Custom Colt Frontier Six Shooter SAA .44-40 Single Action Revolver, Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,126.00
WOA#: WY240323WM018
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army (Frontier Six-Shooter configuration)
Serial Number: The frame’s serial number has been removed. The grip frame’s serial is 32077
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1891-1895 (two-line patent marking, black powder frame)
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / JULY 2,72. JAN. 19,-75.”, the left-front trigger guard bow is marked “44”. The bottom of the trigger guard at the front is marked “32077”. The butt is marked “32 / 077”. The rear face of the loading gate has assembly number “984”.
Barrel Length: 7 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece stag panels. The grips show minor handling wear with some discoloration from age and a few light marks. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are shy to the butt. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished. The grip frame is not original to the frame, the barrel and cylinder pin are replacements.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered minor erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 10% of its metal finish. Most exposed surfaces have worn to white or gone to a light patina. There is scattered finish remaining in protected areas. The ejector housing mounting hole is enlarged. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The rear face of the cylinder has a ring of wear between the chambers which lines up with the firing pin. There is some scattered surface erosion and oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with questionably usable slots. The markings are worn, but legible. Overall, this revolver is in Fair condition as Antique (see Mechanics).
Mechanics: The timing is off. The cylinder can be pushed out of lock on three chambers. The hammer doesn’t catch at half-cock. The cylinder has a removable bushing. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Colt’s Single Action Army revolver is the iconic sidearm of the cowboy, lawman, and outlaw. Originally introduced in Colt’s .45 caliber, the demand for a revolver compatible with Winchester’s cartridges for their 1873 led to the introduction of the Frontier Six Shooter, essentially just a SAA chambered for the Winchester cartridge. This example is a 1st generation Single Action Army assembled with an 1876 vintage grip frame and an after-market barrel on a receiver made ca. 1891-1895. With its stag grips, it certainly looks like a genuine old-west relic. It will need a little work on the action to function properly, but it will display well as-is. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
