
Colt New Frontier SAA Single Action Army P4970 7 1/2″ .44-40 Revolver, 1981
SOLD FOR: $1601
LSB#: 210205MS38
Make: Colt
Model: New Frontier 3rd Generation
Serial Number: 11911NF
Year of Manufacture: 1981 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester (WCF)
Action Type: Single Action, 6-Shot Revolver with Right Side Loading Gate
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT NEW FRONTIER S.A.A. .44-40”. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT.F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.” The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / JULY 2, 72 JAN. 19, 75” and a Rampant Colt logo. The bottom of the frame is marked with the serial number, found again on the left of each portion of the grip frame. The left side of the trigger guard bow has the Verified Proof mark and a “K”. The right side of the trigger guard is marked with “Z”. The front of the cylinder is marked “1911”. The inside of each grip panel has “11911” faintly hand-written.
Barrel Length: 7 1/2″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blued blade integral to a serrated, ramped base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is square notched leaf in a base pinned to the top strap, adjustable for elevation and windage.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut panels with gold Colt medallions at their tops. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is scattered very minor turn-wear on the cylinder. Otherwise, there is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with little play on each chamber. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes in a faux-wood cardboard Colt box with serial-matching label, two-piece styrofoam tray and an assortment of factory paperwork including manual. The box shows moderate wear with fraying and tears at edges and corners, some ears have been tape-repaired, in about Fair-Good condition.
Our Assessment: This is a beautiful Colt New Frontier in .44-40 Winchester. From 1890 to 1989, Colt manufactured a variation of the venerable Single Action Army with a uniquely different profile. The “Flattop Target Model” was fitted with an adjustable leaf rear sight and a blade front sight. The New Frontier has that sleek flattop design with a rear sight that is adjustable for windage and elevation along with a target ready ramp front sight. The New Frontier was offered in .44 Special and .45 Colt in various barrel lengths. These guns are meticulously finished in Colt Royal Blue on both the barrel and cylinder, with a color case hardened frame. This example’s 7 1/2″ barrel should make it as accurate as it is beautiful, and chambered for .44-40 it would make a nice companion gun for a Winchester chambered for the same cartridge. It is in Excellent condition showing little sign of use. Whether you’re looking for a classy shooter or trying to round out your Colt collection, this is a great revolver for any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
