A friend that is trying to shrink his gun collection has a Colt Single Action Army. Its in the brown wood grain card board box. The gun is mint, truly never taken out of the box till last week. Its still got the factory oil on it and in the plastic bag. Has all the papers and so on. The box is weak has tears, I think one end flap is gone. The thing is its a 44 special, I know it was cataloged. I just cant find them to get a estimate on value.

I dont know anything about these critters. I looked on line and dont find many and even less in 44spl. I am hoping some of you folks have some expertise on these.

Thanks!!

Not an expert at all,but I don't think the 44 spec. caliber affects value very much.The barrel length would,and whether it might be a second generation or third generation would.A serial number would help to date it.I do know that the woodgrain box was used in 1981,as I have a New Frontier from that year.

The shorter 4 3/4" barrel is slightly more desireable. Don't know what length this is. But they go for about $1100 to 1250. There's one on Gunbroker right now with a 5 1/2" barrel. Yours, or his, might go for $100 more if it's all oily and completely virginal, but prices have dropped a little lately. I just bought a mint ten year old .short .45 in nickle with a tuned action for a grand. The caliber is more common than the .44, but the nickle finish is a little more pricey. The reason I know about the .44 Special is I want one real bad and it's next on my list. I just couldn't resist this shiney one. It's a really great gun. how long is the barrel?

Thanks guys!!

The barrel is not in the 4" range its around 6" didnt measure it, I didnt even know they came in different lengths. This just has the proper cowboy gun look. Truth is I didnt even know they came in anything other than 45lc or 22 rimfire.

I am slowly learning. This gun actually peaked my interest in SAAs.

I was worried that it not being 45lc would hurt it?

As far as age goes Id guess late 1970s to early 1980s. Thats when he was buying this stuff it seems. The box has a big "union made" label on one end if that helps.

I hope to get back over there in a week or two. Hes not always free.

Tom

wheelgun, the 'woodgrain' boxes were used for the late 2nd generation gun, so may put the price a bit higher, but for the most part you find these for sale in like the 'Gun Digest (List) and some distributors have the "new" (3rd gen & current production) fairly reasonably priced, around $1000, 1100.....its the 'early guns,, that fetch the BIG bucks, as welll as the early 2nd gen,. guns, in the "stagecoach boxes".......serial number and condition is everything................

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dan
NRA Benefactor,PMA

I'm not too sure about the wood grain boxes used prior to 1976 but they were used on 3rd generation guns. I bought them that way in the eary 80's. But 2nd gen .44 Specials were stopped in 1966. I just bought a mint NIB nickle Colt .SAA .45 from 1970 in the original stagecoach box. I'm sure this is a fairly common 3RD gen gun he's got here. And stil a desirable gun.

You didnt mention the type grips or exact barrel length. Also could this be the new frontier? They have a adjustable rear sight. Assumeing it a standard blue and case hardend SAA with the black gutta percha grips Anywhere from $1,100 to $1,400. Maybe walnut grips?

the wood grain boxes were used later in the 70's, and even into the 80's for some models, till the mid 80's and the so called reddish "anniversary" ( 80 series guns) came in and had the "transition" models in them,those had the early two part cylinders before they went to the One piece, solid ones...as I said , the serial numbers were the determining factor, and just where the "SA" went in the number.

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dan
NRA Benefactor,PMA

My 1978 Colt Series 70 GM came to me with that type of box and the Union Made endorsement. New ones are maybe 1200 unless they're quite fancy. Sounds like a 5.5" barrel which is what I had for a while, though mine was in .45 Colt and left the factory circa 03. I can't remember what I paid, maybe 1200?

Here is mine. It is in .44 special, likely the same vintage.

I have a .44 special Colt SAA, 5 1/2" 3rd generation, in the woodgrain box. This one was made in 1980, and is unfired, new in the box. I've evaluated this one at $1475, being complete and unfired in a not-so-common caliber. Of course, I might or might not get that for it, if I chose to sell it.

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

IF the one you are looking at is a 1980s 3rd generation and priced over $1,100-1,300, I would recommend buying one of the new ones out of the Colt Custom Shop. In my opinion, much higher quality for about the same price.

However, if it is a later 2nd generation and priced <$1,500 go for it.

I was thinking a 2nd Gen in a short barrel length, unfired in the box would be closer to $1500 plus in my neck of the woods....

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Non gratum anus rodentum

Thanks Guys!!!

I wish I paid a little bit closer attention to it. At the time I wasnt all so interested in it but, after I left it kind grew on me.

I would say that the barrel is at least the 5 3/4 as shown perhaps a bit longer? Yes it is black and case color. I am almost sure it had wood grips on it. He felt it was worth $700 to $800, I guess hes a bit low. I guess it safe to say it worth $1K anyway?

It looked alot like the above pic, but with wood grips(I think, minds playing tricks on me)

Thanks
Tom

If it is in very good shape its easily worth a grand no matter the caliber, barrel length, time of manufactor, type finish or type grips if it is orginal and looking new as you say.

These 2 sites may help you.

Serial Number Data

Collectors Firearms

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NRA Benefactor Life Member

Well I finally got this gun. It turns out its a New Frontier Model







Any marks you see in the photos it just oil. I am missing the plastic bag that the papers came in and perhaps a hang tag?

I got a very good deal on it I feel, the previous owner wanted me to have it so he made me a deal I could not refuse

I wont shoot it, I will oil it up good put it back in the plastic bag and lock it up for a while...

The problem is that I might want to buy one to shoot now...

I keep a spread sheet on values (in case the wife needs to sell them) I list retail and blowout prices on everything. What do you think is a good range on this.

If you got it for a good price, than good for you. The New Frontier Models do not command the values that the Single Action Army's do, but being a 2nd generation gun helps a bit.

Congratulations.

and its a 44 special. great looking colt!

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WILL WORK FOR AMMO!

Yep. The best caliber for the New Frontier is .44 Special. N.F.'s aren't near as popular as the standard model but worth a grand out here. Now go get it dirty!

Here's my 45LC made by Colt




My 44 SP made by USFA

I just happened to have Don Wilkerson's book, The Postwar Colt Single Action Revolver out this morning, so I took a quick look for you. The .44 Special New Frontiers, 3rd generation, 7 1/2" barrel Model P4770 were first shipped in March 1980. Total production of that particular variation was 2761 guns, produced through 1985. The 5 1/2" NF .44 Specials were produced in lower numbers, only about 783 were made. The serial number at the beginning of 1981 was 11375NF, so yours would have shipped very early that year. The box and paperwork look correct. The wood stocks are also correct. I would value it at $1500. That's a desirable caliber. There should have been a hang tag and likely one of those flat, blued steel 3 bladed Colt logo key chain screwdrivers also included. You can find the screwdrivers on ebay for $5-8 pretty easily. Nice score !

Thank you to all and Walter for the info.

I know little about these in general but what make the New Frontier less desirable than the regular SAA? I would guess the look of the rear sight and extra tall front sight, but its a guess?

Sir,
I've owned and used a slew of 'em. I've always liked the New Frontier SAA.

As a matter of fact here's one now...

A second gen. 5 1/2" .44 Special


I swapped out the adj. rear sight for a fix one of my design.

Su Amigo,
Dave

Wheelgun28,
Below is a link to the story behind my obsession with the NF SAAs
The .44 Special Re-visited w/add'l pics

*A side note: target version of the SAA with flat top frame and adj. sights, approximately 925 were manufactured from 1888-1896, both in 5 ½ in. and 7 ½ in. barrel and two-piece smooth walnut, two-piece rubber or two-piece checkered walnut grips are known. Many calibers, from .22 RF to .476 Eley

File Photos; 1st Gen. Flat-Top Target

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"IN GOD WE TRUST"

If you want to shoot it and don't handload, I think Federal still makes a lead HP 200 grain load in .44 Special.

Muzzle velocity lists about 900 FPS, and the 7.5-inch barrel will get that, probably.

If you handload, the .44 Special has thicker chambers and will take loads above what the .45 Colt will give in this model.

You really need to get at least a few gun books which cover the Colts. Perhaps the best overall, although it was published about 1970 and won't have later guns is the late Geoffrey Boothroyd's, "The Handgun". Haven and Belden's, "The Colt Revolver, 1836-1940" is also very good. Even Elmer Keith's classic, "Sixguns" will fill you in on the history of that fine old design.

The New Frontier is perceived as a modern product due to the sights, and the gun's appeal is mainly to the nostalgic crowd wanting the Old West flavor. That's why the NF usually costs a bit less. As a shooter, it works better. But the sights may get in the way of a really fast draw. Might scuff your hand on them.

I think you should buy Mike Venturino's basic book on Old West handguns, too.

If you just bought this as a coldblooded investment, forget the above. But if you like guns, you need to learn about the Colt SAA. It is woeful that a gun enthusiast doesn't even know the three basic barrel lengths of the Colt SAA!

T-Star

The NF have never commanded the prices of the Single Action Army, but if you like a Colt and you like the SAA w/adj. sights (we use to install S&W rear sight on SAA w/ ramp & blade up front) they are sweet shooters. The first one I bought was a .357 for less than three hundred bucks, but that was way back in the last century...

I've toted mine on many a backcountry pack trip.

Su Amigo,
Dave

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"IN GOD WE TRUST"

This is #5355NF. I bought it from a pawn shop in the early 70s for $250s. Later I discovered Audie Murphy bought it and its consecitively #ed twin new and willed them to his two sons.
My ex-wife liberated it and many more when she ran off. She claims she didnt. Only her and I had the safe combo.

2nd Generation Colt SAA. It was originally a .357 Magnum, but due to issues with it when I got it, I had John Kopec install a .45 Colt barrel and cylinder, re-case harden the frame, and give it a brush blue. If I knew then what I know now, I would have sent it back to Colt and had them re-do it in the original caliber. Serial Number is 35729SA.

I had a .44 Special NF, identical to yours. It had a rough action, but shot well.

Colt was about to drop production of the single actions when mine was built. The common thinking was that Colt kinda slapped these together, reasoning that most wouldn't be shot.

I had Alan Harton of Houston convert a Ruger Old Model .357 (same basic frame size as a Colt SAA) to .44 Special using a 5 1/2" New Frontier barrel.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!