Colt New Frontier Production Numbers
Does anybody know how many 3rd Gen. Colt New Frontiers were made with the short 4 3/4" barrel? I would like to know the number made in .45 cal and also in .44-40 if possible. Thanks .....Jeff
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Unfortunately, I think you may be looking at getting information only the Factory has. I have no reference material giving such info. If Judge Colt reads your post, he might be able to shed some light. However, I am unfamiliar with any publication giving these statistics. You might want to call Colt on their toll free number which is available on their web site. Good Luck! If you find out, please post it so we all know. Thanks!
Fish Shudder at the sound of my Name!0 -
I was able to find the numbers for all of the 2nd generation New Frontiers, haven't had any luck with the last run made 1978-81. I thought after 21 years it may have been put to print in a book. I don't see many 4 3/4" or 5 1/2" barrels around, was curious how many were actually made. 0 -
I agree with RP. I know of no source for the information you seek. I know of no book published on the subject. Perhaps Wilkerson's (not sure of the name) books on Post-War Single Actions would have the information you seek, but I do not have those books (I have little interest in later SAAs) so do not know what is in them.
Based on observation, I would speculate that there are relatively few of the short-barreled NF revolvers, especially in .44-40. While there are fewer NFs when compared to SAAs, there is less collector interest in them so they tend to be somewhat less valuable when compared to their relative scarcity.0 -
Thanks for the responses,I guess it will remain a mystery for now.I would much prefer a drawer full of mint 1st generation guns,unfortunately,I didn't buy any years ago and the cost now is very prohibitive. I've always prefered the NFs over the SAAs,I believe they were the most expensive gun Colt offered in base form from early 1960 to at least 1980. I have a nice collection of the .22 NFs,don't have a single .22 Peacemaker,to each his own I guess. My latest idea is to add a couple of the big New Frontiers to my collection of rimfires,guess I'm tired of people asking why I don't have any "big" guns.....Jeff 0 -
I called Colt about these production numbers with no results. The man on the phone was very friendly, but couldn't help.I was finally able to find a man(private), who was kind enough to give me the information and tell me where he found it. The Judge was right again( was there ever a doubt?),the production numbers for the last New Frontiers are in Wilkerson's "The Post War Single Action Revolver 1976-1986",guess you can never have enough books.I don't have the book yet so don't know the exact total number of New Frontiers that were made. I have seen them up in the 15xxx range so I would guess 15-16K were made total the last time around(1978-81). Out of those, there were 1106 made in .45 with 4 3/4" barrel(P4840),and 519 made in .44-40 with 4 3/4" barrel(P4940).I guess this is why I seldom see any of the short barreled guns offered for sale.Thinking about it,I don't recall seeing many of the 5 1/2"barrel guns either,the numbers were probably fairly low on those also. 0 -
Barrocky:
I am pleased that my hunch on the Wilkerson book was correct. No, you cannot have too many books. Any area of interest should be supported by books on the subject if available.
As I suspected, the short-barrel New Frontiers are very rare. All of my Single Actions are short-barrels, just because I like the looks of them better. I began a crusade to acquire all the short-barrel Single Actions in the early 1980s, but did not include the New Frontiers. In reflection, that may have been a mistake! Still, I do not believe the market for the New Frontiers makes them as valuable relative to their scarcity as equivalent SAAs, but to New Frontier fans, the reverse will be the case.0 -
Judge, I know by reading many of your posts around the net that you know well of what you speak.You seem to be like my father-in-law,he remembers everything and reminds me of the old "E.F.Hutten"(sp?) commercials,I always look forward to you answering any of my questions.I've been collecting for about 30 years now and have absorbed a lot of information - just can't seem to dial it up when needed at times. I was too busy with S&Ws in the early 80s,didn't buy many Colts unless they were in .22 cal. I like both brands equally and wouldn't want to choose a favorite,as an investment I believe the Colt(older)products will most times bring the greatest return. I also like the SAAs just fine and will definitely own a few some day,but first I aim to get a few nice examples of the short barreled New Frontiers.I saw a NIB(mint box also) 2nd Gen NF with a short barrel(even less made of those)sell for, I think, about $2500 a few months back on one of the gun auction sites.I didn't see the auction until it was already over but the price did get my attention,I'd probably pay that for a 2nd Gen if I had the chance and the $$$ at the same time. 0 -
paul how can i get a copy of your book. chas 0
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