Taurus Deputy
The Taurus Deputy Dual Cylinder is a single-action revolver that brings genuine versatility to the classic cowboy platform — two interchangeable cylinders let you switch between .45 Colt and .410 bore without tools, in seconds. The polished blued finish, bird’s head grip, and traditional single-action mechanism give it an authentic Old West character, while the dual-cylinder system delivers a level of flexibility no standard revolver can match.
Read our Taurus Deputy Buying Guide ↓
How the Dual Cylinder Works
The Deputy ships with two cylinders — one chambered in .45 Colt, one in .410 bore. Swapping cylinders takes only a few seconds: open the loading gate, remove the cylinder pin, swap cylinders, and you’re ready to shoot a completely different caliber. This modularity is unique in the single-action revolver market and gives the Deputy a genuine practical advantage over comparable platforms. Hunt small game with .410 birdshot, then switch to .45 Colt for defensive loads or cowboy action shooting without carrying a second firearm.
Single-Action Mechanism
The Deputy uses a traditional single-action mechanism — the hammer must be manually cocked before each shot. This is the classic cowboy revolver operation, the same as the original Colt Single Action Army. Single-action triggers are typically lighter and crisper than double-action triggers, making them popular for target shooting and cowboy action competition. The trade-off is a slower first shot compared to double-action revolvers, but for the applications the Deputy is designed for — hunting, range shooting, cowboy action — single-action is the appropriate choice.
.45 Colt vs .410 Bore
.45 Colt is a classic American cartridge with excellent terminal performance for hunting, home defense, and cowboy action shooting. Modern .45 Colt defensive loads from Hornady and Federal are genuinely effective, and the cartridge’s long history in single-action revolvers means ammunition is widely available. .410 bore opens up options for bird hunting and pest control — birdshot loads are devastating on snakes and small pests, and .410 slug and buckshot loads provide defensive capability in a revolver format. Together, the two cylinders make the Deputy one of the most versatile revolvers available.
Frequently Asked Questions: Taurus Deputy
What is the Taurus Deputy?
The Taurus Deputy is a single-action revolver chambered in .45 Colt/.410 bore — combining the classic Western single-action revolver aesthetic with the dual-caliber capability of the Taurus Judge platform. The Deputy uses a 5-round cylinder that accepts both .45 Colt cartridges and 2.5-inch .410 shotshells, giving it the same defensive versatility as the Judge in a traditional single-action cowboy revolver package rather than the Judge’s modern frame. It is available with 4-inch and 6-inch barrels in blued and stainless finishes.
How does the Taurus Deputy compare to the Taurus Judge?
The Judge uses a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) mechanism allowing faster defensive use. The Deputy is single-action only — the hammer must be manually cocked for each shot. The Deputy is the choice for buyers who want the .45 Colt/.410 dual-caliber capability in the classic cowboy single-action aesthetic for range, cowboy action shooting, or collection. For defensive use, the Judge’s DA/SA capability is meaningfully faster under stress.
Can I shoot .454 Casull in the Taurus Deputy?
No — the Deputy is chambered for .45 Colt and .410 bore only. It is not rated for .454 Casull which operates at significantly higher pressure than .45 Colt. Only use .45 Colt and 2.5-inch .410 shotshells in the Deputy.
See Also: Taurus Judge • Taurus Firearms • Revolvers • Old West Guns • Cowboy Action