Make: Colt
Model: Frontier Six Shooter, Single Action Army
Serial Number: 177176
Year of Manufacture: 1898
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester
Action Type: Single Action Side Loading Gate Revolver
Barrel Length: 4 3/4"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tapered blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a "V" notch integral to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at their tops. The inside of each panel has "7176" hand-scribed, though the markings don't appear to be from the factory. The bottom of the right panel has "N" hand-scribed, the left has "R". Originally black, the grips are starting to go to a slightly brownish color. The grip screw protrudes slightly from the right panel, possibly a replacement. The grips have even light handling wear. There are some light nicks and small scratches. The left panel has tiny losses at the bottom corners. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as Antique and likely not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray, the rifling is well defined. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 4/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 10% of its metal finish. Finish remains only in well protected areas and around raised features. Most exposed surfaces have worn to white or gone to a light patina. The case color has mostly muted. There are some light nicks and small scratches. There is scattered minor surface oxidation with infrequent minor erosion. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Colt's Single Action Army is, perhaps more than any other, an iconic American pistol. It was the U.S. issue sidearm for the last two decades of the 19th century, used by pioneers, outlaws and lawmen across the expanding nation, and captivated audiences on the silver screen and television. Produced for more than a century and a half, they are still being made, today!
This example is a 1st Generation Single Action Army made in 1898. It is marked as the Frontier Six Shooter, Colt's designation for SAA revolvers chambered for .44-40 Winchester, allowing for the use of the same cartridge in your revolver as your Winchester rifle. This example is in good shape for its age of nearly 130 years, with replacement grips but retaining matching serial numbered parts. Any 1st Generation SAA would make a great addition to a Colt collection, and this late 19th Century Frontier Six Shooter should be no exception. Please see our photos and good luck!
