Chiappa Launches S.A. 1873 Black Thunder Single-Action in .44 Magnum

Chiappa is bringing out the S.A. 1873 Black Thunder, a modern single-action revolver built on the 1873 Single Action Army pattern revolver but updated in ways that make it genuinely useful for hunting and outdoor shooting rather than just period-inspired range work. It is chambered in .44 Remington Magnum, carries six rounds in a semi-hexagonal fluted cylinder, and ships in two barrel lengths at $1,135 and $1,155 respectively.

The tensioned barrel system is worth understanding. A steel inner barrel sits inside an aluminum outer sleeve, which keeps weight down while maintaining rigidity. On a .44 Magnum single-action that is going to see full-power hunting loads, that balance of weight reduction and structural integrity matters. The Hogue oversized rubber grip handles recoil management from those loads, and the grip frame stays compatible with Ruger Super Blackhawk-style grips for anyone who wants to swap.

The top-mounted Picatinny rail is the feature that most separates this from a traditional reproduction. Optics on a single-action .44 Magnum makes sense for handgun hunters, and having a factory rail rather than a gunsmith-fitted solution is a practical advantage. The adjustable fiber-optic rear paired with a fiber-optic front handles iron sight work in low light, and the enlarged trigger guard covers gloved operation in cold weather field conditions.

S.A. 1873 Black Thunder 5.5″

• SKU: 340.357
• Barrel: 5.5″ (140mm)
• Overall length: 11″ (280mm)
• MSRP: $1,135.00

S.A. 1873 Black Thunder 7.5″

• SKU: 340.358
• Barrel: 7.5″ (190.5mm)
• Overall length: 13.25″ (336.5mm)
• MSRP: $1,155.00

Shared specs:

• Caliber: .44 Remington Magnum
• Action: Single action
• Capacity: 6 rounds
• Cylinder: Fluted, semi-hexagonal profile
• Sights: Fiber-optic front, adjustable fiber-optic rear
• Rail: Top-mounted Picatinny
• Safety: Transfer bar
• Grip: Hogue oversized rubber, Ruger Super Blackhawk compatible
• Finish: Blued and anodized
• Material: Steel and aluminum

Are you a handgun hunter who would run an optic on a single-action .44 Magnum, and does the 5.5 or 7.5 barrel fit your use case better? Let us know in the comments below. We always appreciate the feedback.

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