Chiappa's SAA 1873 is a .22 LR revolver made to look like the Colt that settled the West. It is dark and businesslike, with the single-action layout and the ejector rod that fans of old Westerns will recognize.

Because it is chambered in .22 Long Rifle, the gun is easy to feed and gentle to shoot. A box of ammunition goes a long way, and the recoil is mild enough for kids and new shooters. The rimfire cartridge makes the Colt-style experience affordable, with no big-bore blast to deal with.

The routine of loading through the gate, cocking the hammer, and ejecting spent cases one by one builds good habits and teaches patience. At a cowboy-themed shoot, a .22 can work for plinking events and training days, and around the farm it is useful for pests at close range.

Keep the finish wiped and the cylinder lightly lubricated. Carry it with the hammer on an empty chamber and store it unloaded. This revolver ships to your FFL dealer, and the background check is completed there when you pick it up.