Colt New Frontier Single Action Army SAA 7 1/2″ .44 Special Revolver, 1981
SOLD FOR: $1,325.00
WOA#: WY240327DC009
Make: Colt
Model: New Frontier Single Action Army
Serial Number: 13858NF
Year of Manufacture: 1981
Caliber: .44 Special
Action Type: Side Gate Loaded Single Action Revolver
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT NEW FRONTIER S.A.A. .44 SPECIAL”. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871 / JULY 2, 72 JAN. 19, 75” followed by the Rampant Colt. The underside of the frame is marked with the serial number, “13858NF”. The front face of the cylinder is marked “3858”. The left side of each portion of the grip frame, under the grip, is marked with “13858NF”. The left of the trigger guard has “VP” in triangle and “K”, the right is marked “Q”.
Barrel Length: 7 1/2″
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch pinned to the topstrap, adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood panels with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The contour and fit of the grips make us suspect that they are not original to the gun. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn fouling in and in front of the forcing-cone. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10 and should clean to 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. The cylinder has scattered turn-wear. The frame’s case color shows slight muting. The trigger guard’s finish has a slight plum hue. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in about Very Good condition (see Mechanics).
Mechanics: The trigger return spring appears to be weak. The hammer doesn’t properly catch at half-cock unless the trigger is pressed forward manually. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder locks with very little play on each chamber. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: From 1890 to 1989, Colt manufactured a variation of the venerable Single Action Army with a uniquely different profile. The “Flattop Target Model” was fitted with an adjustable leaf rear sight and a blade front sight. The New Frontier has that sleek flat top design with a rear sight that is adjustable for windage and elevation along with a target ready ramp front sight. The New Frontier was offered in a few different calibers and in various barrel lengths. This example’s 7 1/2″ barrel should make it as accurate as it is beautiful. It is in Very Good condition showing signs of light use and is chambered for the .44 Special cartridge. There is a slight issue with the trigger return spring, but this should be easily corrected. Whether you’re looking for a classy shooter or trying to round out your Colt collection, this is a great revolver for any safe in America. Please see our photos and good luck in your bidding!
