Colt "Frontier Six Shooter"

Deadeye Dick · May 24, 2011, 08:09:50 PM

Just purchased a Colt SAA. Waiting for it to be shipped. It's a NIB Colt Frontier Six Shooter, 44-40 blackpowder frame. 5.5 inch barrel. Can't wait to get it. It will be my first Colt cartridge single action handgun.
I did a search and saw where the Kid posted pix of his Colt. Problem is the pix are no longer there. Kid could you post them again? I remember seeing them when you first posted them, but would like to see them again. I know you had the hammer CCH'd. Who did the work and does anyone know who makes good walnut grips for this gun?
Needless to say I'm excited as a kid at Disneyland.
Deadeye Dick

St. George · May 24, 2011, 10:27:48 PM

I had several hammers color casehardened by Run 'N Iron.

Type that in to your search engine and you'll find them.

In addition to the CCH, Fox Creek Kid had his cylinder bevelled and the flutes re-done and the job was 'very' nice.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

Fox Creek Kid · May 25, 2011, 02:07:10 AM

The only thing left "stock" on mine is the frame. It was a complete "redo." Notice the nice little touch I had him do of "44 CAL" on the left rear TG flat. Some early FSS's had this and later ones had "44 CF". The hammer was sent to http://www.classicgunsinc.com/ for case colors. If you want I know a fella who can fit new wood grips that are perfect, but it'll run $125 to $150.

Deadeye Dick · May 25, 2011, 09:38:57 AM

St. George, Fox Creek Kid,
Thanks for the information. Kid, that's the purtiest six gun I've ever seen. I'll send you an emule when I get ready to get some walnut grips.
I shoot a .429 bullet in my 73 Winchester, do you think it will be okay for the Colt as I understand the barrel is .427? If not I'll just have to have two different loads for the two guns or maybe downsize the bullet .428 and see how that shoots in both guns.
Deadeye Dick

Fox Creek Kid · May 25, 2011, 01:16:08 PM

Quote from: Deadeye Dick on May 25, 2011, 09:38:57 AM
St. George, Fox Creek Kid,
Thanks for the information. Kid, that's the purtiest six gun I've ever seen. I'll send you an emule when I get ready to get some walnut grips.
I shoot a .429 bullet in my 73 Winchester, do you think it will be okay for the Colt as I understand the barrel is .427? If not I'll just have to have two different loads for the two guns or maybe downsize the bullet .428 and see how that shoots in both guns.
Deadeye Dick

Thanks for the compliment...................now for the bad news.

Slug the barrel and the chambers. Never assume the diameters on any revolver, especially 44-40.

My barrel is at 0.429" . I had the chambers & necks opened up to 0.4315" to use a 0.430" bullet and to allow for fouling as I shoot real BP. This was done by a CAS gunsmith in CA who has done all my 44-40 revolvers with a special finish reamer he had made. I highly recommend it. My pair will shoot ragged holes at 15 yds. now. Before opening up the chambers the largest bullet I could use was 0.428".

Remember, it is better to have undersized chambers that can be opened up than oversized with which you are stuck or need to fit a new cylinder.

Deadeye Dick · May 25, 2011, 06:40:39 PM

FCK,
I'll have to slug the barrel. I shoot only black powder also, so I may want to open the necks too. Per St. George, I contacted Run N' Iron.
They quoted me a price of $35 to CCH the hammer. Think I will do that after I get a chance to play with it a little.
Thank you pard's for the info.
Deadeye Dick

St. George · May 25, 2011, 11:06:36 PM

Definitely do it - you'll love the result, and it 'makes' the piece.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

Deadeye Dick · June 06, 2011, 10:52:43 PM

Received the Colt Frontier Six Shooter today.

I really love it, but the hammer does not go with the rest of the gun. I am going to send it off for CCH treatment. You are right St. George, I'm sure it will make the piece.
Also, I want to put one piece walnut grips on the gun. Has anyone had any experience with Collins Craft Handmade Pistol Grips? FCK, is this the maker you were alluding to? http://www.collinscraftgrips.com/contact.php
Thanks in advance for the advice and assistance.
Deadeye Dick

Fox Creek Kid · June 07, 2011, 12:16:14 AM

Quote from: Deadeye Dick on June 06, 2011, 10:52:43 PM...Has anyone had any experience with Collins Craft Handmade Pistol Grips? FCK, is this the maker you were alluding to? http://www.collinscraftgrips.com/contact.php
Thanks in advance for the advice and assistance.
Deadeye Dick

I bought a walnut SAA kit from him once and the quality is great. His novel idea for the spacer you glue in is the best I've ever seen. Bulletproof.

However, I have never seen any on his work to be quite honest. I have a fella in the Midwest who does not advertise do all my SAA work as he is an artisan IMO and he does not have a website. He is retired from his normal job now and has more gun time as well. His action work is unsurpassed also. He will also chamfer the forcing cone if needed. if you want his contact info PM me.

Pancho Peacemaker · June 07, 2011, 08:34:13 AM

DD,

For custom fit wood grips, I've used Keno Slim for several jobs: http://www.klamathriverwoodworks.com/

He has done amazing work on some of my prized revolvers. His prices and production time are very reasonable as well.

Pancho

Deadeye Dick · June 07, 2011, 10:35:04 AM

FCK and Pancho,
Thanks for the info. Now I have to ponder on what to do. I like the Collins Craft fancy walnut grips. I sent him an email and he would fit them for the price shown. I would just have to send the grip and trigger guard to him. I kind of hate to send the whole gun to someone, so this is more palatable to me.
I need to check the forcing cone and chamber mouths to see if they need work. Guess I'd better slug the barrel first.
FCK, I'll let you know if I decide to try your man.
Thanks again for the info.
Deadeye Dick

Fox Creek Kid · June 07, 2011, 05:43:24 PM

Let me share a tidbit with you: to fit SAA grips CORRECTLY they need the entire gun. No way around it as the variation is too great from factory polishing. Unless of course you want it to look like a Ruger factory grip.

It's a Colt after all and no reason to be tight fisted now. If you know an FFL they can send handguns via the U.S. Postal Service legally for about $25 insured. Thats is of course to another FFL.

Deadeye Dick · June 08, 2011, 03:59:55 PM

After taking in all of the recommendations, I've decided to just sit back and enjoy this Colt as it is for a while. If I decide to do something later, I'll do some more research using all of your input.
Thanks you pard's for taking the time to help me.
Deadeye Dick