Colt 3rd Gen New Frontier SAA 4 3/4″ .45 Single Action Army Revolver, 1981
SOLD FOR: $1,682.00
LSB#: LSB251003GL011
Make: Colt
Model: New Frontier Single Action Army
Serial Number: 13466NF
Year of Manufacture: 1981
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Side Gate Loaded Single Action Revolver
Barrel Length: 4 3/4″
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 walnut with gold-colored Colt medallions. The inside of the right panel has “13466” hand-written in pencil. The interior of the left panel likely had the same, but much of the interior is covered with a residue, likely used for a repair around the screw escutcheon. The grips otherwise show minor handling wear with a few light marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as repaired.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9+ out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 92% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There is scattered light turn-wear on the cylinder. There are two light nicks on the top of the backstrap to each side of the hammer. There are a few other scattered minor marks. The trigger guard has a plum hue. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Good condition (see Mechanics).
Mechanics: The cylinder tends to over-rotate on two chambers. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The cylinder locks with light 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: The New Frontier was developed as an updated Single Action Army with adjustable target sights. This example is chambered for the classic .45 Colt cartridge with a 4 3/4″ barrel, making for a handy revolver that can still be fairly precise. The timing needs a little work and there is an interior repair on the left grip panel, but the bore is in good shape and the revolver retains the great majority of its original finish with serial-matching parts. This is a neat Colt revolver well worth adding to a collection, but should also prove suitable for target shooting or hunting after the timing issue is addressed. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Bud
