The Taylors & Company Hickok Open Top .38 Special revolver brings classic single-action character to modern shooting. This is a historically inspired design based on Colt's 1871–72 Open Top—the first revolver Colt manufactured specifically for centerfire cartridges—but scaled down with a practical 3.5" snub-nose barrel. If you appreciate vintage revolver handling and period-correct aesthetics without compromising shootability, the Hickok delivers a compact, well-balanced platform that works equally well at the range, in the field, or as a working carry piece.
The Hickok's design stays true to its roots: a forged steel frame with case-hardened finish, round barrel with front blade sight, and a rear sight notch machined into the barrel itself. There's no ejector rod—unload through the loading gate, just like the originals. Army-sized walnut grip scales comfortably for most hands, and blued steel grip straps round out the traditional look. The .38 Special cartridge offers mild recoil and excellent accuracy, making this revolver approachable for shooters new to single-actions and rewarding for those who prefer vintage-style revolvers.
Whether you're a Colt history enthusiast, a cowboy-action shooter, or someone seeking a straightforward, reliable revolver with genuine character, the Hickok Open Top stands out from modern designs that chase tactical trends. It's a gun that asks you to slow down and shoot—no frills, no unnecessary features, just proven form and function.
| Manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| Model | 550958 |
| Caliber | .38 Special |
| Barrel Length | 3.5" |
| Frame Material | Forged steel, case-hardened |
| Barrel Type | Round |
| Front Sight | Blade |
| Rear Sight | Notch on barrel |
| Grip | Army-sized walnut |
| Grip Straps | Blued steel |
| Ejector Rod | None—loading gate only |
The Hickok is built on a historically accurate 1871–72 Colt Open Top design—Colt's first centerfire revolver. Instead of a swing-out cylinder or top-strap mounted ejector, it uses a loading gate in the frame and has no ejector rod. You work the cartridges out by hand. It's a single-action revolver with a slower, more deliberate shooting rhythm—appealing to hunters, shooters who value vintage mechanics, and cowboy-action competitors.
Yes. The .38 Special is a proven cartridge with adequate power for small game and varmints at moderate range. The 3.5" barrel keeps it compact and lightweight for hiking or horseback use, while the sights and single-action trigger allow precise shooting when you take your time. The open-top frame and traditional grip also distribute recoil comfortably, even during extended shooting sessions.
The Hickok fires .38 Special cartridges. Standard commercial ammunition is readily available and affordable, making it cost-effective for practice and field use.
No. The Hickok uses a loading gate design (no ejector rod). You unload spent cartridges by opening the gate and removing them by hand—part of its period-correct, single-action revolver character.
Firearm Shipments:
To buy rifles or shotguns, you must be 18 years old, and for handguns, actions, or receivers, the minimum age is 21. By placing an order for this firearm, you confirm that you are the legitimate transferee/buyer, meet the legal age requirements, and comply with all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations necessary to purchase this firearm.
We only ship firearms to valid Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders. At checkout we provide a FFL locator for your convenience.
We will need a copy of the FFL’s license to facilitate the process, kindly request your dealer to email us a copy of their FFL, as we cannot dispatch the firearm until we receive this document. It is imperative for the buyer to choose their FFL dealer, ensure they are willing to facilitate the transfer, and have them email their FFL copy to BOSQUE Outdoors. To avoid any confusion, the customer's name or order number must be mentioned in the email containing the FFL.
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Taylors & Company
