The Enduring Legacy: Taylors & Company 1875 Schofield .38 Special Revolver

For enthusiasts of historical firearms, collectors, or participants in the dynamic sport of Cowboy Action Shooting, finding a truly authentic and reliable reproduction of an iconic Old West revolver is paramount. The Taylors & Company 1875 Schofield .38 Special, with its distinctive top-break design, blued steel finish, and classic walnut grip, offers a compelling solution. This faithful recreation addresses the desire for historical accuracy combined with modern manufacturing quality, allowing users to experience a piece of American frontier history firsthand.

Are you searching for a revolver that embodies the spirit of the Wild West while offering superb craftsmanship? Do you need a historically accurate sidearm for Cowboy Action Shooting competitions? Or perhaps you're a collector seeking a significant piece to add to your display? The Taylors & Company Schofield, available at DEGuns, stands as a premier choice, meticulously crafted to honor its legendary predecessor.

Understanding the Schofield's Heritage

The original Schofield revolver, officially the Smith & Wesson Model 3, was a pivotal firearm of the late 19th century. Adopted by the U.S. Army in 1870, it quickly became renowned for its innovative top-break design, which allowed for rapid reloading – a significant advantage over fixed-frame, rod-ejection revolvers like the Colt Single Action Army. Major George W. Schofield of the 10th U.S. Cavalry, a proponent of this design, made critical improvements, leading to the "Schofield" designation. This revolver saw extensive service during the Indian Wars and became a favorite among frontiersmen, lawmen, and even outlaws due to its practical advantages in a fast-paced environment.

Taylors & Company, known for its dedication to producing high-quality reproductions of historical firearms, has meticulously brought the 1875 Schofield back to life. Their commitment to historical accuracy extends beyond mere aesthetics, encompassing the functional design that made the original so revolutionary. This isn't just a firearm; it's a tangible link to a bygone era, allowing you to hold a piece of history in your hands.

Key Features and Why They Matter

The Taylors & Company 1875 Schofield is distinguished by several critical features that appeal to both historical purists and modern shooters. Each element contributes to its authenticity, performance, and enduring appeal.

• Caliber: .38 Special: The choice of .38 Special ammunition for this reproduction is a significant advantage. While original Schofields typically fired .45 Schofield or .45 Colt, the .38 Special offers several practical benefits for contemporary users:
  • Widespread Availability: .38 Special is one of the most common and accessible pistol calibers worldwide, ensuring easy access to ammunition for practice and competition.
  • Manageable Recoil: Compared to larger calibers, the .38 Special produces mild, comfortable recoil, making extended shooting sessions more enjoyable and accessible for shooters of all experience levels. This also aids in faster follow-up shots.
  • Versatility: It's suitable for various applications, from casual plinking at the range to competitive shooting.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Generally, .38 Special ammunition is more affordable than many other handgun calibers, making regular practice more economical.
  • Historical Homage: While not the original caliber, it allows a broader audience to experience the Schofield design without the specific ammunition constraints of historical cartridges.
• Capacity: 6 Rounds: The 6-round cylinder capacity is historically accurate for the Schofield and standard for most revolvers of its era. This provides a balance of sufficient firepower for its intended uses without compromising the sleek profile of the design. For Cowboy Action Shooting, six rounds are typically more than enough for a stage, and the traditional capacity adds to the authenticity.
• Barrel Length: 5 Inches: The 5-inch barrel strikes an excellent balance between portability and ballistic performance.
  • Maneuverability: A shorter barrel (compared to 7-inch or 7.5-inch historical options) makes the revolver quicker to point and handle, especially in fast-paced shooting scenarios.
  • Accuracy: Despite being shorter, a 5-inch barrel still provides a sufficient sight radius for good accuracy at typical handgun ranges. It's long enough to ensure good velocity and energy transfer from the .38 Special cartridge.
  • Aesthetics: The 5-inch length maintains the classic proportions of the Schofield, looking period-correct and balanced.
• Finish: Blued Steel: The blued steel finish is the quintessential appearance for historical firearms. This traditional chemical process creates a durable, corrosion-resistant dark blue-black oxide layer on the steel.
  • Authenticity: It perfectly replicates the finish of original Schofield revolvers, offering an unmistakable classic aesthetic.
  • Durability: Bluing provides a protective layer against rust and wear, preserving the firearm's appearance over time with proper care.
  • Timeless Beauty: The deep, lustrous blued finish enhances the visual appeal of the revolver, making it a truly handsome piece for display or use.
• Grip: Walnut: The genuine walnut grip is both aesthetically pleasing and ergonomically sound.
  • Classic Appeal: Walnut was the standard material for firearm grips in the 19th century, lending an authentic look and feel.
  • Comfort and Control: The natural grain and texture of walnut provide a secure, comfortable grip, allowing for excellent control during shooting. Wood absorbs some recoil, contributing to a pleasant shooting experience.
  • Durability: Walnut is a robust wood that, with proper care, will last for generations, maintaining its beauty and structural integrity.

The Ingenious Top-Break Action

One of the most defining and practical features of the Schofield design is its innovative top-break action. Unlike single-action revolvers where each spent casing must be individually ejected using an ejector rod, the Schofield's barrel and cylinder pivot downward when a latch is released. This action simultaneously activates an automatic ejector star, pushing all six spent casings out of the cylinder at once.

This design offered a revolutionary advantage in its time:

• Rapid Reloading: The ability to eject all casings simultaneously and quickly load fresh cartridges significantly reduced reloading time, a critical factor in combat or competitive situations.
• Ease of Use: The straightforward mechanism made it relatively simple to operate, even under pressure.
• Historical Significance: It represents a leap forward in revolver design and a clear contrast to the more cumbersome reloading of fixed-frame revolvers.

For modern shooters, particularly those involved in Cowboy Action Shooting, the top-break action provides a unique and engaging operational experience that sets it apart from more common single-action designs.

Who Benefits from the Taylors & Company Schofield?

This specific reproduction caters to a diverse audience, each finding unique value in its design and heritage.

1. Cowboy Action Shooters (CAS): The Schofield is a perennial favorite in CAS, a sport dedicated to preserving the spirit of the Old West through competitive shooting. Its historical accuracy, rapid top-break reloading, and .38 Special chambering make it an ideal choice for:
   • Authentic "period correct" categories.
   • Shooters looking for a competitive edge through faster reloading times.
   • Individuals who appreciate the unique feel and operation of a top-break revolver on the firing line.
   • The Taylors & Company Schofield is a recognized and respected firearm within the CAS community.
2. Historical Firearms Collectors and Enthusiasts: For those who appreciate the artistry and engineering of historical firearms, the Taylors & Company Schofield is a must-have. It represents a significant chapter in American arms development and provides:
   • A tangible connection to the U.S. Army's frontier campaigns.
   • A beautiful display piece that sparks conversation and admiration.
   • An opportunity to study and understand 19th-century firearm mechanics.
3. Reenactors and Living History Participants: The extreme attention to historical detail makes this revolver perfect for historical reenactments, allowing participants to accurately portray figures from the Old West with authentic equipment.
4. Recreational Shooters and Plinkers: Even if you're not involved in competitive shooting or collecting, the Taylors & Company Schofield offers a uniquely satisfying shooting experience. It's a fantastic range gun that:
   • Provides a refreshing alternative to modern polymer-framed handguns.
   • Offers a smooth, enjoyable shooting experience with manageable recoil.
   • Evokes a sense of nostalgia and connection to American heritage.

Why Choose Taylors & Company?

Taylors & Company has earned its reputation as a leading importer and distributor of high-quality historical firearm reproductions. Their dedication to authenticity and craftsmanship ensures that each firearm they offer, including the 1875 Schofield, meets rigorous standards. When you choose a Taylors & Company product, you are investing in:

• Unwavering Quality: Their firearms are built to last, with attention to detail in materials, finish, and mechanical function.
• Historical Accuracy: They work closely with manufacturers to ensure their reproductions are as faithful as possible to the original designs.
• Reliability: These aren't just display pieces; they are fully functional firearms designed for safe and consistent performance at the range or in competition.
• Excellent Customer Service: Taylors & Company stands behind their products, ensuring a positive ownership experience.

For all these reasons and more, the Taylors & Company 1875 Schofield .38 Special is a highly recommended option for anyone seeking a truly exceptional Old West revolver. You can find this exquisite firearm and other Taylors & Company offerings conveniently available at DEGuns.

Maintaining Your Taylors & Company Schofield

To ensure your Taylors & Company 1875 Schofield remains in pristine condition, regular cleaning and proper care are essential, especially given its blued steel finish and walnut grip.

1. Cleaning the Blued Steel:
   • After each shooting session, especially when using corrosive ammunition (though less common with modern .38 Special), clean the bore and cylinder chambers thoroughly with a bore brush, patches, and a good quality bore cleaner.
   • Wipe down all external blued surfaces with a soft cloth lightly oiled with gun oil. This prevents rust by creating a protective barrier against moisture and fingerprints.
   • Use a soft brush or cotton swabs for intricate areas around the hammer, trigger, and cylinder release.
   • Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives that can damage the bluing.
2. Caring for the Walnut Grip:
   • Walnut grips typically require less frequent attention but should be wiped clean of dirt and oil buildup.
   • If the wood appears dry or dull over time, a light application of a specialized wood oil or furniture wax (specifically for firearms) can restore its luster and protect it from drying out.
   • Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures or humidity, which can cause the wood to crack or warp.
3. Lubrication:
   • Lightly lubricate moving parts such as the cylinder pin, hammer pivot, and trigger mechanism with a high-quality gun lubricant.
   • Do not over-lubricate, as excess oil can attract dirt and grime.

Regular maintenance not only preserves the aesthetic appeal of your Schofield but also ensures its reliable operation for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Taylors & Company Schofield

• Is this revolver suitable for concealed carry? Due to its size, weight, and single-action operation, the Taylors & Company Schofield is generally not considered ideal for modern concealed carry purposes. It is primarily designed for sporting, historical, and collecting uses.
• Can I shoot +P ammunition in this revolver? While modern reproductions are generally built robustly, it's always best to consult the manufacturer's guidelines. For Taylors & Company firearms, standard pressure .38 Special ammunition is recommended to preserve the firearm and ensure historical accuracy in performance characteristics.
• How does this compare to a Colt Single Action Army reproduction? Both are iconic Old West revolvers. The key difference lies in their action: the Schofield has a top-break, auto-ejecting system for faster reloading, whereas the Colt SAA is a fixed-frame, rod-ejecting design. Both are excellent choices, depending on your preference for historical operation and reloading speed. The Schofield offers a distinct mechanical experience.
• What kind of holster should I use? For historical accuracy and proper fit, a period-correct leather holster designed for Schofield or similar single-action revolvers is recommended. Many holster makers cater to Cowboy Action Shooting enthusiasts and offer excellent options available through retailers like DEGuns.
• What kind of accuracy can I expect? With a 5-inch barrel and good quality .38 Special ammunition, the Taylors & Company Schofield is capable of excellent accuracy at typical handgun distances (15-25 yards). Its fixed sights are designed for combat accuracy, consistent with its historical role.

The Taylors & Company 1875 Schofield .38 Special revolver is more than just a gun; it's an experience, a piece of art, and a connection to the legendary figures of the American West. Its careful reproduction, chambered in the versatile .38 Special, ensures both historical fidelity and practical enjoyment for today's shooter. Whether you're aiming for a top score in Cowboy Action Shooting or simply seeking to own a magnificent piece of firearm history, this Schofield delivers on every front. You can explore and acquire this remarkable firearm, among many other quality products, directly from DEGuns.

Product Specifications Summary

Feature	Description	Detail
Model	Taylors & Company 1875 Second Model Schofield	Authentic Reproduction
Caliber	.38 Special	Common & Versatile
Capacity	6 Rounds	Historical Standard
Barrel Length	5 Inches	Balanced Performance
Finish	Blued Steel	Classic & Durable
Grip	Walnut	Authentic & Ergonomic
Action Type	Single Action, Top-Break	Rapid Ejection
UPC	839665008599	Unique Product Identifier
Availability	DEGuns (deguns.com)	Authorized Retailer