Pietta 1873 Great Western II Posse .357 Mag 6rd 3.5in
If you carry or keep a revolver for personal defense, the Pietta 1873 Great Western II Posse .357 Mag 6rd 3.5in delivers old-school reliability in a modern defensive caliber. This single-action six-shooter pairs a 3.5-inch barrel with a color case-hardened steel frame and smooth walnut grips. It chambers .357 Magnum (also cycles .38 Special), giving you versatile stopping power in a compact, fast-handling package.
| Manufacturer | Pietta |
|---|---|
| Model | 1873 Great Western II Posse |
| Material | Steel frame, walnut grips |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Finish | Color case-hardened frame, blued barrel/cylinder |
| Weight | 2.3 lbs (approx. per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 3.5-inch Barrel: Balances concealability with sight radius. Why it matters: Shorter barrel clears leather faster and points naturally, ideal for close-quarters defense.
- Color Case-Hardened Frame: Traditional finish resists wear and corrosion. Why it matters: This revolver will hold up to daily carry and holster friction without losing its looks.
- Six-Shot Cylinder: Classic 1873 capacity in .357 Mag. Why it matters: Six rounds of .357 Magnum give you ample firepower for most self-defense scenarios, and you can practice with cheaper .38 Special.
- Exposed Hammer: Single-action operation with a crisp trigger. Why it matters: You thumb-cock for a light, predictable pull—critical for accurate shots under stress.
- Blade Front Sight: Simple, fixed sight picture. Why it matters: No batteries, no adjustments—just a clean front blade that aligns fast on target.
Who It’s For
The Posse model is built for the shooter who wants a traditional single-action revolver for home defense, ranch carry, or trail use. It works for experienced revolver shooters who appreciate the 1873 design, and for anyone wanting a compact .357 that doesn’t require a gunsmith to maintain. If you carry in a holster on a belt or in a chest rig, this revolver serves as a reliable backup or primary in open country.
Pros / Cons
- Pros: Authentic 1873 feel, .357 Mag power in a small frame, color case-hardening looks great, smooth walnut grips improve recoil control, six-round capacity for a single-action.
- Cons: Single-action only means you must manually cock the hammer for each shot—slower than a double-action revolver or semi-auto. The fixed sights are not adjustable for windage or elevation. Per Pietta specs, the 3.5-inch barrel limits velocity slightly compared to 4.75- or 5.5-inch models.
Comparison
| Feature | Pietta 1873 Great Western II Posse .357 Mag 6rd 3.5in | Ruger Vaquero .357 Mag 3.75in | Uberti 1873 Cattleman .357 Mag 3.5in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 3.5 in | 3.75 in | 3.5 in |
| Action | Single action | Single action | Single action |
| Frame Material | Color case-hardened steel | Stainless or blued steel | Color case-hardened steel |
| Capacity | 6 rounds | 6 rounds | 6 rounds |
| Weight | 2.3 lbs | 2.4 lbs | 2.2 lbs |
| Price | $701.22 | $749.00 | $679.00 |
FAQ
Can I shoot .38 Special in the Pietta 1873 Great Western II Posse?
Yes. This revolver is chambered in .357 Magnum and will safely fire .38 Special ammunition. Using .38 Special reduces recoil and is great for practice.
Is this revolver suitable for concealed carry?
With a 3.5-inch barrel and overall weight of about 2.3 lbs, it works for belt or cross-draw holster carry, especially in open-carry states or for trail use. It’s heavier than a modern polymer semi-auto but offers a classic profile.
Does the Pietta 1873 Great Western II Posse have a transfer bar safety?
No. This revolver uses the traditional 1873 design with a hammer-mounted firing pin and no transfer bar. You should carry it with the hammer down on an empty chamber for safety, as per standard single-action practice.
What is the difference between the Posse model and the standard Great Western II?
The Posse model features a shorter 3.5-inch barrel compared to the standard 4.75- or 5.5-inch options. It’s designed for faster handling and easier carry while retaining the same frame and cylinder.
Call to Action
Add the Pietta 1873 Great Western II Posse .357 Mag 6rd 3.5in to your cart today and get a classic single-action revolver that’s ready for the range or the trail. Browse all revolvers or check our single-action collection for more options.
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Last updated: April 2026
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