Experience the Legend: The Traditions SAT73131 1873 Frontier .45 Colt Revolver

Are you an aficionado of the American Old West, a dedicated Cowboy Action Shooter, or simply someone seeking a truly iconic firearm to add to your collection? Look no further than the Traditions SAT73131 1873 Frontier Single Action Revolver. This meticulously crafted reproduction brings the spirit of the late 19th century to life, offering an unparalleled blend of historical authenticity, robust performance, and stunning aesthetics. For those who appreciate the craftsmanship of a bygone era and the timeless appeal of a classic six-shooter, this .45 Colt (LC) revolver stands as a testament to an enduring legacy.

What makes a classic revolver stand out? It's a combination of historical fidelity, reliable function, and durable construction. The Traditions 1873 Frontier embodies these qualities, designed not just for display, but for active use in various shooting disciplines and for discerning collectors who demand accuracy in their reproductions. Whether you're aiming to complete a period-correct ensemble for reenactments, participate in competitive shooting events, or simply enjoy the unique satisfaction of firing a single-action revolver, the SAT73131 is engineered to meet and exceed your expectations.

Unveiling the Authentic Details: Design and Aesthetics

The Traditions SAT73131 is a faithful homage to the legendary Colt Single Action Army revolver, often referred to as "The Peacemaker." Its design captures the essence of the original, from its elegant lines to its functional simplicity.

• Striking Nickel Steel Finish: The standout feature of this particular model is its brilliant nickel-plated steel finish. Nickel plating not only provides a stunning, highly polished appearance that catches the light beautifully, but it also offers superior corrosion resistance compared to traditional blued finishes. This means your revolver will maintain its pristine look with proper care, resisting rust and wear over time, even with frequent handling and use. The mirror-like gleam of the nickel evokes the classic "dress" revolvers favored by lawmen and gentlemen of the Old West, making it an immediate eye-catcher whether it's holstered or displayed.
• Distinctive White PVC Grip: Complementing the lustrous nickel is a set of crisp white PVC grips. Often referred to as "simulated ivory" or "simulated pearl," these grips provide a stark, elegant contrast to the metal frame. Beyond their striking appearance, PVC grips are highly durable and resistant to environmental factors like moisture and temperature fluctuations, ensuring a consistent and comfortable hold. They are meticulously shaped to provide an ergonomic feel, allowing for a firm and natural grip that enhances control and shooting comfort. The combination of nickel and white grips creates a truly iconic and visually arresting firearm.
• Classic 4.75-inch Barrel: The 4.75-inch barrel length is widely regarded as one of the most balanced and aesthetically pleasing configurations for the 1873 Single Action Army. It offers an excellent compromise between maneuverability and sight radius, making it comfortable to carry and quick to point, while still providing sufficient barrel length for good accuracy with the .45 Colt cartridge. This length is particularly favored by Cowboy Action Shooters for its handling characteristics.
• Robust Steel Construction: From frame to cylinder, the Traditions SAT73131 is built with high-quality steel components, ensuring its strength, durability, and longevity. This solid construction is essential for handling the pressures of the powerful .45 Colt cartridge and for withstanding the rigors of regular use, providing a reliable platform for countless shooting sessions.

Performance and Reliability: Beyond the Looks

While its aesthetics are undoubtedly captivating, the Traditions SAT73131 1873 Frontier is much more than just a showpiece. It's a fully functional firearm engineered for dependable performance.

• Chambered in .45 Colt (LC): The .45 Colt, or .45 Long Colt, is arguably the most historically significant cartridge associated with the Old West. Introduced alongside the original Colt SAA, it was the standard military sidearm cartridge for decades and became synonymous with cowboys, lawmen, and outlaws alike. Its large diameter and substantial bullet weight deliver significant knockdown power, making it a formidable cartridge even by modern standards. Shooting the .45 Colt in a single-action revolver like the SAT73131 offers an authentic recoil impulse and a deep connection to its historical roots.
• 6-Round Capacity: True to the original design, the Traditions 1873 Frontier features a six-round cylinder capacity. This standard capacity ensures historical accuracy and ample firepower for recreational shooting, target practice, or competitive scenarios within the rules of Cowboy Action Shooting.
• Single-Action Operation: The "single-action" designation means that the hammer must be manually cocked before each shot can be fired. This characteristic is central to the authentic experience of an 1873-style revolver. Cocking the hammer rotates the cylinder, bringing a fresh round into alignment with the barrel, and simultaneously sets the trigger mechanism. This deliberate action encourages precise aiming and a measured approach to shooting, fostering a unique connection between the shooter and the firearm. It's a system that has proven its reliability for over a century and a half.
• Accuracy and Sight Picture: The fixed sights, consisting of a front blade and a rear notch milled into the top strap, are simple yet effective. They are designed for quick target acquisition at typical pistol ranges. With practice, shooters can achieve remarkable accuracy, especially given the inherent stability of the 4.75-inch barrel and the crisp, clean break of a well-tuned single-action trigger.

The Heart of the Old West: Understanding the .45 Colt Cartridge

When discussing the Traditions SAT73131, it's impossible not to delve into the legendary .45 Colt cartridge it fires.
Why is the .45 Colt so iconic?

• Historical Significance: Adopted by the U.S. Army in 1873, it played a pivotal role in the expansion of the American frontier. It was the cartridge of choice for legendary figures like Wyatt Earp and Theodore Roosevelt.
• Power and Performance: Despite its age, the .45 Colt remains a potent cartridge. Its large, heavy bullet (typically 250-255 grains) at moderate velocities delivers substantial energy on target. For modern shooters, various ammunition loads are available, from Cowboy Action loads with reduced recoil to full-power defensive or hunting loads.
• Reloading Versatility: For enthusiasts who enjoy handloading, the .45 Colt offers excellent versatility, allowing for custom loads tailored to specific shooting needs or historical velocities.
• Availability: Despite its age, the .45 Colt remains widely available from major ammunition manufacturers, ensuring you'll always find suitable cartridges for your Traditions 1873 Frontier.

Ideal Applications and Use Cases for the Traditions SAT73131

The Traditions SAT73131 1873 Frontier .45 Colt revolver is incredibly versatile, finding its place in a variety of activities:

• Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS): This is perhaps the most popular modern application for this type of firearm. CAS is a competitive shooting sport that blends historical authenticity with marksmanship, requiring participants to use firearms typical of the Old West. The SAT73131 is an ideal choice for CAS, meeting the requirements for single-action revolvers and providing a historically correct look and feel. Its nickel finish and white grips are often seen on the firing lines of CAS events, reflecting the personalized firearms of the era.
• Historical Reenactments: For those involved in historical reenactments of the American frontier or Civil War eras, the SAT73131 serves as an accurate and functional prop, enhancing the authenticity of the portrayal. Its detailed reproduction ensures that it looks and feels like a genuine artifact of the period.
• Recreational Target Shooting: Enjoy a unique shooting experience at the range. The deliberate pace of single-action shooting encourages better marksmanship fundamentals, focusing on sight picture, trigger control, and follow-through. It's a rewarding way to spend an afternoon.
• Firearm Collecting and Display: Beyond its utility, the Traditions SAT73131 is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship that deserves a place in any firearm collection. Its nickel finish and classic design make it a stunning display piece, sparking conversations about history and firearms heritage.
• Learning Historical Firearms Operation: For anyone interested in the mechanics and operation of historical firearms, the 1873 Frontier provides a hands-on opportunity to understand the design principles that defined an era of firearms development.

Mastering the Single-Action Revolver: Operation and Safety

Operating a single-action revolver like the Traditions SAT73131 is straightforward but requires adherence to safety protocols and an understanding of its unique mechanics.

1. Safety First: Always follow the four fundamental rules of firearm safety: Treat every gun as if it were loaded; Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy; Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target; Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
2. Loading: The 1873-style revolver typically features a loading gate on the right side of the frame. To load, open the loading gate, which frees the cylinder to rotate. Point the muzzle safely downrange, then manually rotate the cylinder to align each chamber with the loading gate and insert one cartridge at a time. For safety, many historical single-action revolvers (and their modern reproductions) are designed to be carried with five rounds, leaving the hammer resting on an empty chamber. This "load one, skip one, load four, cock and lower" method ensures the hammer cannot accidentally strike a primer if the gun is dropped.
3. Cocking the Hammer: To prepare for firing, manually pull the hammer all the way back until you hear a distinct "click" and it locks into place. This action also rotates the cylinder, bringing a fresh, loaded chamber into alignment with the barrel.
4. Firing: With the hammer cocked and sights aligned, apply steady pressure to the trigger to fire the round.
5. Ejecting Spent Casings: After firing all rounds, open the loading gate again. The Traditions SAT73131 features a spring-loaded ejector rod located beneath the barrel. Push this rod rearward through the cylinder's empty chambers one by one to push out the spent casings.

Caring for Your Classic Revolver: Maintenance Tips

Proper maintenance is crucial for preserving the beauty and functionality of your Traditions SAT73131.

• Regular Cleaning: After each shooting session, or periodically if the firearm is stored, thoroughly clean the bore, cylinder chambers, and action. Use appropriate cleaning solvents, brushes, and patches to remove powder residue and fouling.
• Lubrication: Apply a light coat of high-quality gun oil to all moving parts, especially the hammer pivot, cylinder pin, and trigger components. This reduces friction and prevents wear.
• Protection from Elements: Store your revolver in a dry, temperature-controlled environment. A silicone-treated gun sock or a padded gun case can provide additional protection against dust and moisture. The nickel finish is quite durable, but wiping it down with a soft, clean cloth after handling will remove fingerprints and body oils that could eventually cause discoloration.
• Professional Inspection: Consider having your revolver professionally inspected and serviced by a qualified gunsmith periodically, especially if you notice any unusual wear or changes in performance.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Traditions SAT73131 1873 Frontier

Q: Is the Traditions SAT73131 a good choice for Cowboy Action Shooting?

A: Absolutely. Its authentic design, .45 Colt chambering, 4.75-inch barrel, and single-action operation make it an excellent and historically compliant choice for competitive Cowboy Action Shooting. Many shooters prefer this barrel length for its balance and quick handling in stages.

Q: How does the nickel finish compare to a blued finish in terms of durability?

A: The nickel finish on the SAT73131 is generally more durable and significantly more corrosion-resistant than traditional blued finishes. It's less prone to rust and wear from handling, though it can show fingerprints more easily, which are wiped away with a soft cloth.

Q: Can I use modern .45 Colt ammunition in this revolver?

A: Yes, the Traditions SAT73131 is designed to safely fire commercially manufactured .45 Colt ammunition that meets SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute) specifications. Always use standard pressure loads. Avoid +P or significantly over-pressure loads unless explicitly stated by the manufacturer, which is highly unlikely for a traditional SAA replica.

Q: What is the benefit of a single-action revolver over a double-action?

A: Single-action revolvers, like the 1873 Frontier, typically have a crisper, lighter trigger pull because the act of cocking the hammer also completes the trigger mechanism's setup. This often translates to greater inherent accuracy potential. They also offer a more direct and engaging shooting experience that harks back to the earliest days of metallic cartridge firearms.

Q: Where can I purchase the Traditions SAT73131 1873 Frontier?

A: The Traditions SAT73131 1873 Frontier .45 Colt revolver, along with a wide array of firearms and accessories, is available for purchase at DEGuns. Their expertise ensures you receive a quality product and knowledgeable support.

Embrace the Legacy

The Traditions SAT73131 1873 Frontier .45 Colt (LC) 6rd 4.75" Nickel Steel White PVC Grip revolver is more than just a firearm; it's a piece of living history. It offers a tangible connection to the rugged individualism and adventurous spirit of the American West. Whether you're drawn to its stunning appearance, its historical significance, or its reliable performance in various shooting disciplines, this revolver stands as a premier choice for anyone seeking an authentic and high-quality reproduction of a true legend. Its blend of classic aesthetics with modern manufacturing precision ensures it will be a cherished part of your collection or a reliable companion on the range for years to come.

These products are all available at DEGuns.

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Traditions SAT73131 1873 Frontier Specifications

Feature	Description
Model	SAT73131
Caliber	.45 Colt (LC)
Capacity	6 Rounds
Barrel Length	4.75 Inches
Finish	Nickel Plated Steel
Grips	White PVC (Simulated Ivory/Pearl)
Action	Single Action Only
Sights	Fixed (Blade Front, Notch Rear)
UPC	805380073131