Taurus Deputy: a new budget SAA

Taurus has re-entered the single-action revolver market with the introduction of the Deputy, a modern homage to the classic Colt Single Action Army (SAA). This new offering caters to enthusiasts of cowboy action shooting (CAS) and those seeking a firearm with Old West appeal.

The Taurus Deputy is available in two popular calibers: .357 Magnum/.38 Special and .45 Colt. Buyers can choose between barrel lengths of 4.75 inches or 5.5 inches, both crafted from alloy steel with a polished deep blue finish. The hammer and trigger feature a matte-blue finish, and the revolver is equipped with black polymer checkered grip panels bearing the Taurus logo. Unlike traditional single-action revolvers, the Deputy incorporates a transfer bar safety mechanism, allowing all six chambers to be safely loaded—a significant enhancement over older designs that required the hammer to rest on an empty chamber. The revolver retains the nostalgic "four-click" sound when cocking the hammer, and loading is performed with the hammer in the half-cock position. It also features a frame-mounted firing pin.

In a review by The Firearm Blog, the Deputy demonstrated solid performance during range testing. The reviewer noted that the revolver's sights were well-regulated, and recoil was manageable, thanks to the ergonomic grip design. The trigger pull was described as "stiff" with some creep, but this did not significantly affect accuracy.

The Deputy is designed with cowboy action shooting in mind, offering features that appeal to competitors in this sport. Its chambering options and barrel lengths align with common preferences in CAS events. The revolver's modern safety features, combined with its classic design, make it a suitable choice for both competition and recreational shooting.

The Taurus Deputy has a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $606.99. Street prices will of course be lower, with Brownells having it for less than $500. This pricing positions the Deputy as a competitive option in the single-action revolver market, offering a blend of classic aesthetics and modern safety features at an accessible price point.