The Pietta 1873 Alchimista II .45 Colt 6rd 5.5in Blued/Case-Hardened is a single-action revolver that brings old-school stopping power to your nightstand or range bag. Chambered in .45 Colt, this six-shooter pairs a 5.5-inch blued barrel with a color case-hardened steel frame for a look that’s straight out of a Western—but built with modern Pietta manufacturing tolerances. The exposed hammer and blade front sight keep it simple, while the 1860 Army grip frame gives you a longer, slimmer hold and a wider trigger reach. At $746.17, it’s a solid investment for anyone who wants a revolver that hits hard and handles fast.
| Manufacturer | Pietta |
|---|---|
| Model | 1873 Alchimista II |
| Material | Steel frame with color case-hardened finish; blued barrel and cylinder (per manufacturer specs) |
| Compatibility | .45 Colt (Long Colt) ammunition; standard single-action holsters |
| Finish | Blued barrel and cylinder; color case-hardened frame |
| Weight | Approximately 39 ounces (unloaded, per Pietta specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 1860 Army Grip Frame: Why it matters—this elongated, slimmer profile gives you a more natural point of aim and a wider trigger reach, making it easier to control heavy .45 Colt loads without shifting your grip.
- Color Case-Hardened Frame: Why it matters—this traditional finish isn’t just for looks; it adds surface hardness and corrosion resistance, so your revolver holds up to sweat, humidity, and range dust in an urban environment.
- 5.5-Inch Blued Barrel: Why it matters—that extra inch over snub-nose revolvers gives you better velocity and accuracy at self-defense distances (15-25 yards), without being too long to clear a holster in a hurry.
- Checkered Walnut Army Grip: Why it matters—the aggressive checkering locks your hand in place during rapid fire, and the walnut soaks up recoil better than synthetic stocks, keeping you on target for follow-up shots.
- Single-Action Exposed Hammer: Why it matters—manual cocking forces you to slow down and aim, which is a deliberate advantage in a home-defense scenario where you don’t want a negligent discharge from a double-action trigger pull.
Who It’s For
This revolver is built for the urban CCW holder who wants a reliable backup on their nightstand or in a shoulder holster. It’s also for apartment dwellers who prefer the manual safety of a single-action design—cock the hammer, take your shot, no surprises. If you’re a collector or cowboy-action shooter, the Alchimista II fits right in, but its real home is in a city safe where .45 Colt’s knockdown power matters more than capacity.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: .45 Colt is a proven one-stop round for self-defense, with plenty of factory loads (including defensive hollow points) available.
- Pro: The 5.5-inch barrel balances accuracy and carryability—long enough for a solid sight radius, short enough for a cross-draw holster.
- Con: Single-action only means you must manually cock the hammer before each shot, which slows down follow-up speed compared to a double-action revolver or semi-auto.
Comparison
| Feature | Pietta 1873 Alchimista II | Zev Technologies OZ9 Compact | Geissele Automatics Super Duty Pistol |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action | Single-action revolver | Striker-fired semi-auto | Striker-fired semi-auto |
| Caliber | .45 Colt | 9mm | 5.56mm (rifle) |
| Capacity | 6 rounds | 15+1 rounds | 30 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 5.5 inches | 4.0 inches | 16.0 inches |
| Weight | ~39 oz | ~24 oz | ~6.5 lbs (unloaded) |
| Price | $746.17 | ~$1,500 | ~$1,800 |
| Best For | Urban nightstand/CCW (single-action) | Competition/EDC (high capacity) | Home defense/SHTF (rifle power) |
Note: The Zev and Geissele are semi-autos—different platform, but relevant if you’re comparing capacity vs. stopping power. The Pietta wins on raw caliber and manual safety.
FAQ
Is the Pietta 1873 Alchimista II safe for concealed carry in a city?
Yes, but only if you use a proper holster that covers the exposed hammer. The single-action design requires you to carry with an empty chamber or the hammer down on an empty cylinder—never load all six unless you’re at the range. For urban CCW, a cross-draw or shoulder holster works best to avoid printing.
What kind of .45 Colt ammo should I use for self-defense?
Stick with jacketed hollow points from brands like Hornady Critical Defense or Federal HST. Avoid lead bullets—they can foul the barrel faster. The 5.5-inch barrel gives you enough velocity to expand defensive rounds reliably.
Does this revolver have a transfer bar safety?
No. The Pietta 1873 Alchimista II uses a traditional single-action design with a half-cock notch and a hammer block. Always load five rounds, lower the hammer on an empty chamber, and store it with the hammer down. It’s a manual-safety gun—train accordingly.
Can I use .45 Schofield or .45 ACP in this revolver?
No. This revolver is chambered exclusively for .45 Colt (Long Colt). Using .45 Schofield may cause misfires due to shorter case length, and .45 ACP requires moon clips—this cylinder does not accept them. Stick with .45 Colt only.
Trust & Delivery
- ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✅ 30-day returns
- ✅ Secure checkout
Last updated: April 2026
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