Kansas Gunshop is a Wichita, KS-based retailer specializing in classic and modern firearms. The Uberti 1873 Cattleman Birds Head 45 Colt Revolver with Case Hardened Frame and Walnut Grip is a faithful reproduction of a classic single-action revolver. Its distinctive birds head grip offers a unique feel for shooters. Available now for $599.00.
Reviewed by Derek, Owner & FFL Holder at Kansas Gunshop. Kansas-licensed FFL dealer since 2008, NRA Range Safety Officer.
Last updated: April 2026
What are the specifications of this Uberti 1873 Cattleman?
| Product Type | Revolver |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel frame, barrel, and cylinder; Walnut grip |
| Manufacturing | Uberti (reproduction of 1873 Colt SAA) |
| Finish | Case Hardened Frame, Blued Barrel/Cylinder |
| Hardness/Quality | High-quality Italian steel, traditional case hardening |
| Compatibility | .45 Colt ammunition |
| Installation/Usage | Single Action Revolver, fixed sights |
| Weight | Approximately 2.3 lbs (unloaded) |
| Dimensions | Barrel dependent (typically 4.75″ or 5.5″ barrel lengths available for Cattleman series) |
| Country of Origin | Italy |
| Condition | New |
| SKU | UB342450 |
What are the key features of the Uberti 1873 Cattleman Birds Head?
- Birds Head Grip: The distinctive birds head grip design provides a different ergonomic feel compared to the traditional plow handle. Some shooters find it points more naturally for them.
- Case Hardened Frame: The frame features a classic case-hardened finish, which is not only visually appealing but also a traditional method of hardening steel surfaces, providing durability and a unique aesthetic.
- Walnut Grip Panels: Fitted with genuine walnut grip panels, offering a solid feel and classic appearance that complements the case-hardened frame.
- .45 Colt Chambering: Chambered in the iconic .45 Colt cartridge, a powerful and historically significant caliber often associated with the Old West.
- Single-Action Operation: True to the original 1873 design, this revolver operates in single-action mode, requiring the hammer to be manually cocked before each shot.
- Fixed Sights: Equipped with traditional fixed sights, consisting of a front blade and a rear notch in the top strap, suitable for its intended range and style of shooting.
- Authentic Reproduction: Uberti is known for its faithful and high-quality reproductions of historical firearms, making this a solid choice for collectors and cowboy action shooters.
Who is this revolver for?
- Buy it if:
- You’re a cowboy action shooter looking for a unique grip and classic aesthetics.
- You appreciate historical firearms and desire a faithful reproduction of an Old West revolver.
- You enjoy shooting the .45 Colt cartridge and want a period-correct firearm for it.
- You’re a collector seeking a distinctive variant of the 1873 Cattleman.
- You prefer the feel of a birds head grip over a traditional plow handle.
- Skip it if:
- You need a modern self-defense revolver; this single-action design is not ideal for rapid follow-up shots. See our double-action revolvers for defense options.
- You are looking for a budget-friendly plinker; while well-priced for its quality, there are less expensive .22LR options for casual range time.
- You require adjustable sights for precision target shooting; the fixed sights are historically accurate but not optimal for fine-tuning POI.
What are the pros and cons of this revolver?
Pros:
- ✅ Authentic historical reproduction with a distinctive birds head grip.
- ✅ Beautiful case-hardened frame finish, adding to its visual appeal and durability.
- ✅ Chambered in the classic .45 Colt, a powerful and popular historical cartridge.
- ✅ High-quality Italian manufacturing from Uberti, known for reliable reproductions.
- ✅ Walnut grips provide a solid, traditional feel in the hand.
Cons:
- ❌ Single-action operation can be slower for some shooting disciplines compared to modern double-action revolvers.
- ❌ Fixed sights limit precision adjustment for different ammunition types or shooting distances.
- ❌ The .45 Colt ammunition can be more expensive than common calibers like 9mm or .38 Special, impacting range costs.
How does it compare to other revolvers?
| Feature | Uberti 1873 Cattleman Birds Head | Pietta 1873 Single Action Revolver (Economical) | Colt Single Action Army (Premium) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Italian steel frame, barrel, cylinder; Walnut grips | Italian steel frame, barrel, cylinder; Wood or synthetic grips | Forged steel frame, barrel, cylinder; Walnut or other premium grips |
| Quality | Excellent reproduction quality, good fit and finish, traditional case hardening | Good entry-level reproduction, functional but may have minor finish variations | Benchmark for single-action revolvers, highest quality materials and craftsmanship |
| Compatibility | .45 Colt ammunition | Available in .45 Colt, .357 Magnum, .22LR | Available in .45 Colt, .38 Special, .357 Magnum (historically .44-40, .32-20, etc.) |
| Lifespan/Durability | Built for regular shooting and long-term use with proper care | Durable for recreational use, may show wear faster with heavy use | Lifelong heirloom quality, designed for generations of use |
| Price | $599.00 | ~$350 – $450 | ~$1,800 – $3,000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a birds head grip on a revolver?
A birds head grip is a style of revolver grip where the backstrap curves inward and downward, resembling a bird’s head or beak. This design can feel different in the hand compared to a traditional plow handle grip, often pointing more naturally for some shooters.
Is the Uberti 1873 Cattleman a reliable revolver?
Yes, Uberti is well-regarded for producing reliable and historically accurate reproductions of Old West firearms. The 1873 Cattleman series is generally considered a solid, functional revolver for shooting and collecting, provided it’s maintained properly.
Can I use modern .45 Colt ammunition in this Uberti revolver?
The Uberti 1873 Cattleman revolvers are designed for standard pressure .45 Colt ammunition. It’s crucial to avoid using +P or heavily loaded ammunition intended for modern, stronger revolvers, as this can damage the firearm and pose a safety risk.
What does "case hardened frame" mean?
Case hardening is a traditional metal treatment process where the surface of the steel is hardened while the core remains softer. This creates a durable exterior and a unique, mottled color pattern (often blues, purples, and browns) that is highly prized for its aesthetic appeal on classic firearms.
Is this revolver suitable for concealed carry?
While technically possible, the Uberti 1873 Cattleman Birds Head, like most single-action revolvers of its size, is generally not considered an ideal choice for concealed carry due to its size, weight, and single-action operation which makes it slower to deploy and fire multiple shots compared to modern concealed carry firearms. Its primary role is historical shooting, cowboy action, or collecting.
What is the typical barrel length for this model?
While the Uberti 1873 Cattleman series offers various barrel lengths, the Birds Head grip models often come with shorter barrel options, such as 3.5 inches or 4.75 inches, to complement the more compact grip style. Always check the specific product listing for the exact barrel length.
Where can I buy revolvers online?
You can buy revolvers online, including the Uberti 1873 Cattleman Birds Head, from licensed FFL dealers like Kansas Gunshop (kansas-gunshop.com). We facilitate the transfer to your local FFL dealer after your purchase.
✅ Same-day shipping from Wichita, KS
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns
✅ Secure checkout
Browse more: Revolvers | Full Shop
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.