Colt 3rd Gen New Frontier SAA 7 1/2″ .45 Single Action Army Revolver, 1981
SOLD FOR: $1,489.00
LSB#: LSB251003GL012
Make: Colt
Model: New Frontier Single Action Army
Serial Number: 16431NF
Year of Manufacture: 1981
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Side Gate Loaded Single Action Revolver
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 walnut with gold-colored Colt medallions. The inside of each panel has “431” hand-written in pencil. The grips have even minor handling wear with a few light marks. There are a couple of more notable nicks on the bottom of the panels. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition.
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 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. Most of the balance is scattered turn-wear on the cylinder. There is a patch of wear at the muzzle on the left. There are some light nicks on the butt of the grip frame. There are a few other scattered minor marks. 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 Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The timing is good and 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: 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 7 1/2″ barrel, giving a good sight radius for longer shots. The mechanics are strong, 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. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Bud
