A New Generation
The New Frontier had been gone for 30 years. At a meeting with Colt Officials in the early 1990s, we were told we would never see the New Frontier again. Never say never, especially when it comes to .44 Specials. The year 2011 marked the 175th Anniversary of Colt Single Actions, going all the way back to the first one, the percussion Paterson of 1836. It was fitting for Colt to resurrect the New Frontier to help celebrate this anniversary and all New Frontiers produced during the year have a special Anniversary Marking on the barrel consisting of “1836 — 175th Anniversary — 2011” and serial numbers began at 20000NF.
Colt at least announced all three standard barrel lengths — 4¾”, 5½” and 7½” — were to be produced in three chamberings of .357 Magnum, .44 Special and .45 Colt. The first two production runs consisted of the .45 Colt with a 7½” barrel and the 5½” .44 Special. Shortly thereafter, I was informed I would soon have a 4¾” version. However, this proved to be long on promise and extremely short on actuality. I wish now I had also ordered a .44 Special New Frontier with a 7½” barrel.
I did receive and subsequently purchase a 7½” .45 Colt New Frontier. I have a long acquaintance with New Frontiers, both 2nd and 3rd Generation versions, including all three barrel lengths and chamberings of .45 Colt, .44 Special, .357 Magnum and .44-40. As nice as they are, they actually pale in comparison to this “New” New Frontier.
This new production New Frontier is the most beautifully finished Colt Single Action I have ever experienced. Not only is the finish — consisting of a case-hardened frame and the balance of a blue you can see your ancestors in — absolutely stunning, it is also exceptionally well-fitted with no sharp edges. Grip frame to mainframe fit is as it should be, and running a finger over the seams shows a nice smooth transition. The lockup is tight; trigger pull, while not perfect, is certainly more than adequate. Grip panels are nicely fitted to the grip frame, and although a very plain wood, are shaped to fit my hand perfectly. I’ll take proper fitting and shape over fanciness anytime; however, as with most of my Colts, it has now been fitted with custom stocks.
Where are we today with the Colt New Frontier? That is anybody’s guess as both the Single Action and New Frontier have been in and out of production over time. We can only hope we will someday see them again. Meanwhile, I will continue to shoot and enjoy my 2nd and 3rd Generation New Frontiers, especially those with 7½” barrels, chambered in .45 Colt, .44 Special, .44-40 and .357 Magnum.
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