Rediscover the Spirit of the Old West: The Chiappa SAA 1873 .22 LR Revolver

For enthusiasts of classic firearms, recreational shooters, and those looking for an accessible entry point into the world of revolvers, the Chiappa Firearms SAA 1873 .22 LR stands as an exceptional choice. This isn't just another handgun; it's a meticulously crafted homage to one of the most iconic firearms in American history: the Colt Single Action Army, often revered as "The Peacemaker." But unlike its high-caliber predecessors, Chiappa has re-engineered this timeless design to chamber the highly economical and mild-recoiling .22 Long Rifle ammunition, making it a truly versatile and enjoyable shooting experience for a wide audience.

Are you searching for a reliable and affordable revolver for plinking? Do you want to hone your shooting skills without breaking the bank on ammunition? Perhaps you're a history buff eager to own a piece of the American frontier in a practical, modern format. The Chiappa SAA 1873 .22 LR is specifically designed to meet these needs, delivering the authentic feel and classic aesthetics of a legendary single action revolver, combined with the practical benefits of the .22 LR cartridge. It’s an ideal solution for anyone seeking to combine historical appreciation with modern shooting enjoyment.

Why Choose a .22 LR Revolver for Your Collection or First Firearm?

The .22 Long Rifle cartridge is undeniably the most popular and widely used ammunition in the world, and for good reason. When chambered in a well-built revolver like the Chiappa SAA 1873, it offers a plethora of advantages that make it suitable for a diverse range of shooters and applications.

Cost-Effective Shooting

One of the primary benefits of the .22 LR caliber is its unparalleled affordability. Compared to larger centerfire cartridges, .22 LR ammunition is significantly less expensive. This economic advantage translates directly into more time at the range, allowing you to practice fundamental shooting techniques, improve accuracy, and simply enjoy the sport without the financial strain. For new shooters, this means extensive training without a prohibitive cost barrier, fostering confidence and skill development. For seasoned veterans, it's the perfect caliber for high-volume practice sessions or casual plinking.

Minimal Recoil and Comfortable Handling

The .22 LR produces very little recoil, making it exceptionally comfortable to shoot, even for extended periods. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for:

• New Shooters: The lack of intimidating recoil helps beginners focus on proper grip, sight alignment, and trigger control, building a solid foundation without developing a flinch.
• Youth Shooters: Under appropriate supervision, the mild recoil allows younger shooters to learn safely and effectively, fostering a positive introduction to firearms.
• Experienced Shooters: It serves as an excellent training tool to perfect shooting fundamentals, as recoil management becomes less of a factor, allowing focus on precision.
• Individuals with Physical Limitations: For those who might find larger calibers challenging due to recoil, the .22 LR offers an accessible way to participate in shooting sports.

Versatility Across Shooting Disciplines

While often associated with plinking, the .22 LR revolver is surprisingly versatile:

• Recreational Plinking: It's the quintessential plinking cartridge, perfect for informal target shooting at cans, bottles, or reactive targets.
• Target Practice: Its inherent accuracy, especially at closer ranges, makes it excellent for developing precision and consistency on paper targets.
• Small Game Hunting: With proper shot placement, the .22 LR is effective for harvesting small game like squirrels, rabbits, or varmints, making the Chiappa SAA 1873 a viable option for responsible hunters.
• Skill Development: As a training aid, it helps shooters master trigger pull, sight picture, and breath control – skills transferable to any firearm.

The Chiappa SAA 1873 .22 LR: A Detailed Look at its Features

The Chiappa SAA 1873 series is renowned for capturing the essence of the original Colt Single Action Army while modernizing it with practical considerations and the accessible .22 LR caliber. Every element of this revolver speaks to both its historical roots and its modern utility.

Authentic Single Action Operation (SAO)

The "SAO" or Single Action Only action means the hammer must be manually cocked before each shot. This is a defining characteristic of the original 1873 design and contributes significantly to the revolver's unique appeal and shooting experience.

• Precision: The single-action trigger pull is typically lighter and crisper than double-action triggers, contributing to enhanced accuracy, especially for target shooting.
• Historical Accuracy: It provides an authentic feel that transports the shooter back to the era of the Old West, making each shot a deliberate and satisfying action.
• Safety (with Practice): The deliberate cocking motion encourages careful handling and precise aim before firing, instilling good shooting habits.

Robust Blued Steel Construction

The Chiappa SAA 1873 features a frame, barrel, and cylinder all crafted from blued steel. This construction choice offers several key advantages:

• Durability: Steel is an incredibly robust material, ensuring the revolver can withstand years of use and provide reliable performance.
• Classic Aesthetic: The deep, lustrous blued finish is a hallmark of traditional firearms and perfectly complements the Old West design, giving the revolver a timeless and elegant appearance.
• Weight and Balance: At approximately 35.20 ounces, the steel construction provides a substantial, balanced feel in the hand, aiding in recoil absorption (minimal as it is) and steady aim.

Elegant Wood Grips

Complementing the blued steel, the Chiappa SAA 1873 is fitted with beautiful wood grips.

• Timeless Appeal: Wood grips are synonymous with classic firearms and add to the historical authenticity and aesthetic charm of the revolver.
• Comfortable Handling: The ergonomically shaped wood grips provide a secure and comfortable hold, allowing for natural pointability and reducing hand fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
• Enhanced Control: A good grip is fundamental to accurate shooting, and the natural texture of wood offers a reliable purchase.

Optimized 4.75-inch Barrel

The 4.75-inch barrel length strikes an ideal balance, making the revolver both practical and portable.

• Accuracy: This barrel length provides sufficient sight radius and ballistic performance for the .22 LR cartridge, contributing to respectable accuracy for plinking and target shooting at typical rimfire distances.
• Portability: It’s compact enough for comfortable carry (where permitted) and easy handling, without sacrificing performance.
• Classic Proportions: The 4.75-inch barrel is one of the most recognized and iconic lengths for the SAA revolver, enhancing its historical authenticity.

Fixed Blade Front Sight

Keeping true to the original design, the Chiappa SAA 1873 features a fixed blade front sight.

• Simplicity and Durability: Fixed sights are robust and less prone to damage or misalignment, ideal for a durable utility firearm.
• Authenticity: This style of sight is historically accurate for the SAA design, reinforcing the revolver's classic appeal.
• Reliable Performance: Once the shooter familiarizes themselves with the point of aim, fixed sights provide consistent and reliable accuracy for the intended uses of the .22 LR revolver.

Standard 6-Round Capacity

The 6-round cylinder capacity is standard for this type of revolver, mirroring the historical design.

• Authenticity: It maintains fidelity to the original Single Action Army's capacity.
• Adequate for Purpose: For plinking, target practice, or small game hunting, a 6-round capacity is perfectly sufficient, allowing for deliberate shooting and reloading.
• Simplified Reloading: The traditional gate-loading system, while slower than modern revolvers, is part of the authentic experience and teaches careful ammunition management.

Real-World Applications and Who Benefits Most from the Chiappa SAA 1873 .22 LR

The Chiappa SAA 1873 .22 LR is more than just a range toy; it's a versatile tool that caters to a wide array of users and situations.

The Budget-Conscious Shooter

If you love shooting but are mindful of ammunition costs, this revolver is a godsend. Its .22 LR chambering ensures that hundreds, if not thousands, of rounds can be enjoyed for the price of a small box of centerfire ammunition. This makes regular practice sessions economically viable, fostering consistent skill development.

The Novice or First-Time Handgun Owner

For anyone new to firearms, the SAA 1873 .22 LR offers a gentle and intuitive introduction. The low recoil and straightforward single-action operation allow new shooters to focus on the fundamentals without being overwhelmed. It builds confidence and teaches critical safety and handling skills in a non-intimidating environment.

The History Enthusiast and Collector

This revolver is a must-have for those fascinated by the American Old West, cowboy culture, and historical firearms. It provides a tangible link to a bygone era, allowing you to experience the mechanics and feel of a legendary design without the high cost or recoil of a centerfire original. It's a functional display piece that can also be taken to the range.

The Plinker and Recreational Shooter

There’s immense satisfaction in informal shooting, setting up targets, and enjoying a relaxing day at the range or in the field. The Chiappa SAA 1873 .22 LR excels here, offering endless hours of fun, precise plinking, and enjoyable target practice. Its classic looks only add to the nostalgic joy of shooting.

The Small Game Hunter

For the ethical small game hunter, the .22 LR revolver is a time-honored tool. Its accuracy, quiet report (compared to larger calibers), and effectiveness on small varmints and game animals make the Chiappa SAA 1873 a capable sidearm for outdoor adventures.

The Skill Builder and Trainer

Experienced shooters often use .22 LR firearms to refine their fundamental techniques. The Chiappa SAA 1873 allows for high-volume, low-cost practice of trigger control, sight picture, breath management, and grip – all critical skills that directly transfer to larger, more powerful handguns. It's an excellent platform for diagnosing and correcting shooting flaws.

Maintenance and Care for Your Chiappa SAA 1873 .22 LR Revolver

Like any firearm, your Chiappa SAA 1873 will benefit from regular cleaning and proper maintenance to ensure its longevity and reliable performance. Given it's a .22 LR, it's particularly important to keep the action and bore clean, as rimfire ammunition can leave behind more fouling than centerfire rounds.

• After Every Use: A basic cleaning of the bore, cylinder chambers, and critical action parts will prevent buildup. Use a good quality .22 caliber cleaning kit, bore brush, patches, and appropriate solvents and lubricants.
• Focus on the Cylinder and Forcing Cone: These areas tend to accumulate carbon and lead residue quickly with .22 LR, so pay extra attention to them.
• Lubrication: A light coat of gun oil on moving parts will ensure smooth operation and protect against corrosion.
• Storage: Store your blued steel revolver in a dry environment to prevent rust. A silicone-impregnated gun sock or a dehumidified safe can be beneficial.

By following these simple care routines, your Chiappa SAA 1873 .22 LR will remain a cherished and reliable firearm for many years to come, consistently delivering the performance and enjoyment you expect.

Why Purchase Your Chiappa SAA 1873 .22 LR from DEGuns?

When investing in a firearm, choosing a reputable dealer is paramount. DEGuns offers a seamless and reliable purchasing experience for firearms enthusiasts. As a trusted source for quality firearms, including the Chiappa Firearms SAA 1873 .22 LR, DEGuns ensures competitive pricing, comprehensive product information, and dedicated customer support. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, you can have confidence in obtaining genuine products and excellent service from DEGuns. Make the smart choice for your next firearm acquisition.

Chiappa Firearms 1873 - 22's Video Review

Chiappa SAA 1873 .22 LR Specifications

Attribute	Detail
Brand	Chiappa Firearms
Model	SAA 1873
Caliber	22 LR
Capacity	6 Rounds
Action	Single Action Only (SAO)
Barrel Length	4.75 inches
Overall Length	10.25 inches
Weight	35.20 ounces
Frame Material	Steel
Frame Finish	Blued
Grips	Wood
Sights	Blade Front (Fixed)
Safety	No (Traditional Design)
Cylinder Material	Steel
Cylinder Finish	Blued
Barrel Material	Steel
Barrel Finish	Blued
SKU	5659
MPN	340053
UPC	8053670712393