Colt New Frontier 22 information needed

[Marty]

Howdy,
I am looking at two Colt New Frontiers in 4 5/8", and 6"bbl lengths. They are both in almost new condition and priced approx. the same ( C$450) . My dad used to have one in 7 1/2" years ago. I was told that the 4 5/8" is more valuable since less were produced; so it is more rare?? I know my Rugers, but have not acquired a lot of detailed knowledge on the Colt NF 's. Are any one of the three more valued due to production numbers. Thanks for any information you can provide.

Marty

[Ka6otm]

Marty,

There are two versions of the New Frontier: Those manufactured from 1970-1977 (came with 22 Mag Cyl. also) and those manufactured from 1982 on (without .22 Mag Cyl.) and with cross bolt safety.  In my area, the earlier ones are more desirable from a collector's point of view.

However, the Blue Book Of Gun Values, 24th Edition lists them together as follows:

100%  $450
98%    $375
95%    $300

Add 15% for Buntline or 4-3/4" barrel.
It doesn't state why the 15% premium, but it's most probably indicative of how many were made.

Ka6otm

[Marty]

Ka6otm,
Thank you for taking the time to provide this info. I learned something new and worthwhile today.  :-)
I am going to acquire the 6"bbl version. Owner has original box, etc and in perfect shape. I prefer the older models; don't like that x-bolt.

Marty

[Ka6otm]

Marty,

I like 'em too.  Picked up some New Frontiers and some Peacemakers when I found out they were gonna quite makin' 'em.  Got every barrel length except the buntline.

Told myself it was an investment, but I never sell guns so I guess they'll go to the Nieces and Nephews one day...

Ka6otm

[Marty]

Ka60tm,
Picked up another one.  :grin:  A friend of mine had ( now going to be mine) a 4 3/4" model in mint shape and decided to part with it. I know of a buntline model, but the owner is asking too much. I will see if I can get him to be more reasonable. I usually end up keeping mine for quite  awhile, unless I have to part to allow me to get something I 'need' more.
See ya.

Marty

[Ka6otm]

Marty,

You might want to be on the lookout for the Peacemaker version of this model.  It has fixed sights instead of adjustable, so it's readily apparent when looking at the gun.

The Peacemaker variant with a 4.4" barrel (you read that right) goes for around $650 in 100% condition.

Ka6otm

[Marty]

Ka6otm,
So I did read 4.4" right?   :eek: That's different! I'll have to review my old Shooters Bibles to read up on that.  I saw a Peacemaker this past Spring at a gunshow. I think the bbl length was 5 1/2", but not sure now. I will have to follow up on that!  :wink:  The price was C$ 250.


regards,

Marty

[Marty]

Ka6atm,
Update: I just picked up a New Frontier with the 4 3/4" barrel I thought it had; turned out the bbl is 4 3/8, i.e. 4.4"   :grin:  Looks like Colt had made a few in that shortened bbl. Any idea how many left the factory that way?

See ya.

Marty

[Ka6otm]

Marty,

I haven't got a clue.  The Blue Book says there were 190,000 peacemakers made and the 4.4" barrel on them gets you a 20% increase in value.  The New Frontiers were made at the same time as the Peacemakers, 1970-1977, so it's probable they made about the same number of them.

I would guess the 20% premium says there were probably about 20,000 made in that barrel length, but it's just an educated guess....but since you got one, I know where 4 of them are!!!

Ka6otm

[Marty]

Ka6otm,
There you go; four is a good start on the numbers. Thanks for the stats.
I'm headed for a gunshow this week-end; going to see if that other Peacemaker is around. :wink:

Marty