Help with Colt New Frontier 22 Scout info?

[Redie Fredie]

I am new to Colt SA having owned some Ruger’s for hunting use; been wanting a case colored gun of some kind, also been thinking about a 22mag-almost bought another Ruger (single six combo), also then had thoughts about a Colt SAA in 45; but it all came together when this New Frontier popped up. Not being a Colt guy (but wanting to be) I have a few questions about the gun I purchased; if some could let me know what I have and what it’s worth I would appreciate it!


It only came with the mag cylinder, where they sold this way?
Most I’ve seen came with the Black Rubber grip, are mine aftermarket?
I have the last two digits of the serial X’ed out, but can it be dated?
Thanks
RF

[gcrank1]

IIRC the 'New Frontier 22' didnt have the 'Scout' name too, the 'Frontier Scout 22' being the earlier version, fixed sight, alum. or Zamak frame (and the 'Peacemaker 22' was the case colored steel frame version of the 'Scout').
The Colt's Staglite grips were optional, but should have the Colt's medallion, so yours are likely aftermarket and may be 'marked' on the inner surface. The New Frontier 22 black plastic ones have an eagle molded in at the base as well as the rampant colt in an oval in the normal medallion location, and 'checkering', if you go looking for a set, but feel skinny compared to what you appear to have. I cant remember if they were available as 22 Mag only.
FWIW, Ive had my '74 NF for quite some time and have had, until recently a 3 screw Ruger SS and still have a SSS convert.; the Colts is more finely fit and finished. They are a nice revolver, good choice! As to value, like anything, what you and the seller agree upon. I use GunBroker as a guidline, not so much asking prices because a high ask with no bidders tells nothing more than its overvalued to the seller. If you got it for no more than the price of a used Single Six I believe you did well.
G1663xx is 1976 production according to my R.L.Wilson pocket guide.

I have the 22Mag cylinder in my Ruger now, and like it, considerably more 'thwack' with the WW Dynapoints (45gr. flash plated lead HP/ chrono 1500 in my carbine, dont know about the revolver) that I use for 'walkabout most of the time. Give 'em a go.

[Redie Fredie]

thanks for the info gcrank1
looking forward to shooting it

[Ladobe]

gcrank1 pretty much nailed it.   
 
It is a New Frontier, not a Peacemaker.   And it is missing the 22LR cylinder.   They both were sold as 22LR only or as 22LR/22MAG convertables, not as 22MAG only - their 22LR cylinders fluted, their 22MAG not with the production run from 1970-77.
 
I got my NF Buntline convertable new in early 1974 for $100 (one of less than 2800 Buntlines made during the entire run of NF's).  The NF was reintroduced in the early 80's in 22LR only with an added cross bolt safety, but were discontinued again mid 80's.
 
For a time it became my go to for tree squirrel hunting w/22LR cylinder and was excellent for that use.   Mostly used the MAG cylinder for jackrabbits, longer range ground squirrels and such.    I had 3 sets of custom grips made for mine, 1 by David Wayland in Mexican Ebony, Stag by a TX grip maker, and ivory by Boone Trading Company that I scrimshawed myself.    Gent who finally talked me out of it 20 odd years later took all but the ivory grips I had already sold for more than 3 times what I had into them, and the custom western rig I had made for it.   And what he offered for it all was sinfully high at the time, so I didn't argue.   If he still has it in good condition the stock buntline alone could fetch $700-750 or more, and with the accessories hundreds over 1K. 
 
BTW, my Ruger Old Model Single Six 5.5" is a 22MAG only, but of the vintage that they were sold as convertables only.   Doubt the missing cylinder would mater as much on early disireable discontinued models to a buyer looking for a 22MAG, or one who is willing to hunt for and buy/fit the missing 22LR cylinder.   So I don't consider it too much of a loss on the Ruger, doubt it would be for the Colt NF either.   The aftermarket grips on your NF may or may not appeal to a buyer though and may be a negative.