Chiappa 1873
The Chiappa 1873 is an extensive family of Single Action Army revolvers covering the full range of configurations that made the original Colt 1873 the defining American revolver—from authentic reproductions in traditional finishes to modern variants like the optics-ready Black Thunder built for field and hunting use. Available in .22 LR/.22 WMR, .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and .45 Colt across standard, Buntline, and target configurations with barrel lengths from 4.75” to 12”, the Chiappa 1873 family offers more configuration options than any other production SAA manufacturer while maintaining quality consistent with Italian craftsmanship traditions.
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Chiappa 1873 Standard SAA: The Classic Configuration
The standard Chiappa 1873 SAA follows the original Colt design closely—fixed sights, traditional blued or case-hardened finish, walnut grip panels, and the classic single-action manual of arms requiring the hammer to be manually cocked for each shot. Available in .357 Magnum (also accepts .38 Special), .44 Magnum (also accepts .44 Special), and .45 Colt in 4.75”, 5.5”, and 7.5” barrel lengths. For cowboy action shooting competitors, the standard 1873 in .357 Magnum or .45 Colt with 4.75” or 5.5” barrel is the SASS-legal configuration used at most matches.
Chiappa 1873 .22 LR and .22 Magnum: The Rimfire SAA
The Chiappa 1873 in .22 LR and .22 Magnum brings the SAA experience to rimfire calibers at a fraction of the cost of centerfire practice. The rimfire 1873 accepts both .22 LR and .22 Magnum in interchangeable cylinder configurations on some models, providing exceptional versatility. With barrel lengths from 4.75” through 12” including the Buntline configuration, the rimfire 1873 family covers everything from entry-level introductory shooting through dedicated small game hunting and plinking. For buyers who want the SAA manual of arms at the lowest possible ammunition cost, the rimfire 1873 is the practical entry point into the Chiappa lineup.
Chiappa 1873 Buntline: The Long-Barrel Configuration
The Buntline configuration uses a 12” barrel—the longest standard configuration in the Chiappa 1873 family. The extended barrel provides the longest possible sight radius for precision work at distance, maximum muzzle velocity from any given cartridge, and the distinctive appearance associated with the legendary Buntline Special of Old West lore. In .22 LR and .22 Magnum, the Buntline is a capable small-game and target revolver. In centerfire calibers, it extends the practical range of the SAA platform for hunters and long-range revolver enthusiasts. The Buntline is best suited for holster carry on the range or in the field rather than concealed carry.
Chiappa 1873 Black Thunder: The Modern Field Configuration
The 1873 Black Thunder is Chiappa’s most modern interpretation of the SAA platform—built for field and hunting use with a Picatinny rail atop the 7.5” barrel for scope or red dot mounting, Hogue rubber grips for recoil management with .44 Magnum loads, an enlarged trigger guard for gloved use, and a transfer-bar safety for drop safety. Chambered in .44 Magnum. The Black Thunder transforms the traditional SAA into a serious handgun hunting platform capable of hosting a 2x–4x handgun scope for shots to 100 yards, making it the most practically useful 1873 variant for buyers who hunt with a handgun.
Choosing Your Chiappa 1873 Configuration
The configuration decision follows use case. Cowboy action shooting: standard 1873 in .357 Magnum or .45 Colt, 4.75” or 5.5” barrel, traditional finish. Affordable practice and entry-level shooting: rimfire 1873 in .22 LR. Small game and extended range: Buntline in .22 LR or .22 Magnum. Handgun hunting: Black Thunder in .44 Magnum with scope. Collecting and display: traditional centerfire SAA in blued or case-hardened finish. Chiappa’s Italian manufacturing quality is consistent across all configurations—the choice is purely about matching the revolver to its intended role.
Related Pages
Browse the full Chiappa firearms lineup including the Rhino and Little Badger, explore all revolvers, or see cowboy action shooting firearms and accessories.