Traditions Frontier 1873 Buntline .45 LC Revolver - Color Case Hardened Finish

The Traditions Frontier 1873 Buntline .45 LC revolver brings classic single-action styling to modern shooters who appreciate historical firearms. This .45 Long Colt revolver delivers the look and feel of the legendary Buntline models, built on a proven platform for reliable performance at the range, in competition, or for collectors seeking authentic Old West aesthetics. The 12-inch barrel gives you extended sight radius and that distinctive long-gun profile that made the Buntline famous, while the color case hardened finish adds visual character and durability that only improves with honest use.

Built with a walnut grip and fixed sights, this revolver balances traditional craftsmanship with straightforward, no-nonsense operation. The six-round capacity is standard for the .45 LC platform, and the fixed sight picture keeps things simple—no adjustments to dial in, just point and shoot. Whether you're a serious Cowboy Action Shooter, a blackpowder enthusiast branching into centerfire, or someone who simply loves the romance of classic revolvers, the Frontier 1873 Buntline offers authentic mechanical simplicity and proven reliability.

Traditions has earned respect among shooters for honoring historical designs without cutting corners on function. This Buntline-pattern revolver respects that legacy: it's made to shoot, not just to display. The color case hardening isn't just eye candy—it's a time-tested finish that handles the recoil and handling of centerfire shooting. If you've been drawn to single-action revolvers but want something with serious barrel length and classic presence, this is a gun worth running.

Key Features

• .45 Long Colt caliber — proven cartridge with ample power and deep historical roots
• 12-inch barrel for extended sight picture and distinctive Buntline silhouette
• Color case hardened finish that develops character over time while resisting wear
• Fixed sights for simple, reliable aiming without complex adjustments
• Walnut grip for authentic handling and comfortable control
• Six-round capacity
• Single-action operation — clean, predictable trigger

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Buntline revolver, and why does the barrel length matter?

A Buntline is a long-barreled single-action revolver, traditionally a .45 caliber with an extended barrel (typically 10–12 inches). The longer sight radius makes it easier to shoot accurately at distance, and it's become iconic in Cowboy Action Shooting and historical firearms collecting. The 12-inch barrel on this Traditions model follows that classic profile.

Is this revolver suitable for Cowboy Action Shooting?

Yes. The Traditions Frontier 1873 Buntline's .45 Long Colt caliber, six-round capacity, and single-action operation fit the sport. Check your sanctioning body's rules on barrel length and finishes to be sure, as some matches have specific requirements.

What does "color case hardened" mean, and how does it hold up?

Color case hardening is a heat-treatment finish that hardens the surface while creating distinctive colors (blues, purples, grays). It's durable and period-correct, though it will patina and wear with use—part of its charm for many shooters. Handle and store it responsibly to prevent rust.

Can I use modern .45 Long Colt ammunition in this revolver?

The Traditions Frontier 1873 Buntline is chambered in .45 Long Colt. For specifics on ammunition compatibility and loading data, consult the manual or contact Traditions directly—ammunition performance varies by powder, bullet weight, and pressure levels.