Embrace the Legend: The Traditions 1873 Buntline .45 Colt Revolver

Are you searching for an authentic piece of American frontier history, meticulously recreated for today's discerning firearm enthusiast? Do you envision yourself with a classic single-action revolver, echoing the spirit of the Old West with every shot? For collectors, cowboy action shooters, historical reenactors, and anyone who appreciates the enduring legacy of iconic firearms, the Traditions SAT73103 1873 Buntline .45 Colt Revolver offers an unparalleled experience.

This isn't just a firearm; it's a journey back in time, allowing you to hold a tangible piece of the Wild West legend in your hands. If you're curious about what makes a long-barreled revolver so distinctive, or if you're looking for the best reproduction firearms that blend historical accuracy with modern reliability, the Traditions 1873 Buntline is a standout choice. It answers the call for those who desire both aesthetic beauty and functional performance in a vintage-style revolver.

The Iconic Buntline Design: A Story in Steel and Wood

The Traditions 1873 Buntline Revolver is a faithful homage to one of the most storied firearms of the American frontier: the Colt Single Action Army, particularly its legendary "Buntline Special" variant. Known for its exceptionally long barrel, the Buntline earned its mythical status through tales of famous lawmen and adventurers. This Traditions reproduction meticulously captures that unique profile, featuring a commanding 12-inch blued barrel that immediately sets it apart.

The elongated barrel isn't merely for aesthetics; it significantly contributes to the revolver's accuracy, making it a favorite for target shooting and competitive disciplines like Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS). Imagine the precision achieved with an extended sight radius, allowing for a more deliberate and steady aim. This revolver is designed for those who appreciate the historical significance of such a design and seek to experience its practical advantages firsthand.

Crafted for Authenticity and Performance

Every element of the Traditions SAT73103 1873 Buntline is chosen to provide both historical accuracy and robust performance. Let's delve into the specific features that make this revolver a true masterpiece:

Magnificent Finishes: Blued Barrel & Cylinder with Color Case Hardened Frame

The visual appeal of the 1873 Buntline is undeniable. The 12-inch barrel and the six-round cylinder boast a deep, rich blued finish. This traditional bluing process not only provides a classic, timeless look but also offers a layer of protection against corrosion, ensuring the beauty and integrity of the steel for years to come. The blued components contrast stunningly with the frame, which features a vibrant color case hardened finish. This intricate heat-treating process creates a unique, swirling pattern of blues, purples, and browns, making each revolver subtly distinct. The color case hardening is not just an aesthetic triumph; it also hardens the steel surface, contributing to the frame's durability and longevity. This combination of finishes elevates the Traditions Buntline from a mere tool to a work of art, perfect for display yet fully capable of rigorous use.

The Heart of the West: .45 Colt (LC) Caliber

Chambered in the venerable .45 Colt (Long Colt), this revolver connects you directly to the firearms lineage of the American frontier. The .45 Colt cartridge was the original chambering for the Colt Single Action Army and earned its reputation as a powerful and reliable round, capable of stopping threats on the frontier. For shooters today, the .45 Colt offers a manageable recoil profile, making it enjoyable for extended shooting sessions, while still delivering significant knockdown power for appropriate applications. It’s an ideal caliber for Cowboy Action Shooting, target practice, and appreciating the historical power of a true classic.

Ergonomics and Feel: Walnut Grip

Completing the classic aesthetic and ensuring comfortable handling, the Traditions 1873 Buntline is fitted with a beautiful walnut grip. Walnut is a traditional material for firearm grips, chosen for its durability, natural beauty, and the way it ages gracefully with use. The smooth, well-contoured grip provides a secure and comfortable hold, allowing for intuitive pointing and steady aim. This attention to detail in the grip selection enhances the overall shooting experience, making each interaction with the revolver feel natural and deeply satisfying.

Who Will Love the Traditions 1873 Buntline?

The appeal of the Traditions 1873 Buntline extends to several distinct groups of firearm enthusiasts:

• Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS) Competitors: For those involved in SASS-sanctioned events or similar competitions, the 1873 Buntline is an excellent choice. Its historical accuracy, the classic single-action operation, and the powerful .45 Colt chambering make it perfectly suited for the demands of the sport. The 12-inch barrel can offer a distinct advantage in accuracy, helping competitors hit those distant targets with greater consistency.
• Historical Firearm Collectors: If your collection includes iconic firearms from pivotal eras, the Traditions 1873 Buntline is an essential addition. It represents a significant chapter in American history and firearm design. Its meticulous reproduction quality ensures it's a valuable and admired piece among historical replicas.
• Target Shooters and Recreational Enthusiasts: For anyone who enjoys precision shooting at the range or simply wants a fun and engaging revolver for recreational use, the Buntline delivers. The smooth single-action trigger pull, combined with the extended sight radius of the 12-inch barrel, promotes excellent accuracy. It’s an incredibly rewarding firearm to master.
• Old West Reenactors and Living Historians: The authentic appearance and feel of this reproduction make it ideal for historical reenactments. Its faithful adherence to the original design ensures that it contributes to the historical accuracy of any portrayal, bringing the Old West to life.

Common Questions About the Traditions 1873 Buntline Answered

Is the Traditions 1873 Buntline a good choice for someone new to single-action revolvers?

Absolutely. While it’s a single-action revolver, which means you manually cock the hammer before each shot, this mechanism is straightforward and highly reliable. The manual operation encourages deliberate shooting, which can be an excellent way for new shooters to learn proper fundamentals. Its manageable recoil in .45 Colt and comfortable grip make it very approachable.

How does the 12-inch barrel impact accuracy and handling?

The extended 12-inch barrel significantly increases the sight radius (the distance between the front and rear sights). This longer sight radius allows for finer aim adjustments, leading to improved accuracy, especially at longer distances. While the longer barrel does add some weight and length, making it less ideal for concealed carry, it contributes to a steady feel during target acquisition and follow-through, enhancing the shooting experience for its intended use.

What kind of maintenance does a color case hardened finish require?

The color case hardened finish is durable, but like all firearm finishes, it benefits from proper care. After handling, especially if your hands are sweaty or oily, wipe down the frame with a silicon-impregnated cloth to remove any residues. For long-term storage, a light coat of a good quality firearm oil will protect the finish. Avoid harsh solvents or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the delicate patterns of the case hardening.

Can I use modern .45 Colt ammunition in this Traditions 1873 Buntline?

Yes, the Traditions 1873 Buntline is built to handle modern, commercially available .45 Colt ammunition. However, it's always recommended to use standard pressure loads, especially given its single-action design which is true to the original 1873 revolvers. Avoid "Ruger Only" or +P loads, as these are designed for much stronger, modern firearms and are not appropriate for this reproduction. Always consult your owner's manual for specific ammunition recommendations.

What are the benefits of a blued finish on a firearm?

Bluing is a traditional chemical process that provides a thin layer of controlled corrosion (black iron oxide) on steel surfaces. This layer helps protect the underlying metal from rust and gives the firearm a classic, deep black or blue-black appearance. It's aesthetically pleasing and provides a good level of protection, though it's still important to keep blued surfaces lightly oiled, especially in humid conditions, to prevent rust.

Why Choose Traditions for Your Authentic Reproduction?

Traditions is a brand synonymous with quality historical firearm reproductions. They are renowned for their commitment to accuracy, craftsmanship, and performance. When you choose a Traditions firearm, you're not just buying a product; you're investing in a piece of history that has been meticulously engineered to provide an authentic experience while meeting modern standards of reliability. Their firearms are built to last, designed for enthusiasts who appreciate attention to detail and a true connection to the past.

Acquire Your Piece of the Old West at DEGuns

For those ready to embrace the legacy of the American frontier, the Traditions SAT73103 1873 Buntline .45 Colt Revolver is available and waiting for you. DEGuns is your trusted source for high-quality firearms, offering an extensive selection and expert guidance. When you're ready to add this iconic, long-barreled six-shooter to your collection or bring it to the range for an unforgettable shooting experience, look no further than DEGuns. Discover the meticulous craftsmanship, historical accuracy, and sheer joy of owning a Traditions 1873 Buntline by visiting DEGuns.com today.

Traditions 1873 Buntline .45 Colt Revolver Specifications

Feature	Detail
Model	Traditions 1873 Buntline (SAT73103)
Caliber	.45 Colt (LC)
Capacity	6 Rounds
Barrel Length	12 Inches
Barrel & Cylinder	Blued Finish
Frame	Color Case Hardened Steel
Grip Material	Walnut
Action Type	Single Action
UPC	040589021201