Pietta DLX Californian .357 Mag Revolver 4.75″ Walnut Grip

Description

The Pietta Great Western II Deluxe "Californian" takes the brand's most popular single-action revolver and dresses it up for shooters who want a little extra class without giving up performance. Chambered in .357 Magnum with a 4.75-inch barrel and a six-round cylinder, this faithful 1873 reproduction channels the spirit of the Colt Single Action Army that defined the American frontier.

What sets the Deluxe apart is its upgraded grip option. Pietta took the standard Californian and added checkered walnut grips that were previously reserved for their Custom Series guns, giving the revolver a more refined look and a secure, comfortable hold. Underneath the styling, the build is all business. Pietta uses hammer-forged steel barrels and frames that are drop forged and then CNC machined, then finishes the gun with a blued barrel and cylinder paired with a color case-hardened frame.

This is a true single-action revolver, meaning the hammer is cocked manually before each shot, just like the originals. It carries a wider rear and larger front sight for faster sight acquisition than period guns, while keeping authentic touches like a floating firing pin in the hammer. Because it is rated for .357 Magnum, you can also shoot less expensive, lower-recoil .38 Special ammunition, which makes it economical for high-volume practice and competition.

Reviewers consistently praise the Great Western II line for its smooth action, light hammer pull, and tight lockup, with many calling it one of the better 1873 clones available. That makes the Deluxe Californian a strong pick for cowboy action and Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) competitors, collectors who appreciate frontier-era styling, and recreational shooters who want a dependable, good-looking six-shooter. Whether you are stepping into a cowboy action match or just enjoying a day at the range, this revolver blends classic looks with modern craftsmanship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this revolver shoot .38 Special as well as .357 Magnum?

Yes. Because the revolver is chambered in .357 Magnum, it can also safely fire the lower-pressure .38 Special cartridge. Many owners shoot .38 Special for less expensive, lower-recoil practice and cowboy action shooting, then load .357 Magnum when they want more power. You should never do the reverse and fire .357 Magnum in a gun rated only for .38 Special.

Is the Pietta Deluxe Californian a single-action or double-action revolver?

It is a single-action revolver, just like the original 1873 Colt design it reproduces. That means the hammer must be manually cocked before each shot. This authentic operation is part of what makes it popular for cowboy action shooting and Old West collectors.

What is the difference between the standard Californian and this Deluxe model?

The Deluxe (DLX) Californian uses the same proven foundation as the standard Californian but adds upgraded checkered walnut grips that were previously only offered on Pietta's Custom Series guns. It keeps the same case-hardened frame, blued barrel, and core functionality while looking a bit more refined. In short, it offers the same performance with added visual appeal.

Is this revolver suitable for cowboy action shooting?

Absolutely. The 4.75-inch barrel, six-round capacity, and authentic 1873 single-action design make it well suited for cowboy action and SASS competition. Reviewers frequently highlight its smooth action and light, crisp trigger, and several owners report buying matched pairs specifically for competition.

How many rounds can I safely carry in the cylinder?

The cylinder holds six rounds. As with traditional 1873-style single actions, many shooters follow the safe practice of loading five and leaving the hammer down on an empty chamber for carry. Always confirm the specific safety features of your individual revolver and follow safe handling practices.