Elucidate me, please.........

[bobwright]

So I recently acquired these two Colt New Frontiers. One is an older model, the other current production. I'm wondering what generation I have in these guns, that is 1st or 2nd, or maybe 3rd?

And does the New Frontier generation number coincide with SAA generations?

I've been under the impression that New Frontiers made in the 'Seventies were 1st generation, while the current are 2nd generation.

So, would somebody explain the Colt single action generations, and define each?

Bob Wright

[TERRY MURBACH]

THERE ARE NO FIRST GEN New Frontier revolver. The NF started in 1962 and were 2ND Gen guns with 4-digit serial numbers; 3000NF. ALL 2-GEN NF's have the 4-digit serial number. The third gen NF's came out in the mid 1970's and ALWAYS have 5-digit serail numbers; 03000NF.
The new production Colt NF guns being built as we speak all have serial numbers starting at NF20000; My new NF short 45 is NF20093 for instance.
DANG...I hope I got this all correct.....
And so it goes..

[bigbore45colt]

Once again, my good friend Terry is correct.

Bob - you have 3rd Generation New Frontiers.

BB45C

[robl]

BB45C when are you going to come up with some decoder rings for the various and sundry Blackhawks vaqueros and Colt SAs? Might as well make one for S&W's "M&P" line up whiel your at it....

[bobwright]

Thank ya'll so much for that wonderfully convoluted explanation!

So the Eliason rear sight, or lack of it, has nothing to do with generations?

And the generation of concurrently manufactred Single Action Army models determines the generation of New Frontiers. That is, no New Frontiers were made during the run of 1st generation SAAs.

My feeble mind has a hard time grasping something that has no 1st Generation.

Bob Wright

[cable]

May 10, 2013 11:04:08 GMT -5 bobwright said:

Thank ya'll so much for that wonderfully convoluted explanation!

So the Eliason rear sight, or lack of it, has nothing to do with generations?

And the generation of concurrently manufactred Single Action Army models determines the generation of New Frontiers. That is, no New Frontiers were made during the run of 1st generation SAAs.

My feeble mind has a hard time grasping something that has no 1st Generation.

Bob Wright

there were some target models [ adjustable sights ] made in thre first generation, which are vaguely analagous to the new frontier in that they didnt have typical fixed sights, but the new frontier name and concept begins in the 60s. so those were really 2nd generation and now the third generation.

i have two of the 2nd gen new frontiers, and now three of the third generation. i really do like these....the size , balance and adjustable sights.

[CraigC]

Correct. The generations of New Frontiers coincide with those of the SAA. They are, after all, marked "Colt New Frontier S.A.A.".

[Fowler]

May 10, 2013 11:17:38 GMT -5 cable said:

May 10, 2013 11:04:08 GMT -5 bobwright said:

Thank ya'll so much for that wonderfully convoluted explanation!

So the Eliason rear sight, or lack of it, has nothing to do with generations?

And the generation of concurrently manufactred Single Action Army models determines the generation of New Frontiers. That is, no New Frontiers were made during the run of 1st generation SAAs.

My feeble mind has a hard time grasping something that has no 1st Generation.

Bob Wright

there were some target models [ adjustable sights ] made in thre first generation, which are vaguely analagous to the new frontier in that they didnt have typical fixed sights, but the new frontier name and concept begins in the 60s. so those were really 2nd generation and now the third generation.

i have two of the 2nd gen new frontiers, and now three of the third generation. i really do like these....the size , balance and adjustable sights.

He he Colts get confusing, I think (and please correct me if I am wrong here) the "Adjustible" sight gun that Cable refers to were the "Flat Top Targets" that were made in both Bisley and regular grip frame (about 850-900 of each were all that were made I believe) from 1890 something through about WW1. The rear sight was drift adjustible and the front sight was a replaceable square blade that could be filed to height for a given load.

But there was also the Colt Frontier model revolver that was nothing more than a Single Action Army in 44/40. These were made in pretty large numbers and are fairly available as old Colts go.

So Bob there was a "first generation" to your New Frontier but they were every different guns. I personally really like New Frontiers, if I was weathy I would have a couple myself. As it is I will just have to save my pennies for one down the road. They are classic as can be in my never humble opinion...

One of Madbo's 44 specials.

For some reason he never goes far when I am drooling on one of them, I cant figure out why...

[jayhawker]

Technically the SAA, which stands for Single Action Army is the SA in .45 Colt caliber only, as that was what the US Gov (US Army) issued. Also, the New Frontier was introduced during President Kennedy's admin, and was named in his honor ( his admin was the New Frontier). Thay are great guns. My 4.75 .44-40 NF went to Eddie Janis for tweaking and installation of a .44 Spl cylinder with pre war flutes and BP champfer. They are great guns.

[sagebrushburns]

May 10, 2013 9:47:07 GMT -5 TERRY MURBACH said:

THERE ARE NO FIRST GEN New Frontier revolver. The NF started in 1962 and were 2ND Gen guns with 4-digit serial numbers; 3000NF. ALL 2-GEN NF's have the 4-digit serial number. The third gen NF's came out in the mid 1970's and ALWAYS have 5-digit serail numbers; 03000NF.
The new production Colt NF guns being built as we speak all have serial numbers starting at NF20000; My new NF short 45 is NF20093 for instance.
DANG...I hope I got this all correct.....
And so it goes..

There are a very few 3rd gen New Frontiers with four digit serial numbers. I happen to have one (serial # 74xx). There are (according to Don Wilkerson) about 55 to 70 5 1/2" 45s made using left over 2nd gen frames and barrels.