Taylors & Company — Sodbuster — Black Powder Revolver — .44 Cal — Single-Action Only (Striker Fire) — 8" Barrel — 6-Round — Blued Finish — 2-Piece Ivory Grip — Model 550778 / UPC 810012511698
Meta (SEO) short description: Classic-style Taylors & Company Sodbuster black-powder revolver in .44 caliber — 8" blued barrel, 6-shot cylinder, striker-fired single-action operation, elegant 2-piece ivory-style grips. Model 550778 (UPC 810012511698). Ideal for historic shooting, cowboy action, and collectors.
Product Overview — Old-School Looks, Modern Fit-and-Finish
The Taylors & Company Sodbuster (Model 550778) is a nostalgic black-powder revolver that captures the look and feel of frontier-era sidearms while offering modern manufacturing consistency. Chambered in .44 caliber with a 6-round cylinder, a striker-fired single-action mechanism, and a long 8" blued barrel, the Sodbuster is built for black-powder shooting enthusiasts, period shooters, and collectors who want authentic styling without sacrificing reliability. The elegant two-piece ivory-style grips provide a vintage aesthetic and secure hold for hunting, target work, or cowboy action competition.
Key Features & Benefits (SEO keywords included)
Caliber: .44 — classic black-powder bore size favored for period-correct power and availability of projectiles.
Action Type: Single-Action Only (SAO) — striker-fired single-action mechanism for crisp, predictable trigger breaks and authentic handling.
Capacity: 6 rounds — traditional six-shot cylinder for extended shooting between reloads.
Barrel Length: 8" — long sight radius for improved accuracy and balance; great for target shooting and slow-fire precision.
Finish: Rich blued steel finish — provides a classic look and corrosion resistance when properly maintained.
Grips: Two-piece ivory-style grips — attractive, ergonomic, and period-appropriate styling that complements the blued steel.
Model / SKU: 550778 — use this to match vendor listings and confirm exact configuration.
UPC: 810012511698 — use the UPC to verify product listings and stock availability.
Design & Construction Details
Frame & Barrel: Rugged steel construction tuned to black-powder pressures with a blued protective finish. The 8" barrel is typically crowned for consistent muzzle release and accuracy.
Cylinder & Timing: Six-shot cylinder with period-correct indexing and timing for safe, reliable rotation when loaded with loose powder and patched round balls or conical bullets as appropriate.
Sights: Fixed front blade and rear notch (or dovetailed rear depending on production run) provide a classic sighting setup that favors deliberate aiming and slow-fire accuracy.
Operating Notes: As a striker-fired SAO, the hammer (striker) must be cocked for each shot — this design provides a short, predictable single-action trigger pull and reinforces safe, deliberate shooting discipline.
Typical Uses & Ideal Shooter
Cowboy Action & Historic Shooting: Styled and suited for themed matches and reenactments where authenticity matters.
Black-Powder Target Shooting: The long barrel and single-action trigger make the Sodbuster a comfortable choice for precision black-powder target work.
Collectors & Display: Classic finishing, two-piece ivory-style grips, and traditional lines make this an attractive addition to period firearm collections.
Beginner-to-Experienced Shooters: Good for shooters learning black-powder loading and maintenance, provided they follow safety and loading procedures.
Loading, Ammunition & Performance Notes
Black-powder use only: This revolver is designed for black-powder or approved black-powder substitute (e.g., Pyrodex, Triple Seven) and patched round-balls or conical bullets sized to your bore. Never use smokeless powder in a black-powder firearm.
Typical projectile & charge: Use patched round balls or conicals sized to the barrel groove diameter and follow published loading data from powder manufacturers and black-powder handloading manuals. Chronograph and always start at reduced charges when experimenting with new loads.
Performance: With moderate black-powder charges the 8" barrel delivers balanced velocity and good accuracy for hunting-sized game at short ranges and for precision target shooting.
Safety, Legal & Responsible Use
Handling & storage: Treat every firearm as loaded. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, and store unloaded and secure.
Lead & residue: Black-powder shooting generates heavy fouling and lead exposure. Always clean the bore and components after shooting, and wash hands after handling lead projectiles. Use appropriate ventilation and eye/hand protection.
Local laws & age restrictions: Black-powder firearms may be subject to state and local regulations—some jurisdictions treat them differently than modern cartridge firearms. Verify legal requirements for ownership, transport, and use in your area before purchase.
Competent instruction recommended: If you are new to black-powder firearms, seek training or mentorship on safe loading, firing, and cleaning procedures from an experienced shooter or qualified instructor.
Maintenance & Care
Cleaning after every use: Black powder and substitutes leave corrosive residues—thorough cleaning after each shooting session is essential. Use recommended black-powder solvents and hot water techniques for nipples, cylinder, and bore when applicable.
Protect the finish: Keep blued surfaces lightly oiled for rust prevention. Remove moisture and fouling promptly.
Inspect nipples & timing: Regularly check percussion nipples, cylinder gaps, and timing for safe function; replace any worn parts with manufacturer-recommended spares.
Grips care: Ivory-style grips are decorative — wipe clean with a soft cloth; avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the finish.
What’s in the Box & Ordering Info
Included: Taylors & Company Sodbuster .44 SAO revolver (model 550778) with blued finish and two-piece ivory-style grips. Verify with retailer whether manual, lock, or hard case are included.
Model / SKU: 550778 — reference this when checking dealer listings.
UPC: 810012511698 — useful for online searches and inventory confirmation.
SEO-Optimized Closing Paragraph
The Taylors & Company Sodbuster (Model 550778, UPC 810012511698) is a faithful black-powder single-action revolver that merges period-correct styling with reliable modern manufacturing. Chambered in .44 with an 8" blued barrel, 6-round cylinder, striker-fired single-action operation, and elegant two-piece ivory-style grips, the Sodbuster is ideal for cowboy action, historic shooting, and collectors who appreciate traditional form and function. Always use approved black-powder or substitutes, follow safe loading and cleaning procedures, and check local laws before purchase and use.
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