Colt New Frontier 2nd Gen SAA .44 Spl 7 1/2” Single Action Revolver, C&R

SOLD FOR: $4,336.00

LSB#: LSB260124AK001

Make: Colt 

Model: New Frontier Flat-top Single Action Army, 2 Generation

Serial Number: 5494NF

Year of Manufacture: 1965 / C&R () 

Caliber: .44 Special

Action Type: 6-Shot Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder

Markings: 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”, alongside the rampant Colt logo. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT.F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT, U.S.A.”. The left side of the grip frame and backstrap are marked with the serial number “5494NF”.  The face of the cylinder is marked with the partial serial number “5494”. The grips are chalk marked “494”. The grip frame is serial marked “5494NF”. The loading gate is assembly marked “691”.

Barrel Length: 7 1/2″ 

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation in a base pinned to the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are a two-piece smooth walnut with silver Colt medallions.  There is handling and operational wear. There are light scratches and compression dents throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall these grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: blued, case color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is light fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 97% of its original metal finish. There is light thinning of the bluing at the muzzle and ejector rod housing. The front sight has a small ding. There is light handling and operational wear. There are light scratches throughout. There is light corrosion freckling under the grips. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this revolver is in Very Good to Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: factory cardboard box and care paperwork 

Our Assessment:  The Colt New Frontier represents Colt’s mid-20th century refinement of the iconic Single Action Army, introduced in 1961 as a target-oriented variant with a flat-top frame and fully adjustable sights. Built during the Second Generation revival of the SAA, the New Frontier combined traditional Colt styling with modern sighting capability, appealing to shooters who wanted improved precision without sacrificing the classic single action platform. Chambered here in .44 Special, a cartridge introduced in 1907 and long favored for its balanced recoil and accuracy, the revolver reflects a period when Colt sought to bridge heritage and performance. By 1965, examples like this one represent early production of the New Frontier line, maintaining strong ties to Colt’s historic manufacturing standards.

This revolver with its 7 1/2″ barrel retains approximately 97% of its original blued and case colored finish, showing only light thinning at the muzzle and ejector rod housing along with minor handling marks. The adjustable rear sight, paired with the serrated ramp front, distinguishes the New Frontier from traditional SAA models and enhances its practical accuracy. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, rating 9.5/10, with only light fouling present. The smooth walnut grips with silver Colt medallions remain in Excellent condition, showing minimal wear and retaining strong visual appeal. All matching serial numbers and clear markings further support the revolver’s well-preserved condition, while the included factory box and paperwork add to its overall presentation.

The New Frontier stands as one of Colt’s most successful attempts to modernize the Single Action Army while preserving its unmistakable profile and handling characteristics. Its combination of adjustable sights, classic lines, and chambering in .44 Special reflects a revolver built for both appreciation and performance during the Second Generation era. This example presents as a strong, well-kept representation of that model, retaining high finish, a quality bore, and the defining features that set the New Frontier apart within the Colt lineup. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF