Short barrels were the rule on the old cavalry-and-cattle trail, and this Frontier 1873 follows that pattern with a 4.5 inch barrel in .45 Colt. It is a faithful single-action in the Peacemaker style, from a maker known for black powder and cowboy guns.

The .45 Colt is a big, slow, heavy-bullet round with a long history. Loaded mild, it is a pleasant shooter for cowboy matches. Loaded hot in a sturdy gun, it is a respectable choice for handgun hunting and for backcountry protection. Pick your load to match the job, and keep Cowboy loads for the range.

A 4.5 inch tube balances quickly and holsters easily. It is not as slow to swing as a seven-and-a-half, and it keeps weight off your hip on a long walk. Sights are the traditional fixed type, so you learn to aim by where the gun shoots rather than adjusting.

If you want a classic sixgun that looks right in a holster and shoots a real cartridge, it fits the bill. The revolver ships to your local FFL dealer, and the background check happens when you pick it up.