Description
Pietta has been building faithful single-action revolvers in Italy for over sixty years, and the Cowpoke is one of their newest additions to the lineup. This one tips its hat to the cattlemen who worked the open range, and it does it with style. The whole gun wears a bright old-silver nickel finish covered in extensive decorative engraving, and the walnut grips carry a distinctive cowhide-pattern motif you won't find on anything else in the safe. It's the kind of revolver that draws a crowd at the range before you ever thumb back the hammer.
A Cowpoke Built on the Classic 1873 Pattern
Underneath the fancy dress, this is Pietta's proven take on the 1873 Single Action Army, the same platform that's earned the company a loyal following among cowboy action competitors and Old West enthusiasts. That means the familiar plow-handle grip that rolls naturally in the hand, the satisfying four clicks as you cock the hammer, and simple fixed sights that keep things authentic. The 4.75 inch barrel is the classic gunfighter length, quick out of leather and well balanced without giving up much on target.
Why the .357 Magnum Cowpoke Makes Sense
The .357 Magnum chambering is the practical choice in a single action. You get real thump when you load magnums for the trail, and you can drop in soft-shooting .38 Special for cheap, relaxed afternoons of plinking or match work. That flexibility keeps ammo costs reasonable and makes this a revolver you'll shoot often instead of one that just sits looking pretty.
More Than a Safe Queen
Plenty of engraved revolvers are bought for the display case, and the Cowpoke would certainly earn its spot there. But Pietta's single actions have a solid track record of running reliably round after round, so there's no reason to treat this one as untouchable. Whether you're adding to a Western collection, looking for a standout piece for cowboy matches, or just want a wheelgun with real character, this one delivers on both looks and function.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Pietta
- Model: Cowpoke
- Manufacturer Part Number: PFI357CP434EW
- UPC: 754213618582
- Caliber: .357 Magnum (also fires .38 Special)
- Action: Single Action
- Capacity: 6 Rounds
- Barrel Length: 4.75 in
- Finish: Nickel / Old Silver with Decorative Engraving
- Grips: Walnut with Engraved Cowhide-Pattern Motif
- Sights: Fixed
- Frame Style: 1873 Single Action Army Pattern
- Country of Origin: Italy
What’s Included
- Pietta Cowpoke .357 Magnum revolver
- Factory box
- Owner's manual
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I shoot .38 Special through the Pietta Cowpoke .357 Magnum?
Yes. Any revolver chambered in .357 Magnum will also safely fire .38 Special, since it's the same bullet diameter in a shorter case. That's a big plus for this platform because .38 Special is cheaper, softer shooting, and perfect for cowboy action matches or casual range days. Just give the chambers a good cleaning afterward, since the shorter cases can leave a carbon ring.
Is the engraving on the Cowpoke functional or just for looks?
The engraving is decorative, part of the model's tribute to the cattlemen of the Old West. It covers the frame, barrel, and cylinder over the silvery nickel finish, and the walnut grips carry a matching cowhide-pattern design. It doesn't change how the gun runs, but the textured grip pattern does give your hand a little extra purchase compared to smooth wood.
Is the Pietta Cowpoke a true single action like the old Colt Peacemaker?
It is. The Cowpoke is built on Pietta's 1873 Single Action Army pattern, so you cock the hammer manually for each shot just like the originals. Pietta has been producing this platform for decades and it's a favorite among cowboy action competitors for its reliability and authentic feel.
Is a 4.75 inch barrel a good length for this revolver?
The 4.75 inch tube is the classic gunfighter length and arguably the best all-around choice on an 1873-style revolver. It clears leather faster and handles quicker than the longer 5.5 and 7.5 inch options while still giving you a usable sight radius and solid velocity out of .357 Magnum loads. For a mix of carry on the trail, matches, and range time, it's hard to beat.




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