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There is something about a .45 Colt single action with a 5.5-inch barrel that just feels right in the hand, and the Pietta 1873 Great Western II Californian nails that feeling. Built by F.LLI Pietta in Italy for EMF, this sixgun stays true to the classic 1873 pattern with a color case hardened steel frame, blued barrel and cylinder, smooth walnut grips, and an exposed hammer with the familiar four-click draw. Old-school looks aside, the way it is built is thoroughly modern.
The barrel is cold hammer forged steel, and the frame starts life as a drop forging before being CNC machined to tight, consistent dimensions. That combination is a big reason these revolvers have earned a reputation for locking up tight and running smooth right out of the box. Pietta also kept the floating firing pin in the hammer, a period-correct touch carried over from the original Colts. One practical upgrade you will appreciate at the range: the front blade is larger and the rear notch is wider than the originals, so picking up your sight picture is quicker, especially against a timer.
The 5.5-inch barrel is the sweet spot for a lot of folks. It balances beautifully, clears leather without much fuss, and gives .45 Colt loads enough runway to shoot flat and hit with authority. That makes the Californian a strong choice for cowboy action competition, steel plates, or pairing up with a .45 Colt lever gun for a matched set. Six rounds of a cartridge that has been getting the job done since 1873, wrapped in case colors and walnut, at a price that will not make you flinch the first time you holster it. Hard to argue with that.
It is one of the more popular picks in the game. The wider rear notch and larger front blade make sight acquisition faster than the originals, and the forged, CNC-machined construction holds up well to steady match use. The 5.5-inch barrel is also a nice middle ground between the quick-handling 4.75-inch and the longer 7.5-inch cavalry length.
F.LLI Pietta manufactures the Great Western II line in Italy, and EMF is the longtime importer that developed the Californian model with them. You will see it listed under both names, but it is the same revolver. Pietta has built a strong reputation for dimensionally faithful 1873 reproductions with tight lockup.
No, it uses a traditional floating firing pin in the hammer, just like the original Colt pattern. That keeps the action period correct for those who care about authenticity. As with any traditional single action, the time-honored practice is to load five rounds and rest the hammer on an empty chamber.
No, this cylinder is chambered for .45 Colt only, and the rimless .45 ACP case will not headspace in it. Stick with standard pressure .45 Colt loads, which include everything from soft cowboy action ammo to classic 255 grain lead rounds. It pairs nicely with a .45 Colt lever action if you like running one cartridge for both.
| UPC | 641996211225 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | |
| Manufacturer Part Number | HF45CHS512NM |
| Action | |
| Barrel Finish | Blued |
| Barrel Length | 5.5" |
| Caliber/Gauge | 45 Colt (Long Colt) |
| Capacity | 6 |
| Length | 14.6000 |
| Shipping Weight | 2.9 |
| Sights | Blade Front |
| Sights Type | FIXED |
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