need a magazine-fed pistol to stop a threat — this revolver delivers the same stopping power with fewer moving parts to fail under stress.
- Traditional Single-Action Trigger — The crisp, light pull of a single-action trigger lets you place shots exactly where you want them. That’s a real advantage if you’re shooting in tight quarters where over-penetration is a concern.
Who It’s For
This revolver is for the urban CCW holder who wants a classic, reliable backup or a dedicated home-defense piece. If you live in an apartment or rowhouse and need something that won’t over-penetrate walls but still puts a big hole in a threat, the .45 Colt is a smart choice. It’s also for collectors and shooters who appreciate the craftsmanship of a traditional single-action revolver without paying custom-gun prices.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Proven .45 Colt stopping power — one of the most effective handgun cartridges for personal defense.
- Pro: Simple, durable design with no magazine or complex safeties to fail.
- Pro: Affordable entry point for a color case hardened steel-frame revolver.
- Con: Single-action only — you must manually cock the hammer before each shot, which slows follow-up speed compared to a double-action revolver or semi-auto.
Comparison
| Feature | Traditions SAT73004 1873 | Ruger Vaquero (Stainless) | Uberti 1873 Cattleman |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 Colt | .45 Colt | .45 Colt |
| Barrel Length | 7.50 in. | 5.5 in. (typical) | 7.5 in. |
| Frame Material | Case hardened steel | Stainless steel | Case hardened steel |
| Capacity | 6 rounds | 6 rounds | 6 rounds |
| Price | $652.35 | $850–$950 (street) | $700–$800 (street) |
| Action | Single-action | Single-action | Single-action |
The Ruger Vaquero offers a rugged stainless build but costs more. The Uberti is closer in price but often has a shorter barrel and less consistent fit. The Traditions gives you the same classic look and function at a lower price point, with the 7.50-inch barrel for better accuracy.
FAQ
Is this revolver safe to carry with a round under the hammer?
Yes, but only if you carry it with the hammer down on an empty chamber — standard practice for single-action revolvers. The Traditions 1873 does not have a transfer bar safety, so carrying with a round under the hammer is not recommended. Load five, leave the hammer over an empty chamber, and you’re good.
Can I shoot modern .45 Colt +P ammunition in this revolver?
Per Traditions specs, this revolver is designed for standard-pressure .45 Colt ammunition only. +P loads generate higher pressure and could damage the frame over time. Stick to factory standard loads (e.g., 250-grain lead round nose at 750–850 fps) for reliable function and safety.
Does the 7.50-inch barrel make this too big for home defense?
Not at all. The 7.50-inch barrel actually helps in home defense by giving you a longer sight radius for better accuracy. It’s heavier than a snub-nose, but that weight soaks up recoil and keeps your sights on target. Just make sure you have a secure holster or safe for storage.
What kind of accuracy can I expect at 25 yards?
With the 7.50-inch barrel and crisp single-action trigger, you should be able to keep shots inside 4–6 inches at 25 yards off a rest. That’s more than enough for any defensive scenario inside an apartment or house.
Why Buy From Us
- ✅ 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 have grown 12% year-over-year among urban shooters looking for reliable, low-maintenance home defense firearms. This Traditions 1873 fits that trend perfectly.
Browse more in our Revolvers collection, or check out Single-Action Revolvers and Home Defense Firearms.





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