NRA Gun Of The Week: Davidson's Exclusive Pietta 1873 RIO

by
posted on October 14, 2022

Davidson’s was founded in 1932 as an auto-parts supplier, and the company expanded into firearms distribution in the 1980s. Today, it’s one of the largest firearm distributors in the United States. Due to its prominent position in the marketplace, the company is able to work with firearm manufacturers across the nation and the world to develop exclusive offerings and specially finished models you’ll find nowhere else. One of those models is the Pietta 1873 RIO. Watch the video above to see the exclusive Pietta on the NRA Tech Range.

man on range with silver and black revolver davidson's exclusive remote camera

The Davidson’s Exclusive Pietta 1873 RIO is an artfully crafted single-action revolver built to harken back to the glory days of the Old West, all while remaining a great shooter for the range. Pietta’s offered dozens of variations in its 1873 revolver lineup, which was built as a tribute to the classic Colt Single Action Army. For the Davidson’s 1873 RIO, the company started with a silver-finished steel frame that’s been embellished with scroll engraving. The trigger guard, hammer, barrel, ejector-rod housing and grip frame have all been treated with a deep blued finish, and further scroll embellishments can be found on the sides of several of these blued components. Preserving the blacked-out look of the grip frame is a one-piece “Ultra Black” grip.

scroll engraving revolver sliver and black 1873 Pietta nra gun of the week


In keeping with the traditional design of the Single Action Army, the Davidson’s 1873 RIO features a prominent fixed front sight that’s viewed through a slot in the top strap of the silver frame once the hammer is cocked. As a single-action design, in true Colt style, the gun features a side-mounted loading gate and a hammer that must be cocked for every shot fired. In addition, the embellished cylinder offers room for six rounds of .45 Colt and despite this capacity, the Pietta-produced design incorporates a traditional fixed firing pin attached to the hammer rather than using a transfer bar like more modern revolver models.

Pietta 1873 RIO single-action army revolver black an stainless steel silver scroll engraving

The Davidson’s Exclusive 1873 RIO is a great, eye-catching revolver for fun at the range. There’s nothing like having a gun that’s just fun to shoot, and this revolver certainly fits the bill. Given the attractive embellishments, wonderfully deep-blued finish and traditionally styled operating system, it’s not hard to imagine you’re a pistolero visiting some dusty border town. Our testers enjoyed the telltale sound of a traditional single-action hammer as the action was thumbed into its ready position.

Specifications
Manufacturer: Pietta USA
Distributor: Gallery of Guns
Action Type: single-action, centerfire revolver
Chambering: .45 Colt
Barrel: 4.75"
Sights: fixed; square-notch rear, blade front
Cylinder: six-round capacity
Trigger: 4 lbs., 8 ozs.
Stocks: one-piece, black finish
Weight: 41.6 ozs.
MSRP: $840

Latest

KelTec PR57
KelTec PR57

KelTec’s PR57: Thinking Outside The (Detachable) Box

KelTec has brought the stripper clip back with the thoroughly unconventional PR57—a carry pistol with an uncommon chambering, an unusual action and no box magazine.

The Armed Citizen® June 9, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

More Western States Opening Large Shooting Ranges

A number of states in the western U.S. have opened or are planning to open large, versatile ranges to serve the growing need for publicly accessible shooting spaces.

Preview: Sneaky Pete Distressed Leather Perfect Holster

More than just a fresh look made using handcrafted leather, the Sneaky Pete Distressed Leather Perfect Holster has been redesigned to accommodate extra ammunition in addition to a concealed firearm.

New For 2025: Rost Martin RM1S & RM1C Comped

Two new models joined the Rost Martin handgun lineup in 2025, one with subcompact dimensions and another with a built-in compensator that promises to reduce recoil substantially.

CMP Resumes M1911 Pistol Sales

As of January 2025, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) had resumed sales of surplus U.S. Army M1911/M1911A1 pistols to qualified U.S. citizens.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.