Colt New Frontier Single Action Army SAA .44 Spl. 5.5″ Revolver & Box 1981
SOLD FOR: $2,300.00
LSB#: LSB251003DB005
Make: Colt
Model: New Frontier Single Action Army
Serial Number: 14758NF
Year of Manufacture: 1981 / Modern
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, “14758NF”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “.44S”, the front is marked “4758”. The left side of each portion of the grip frame, under the grip, is marked with “03516NF”. The left of the trigger guard has “VP” in triangle and “K”, the right is marked “H”.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2″
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notched leaf pinned to the topstrap adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut panels with inset gold Rampant Colt medallions. The grips have a few minor handling marks and some thinning of finish. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: This revolver appears to be unfired since factory testing. The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver appears to be unfired since factory testing.This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong. There are no carbon rings on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder locks with very little play on each of their 6 chambers. 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: This revolver comes in a faux-wood cardboard Colt box with serial-matching label and two-piece styrofoam tray. The box has moderate wear. It also comes with its owner’s manual.
Our Assessment: The Colt New Frontier Single Action Army represents Colt’s most refined evolution of the classic SAA platform, blending traditional single-action operation with modern, target-oriented sights. Introduced in 1961, the New Frontier was developed for shooters who admired the balance and heritage of the Single Action Army but desired adjustable sights for improved precision. Featuring a serrated ramp front sight and a fully adjustable rear sight, the New Frontier stood apart from fixed-sight SAAs and quickly gained favor among target shooters, outdoorsmen, and collectors. Production continued in limited numbers through the late twentieth century, and examples from the early 1980s are especially well regarded for their high level of finish and mechanical consistency.
This 1981 example is chambered in .44 Special and fitted with the well-balanced 5 1/2 inch barrel. Condition is excellent and suggests extremely limited use since factory testing. The revolver retains approximately 99 percent of its original blue and case-colored finish, with strong, even coloration throughout. There are no carbon rings on the cylinder, no notable handling marks, and all markings remain crisp and sharply defined. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating a full 10 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. Minor corrosion is noted at the inner edge of the muzzle, but it is localized and does not detract from overall bore quality.
The smooth walnut grips with inset gold Rampant Colt medallions show only light handling marks and slight finish thinning, remaining free of chips or cracks and rating in Fine condition. Mechanically, the revolver functions correctly with a crisp trigger and solid cylinder lockup across all six chambers, exhibiting very little play. The revolver is accompanied by its original serial-matching Colt box with styrofoam insert and owner’s manual; the box shows moderate storage wear but remains complete. Overall, this New Frontier stands as a high-condition example from Colt, combining the enhanced shootability that defined the New Frontier line with excellent finish retention and strong mechanical integrity, making it a desirable addition for collectors and Colt enthusiasts alike. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!
BF
