[rayb]

A potential solution to the plain wood "problem".
This example from immediate post WWII Germany (ca. 1945-47), when times were tough and any paying work was appreciated..

I don't know of anyone specializing in this type of work, but then I'm geographically isolated & KITDFOHS a lot of the time.

rayb

 

[BOB HATH]

I really like Jeff Quinn's (Gunblast.com) solution to the "plainest ugliest grips ever to grace a Colt handgun."(his words) He replaced them with Eagle American Elkhorn grips. This is his 3rd generation .45 with Elkhorn and his current production .44 special with factory walnut.

 

[Mblhopo]

johngross....Have you ever tried tongue oil, I have used it several times on wood grips gives a very nice factory oil finish. and really brings out the grain........M*

 

[johngross]

johngross....Have you ever tried tongue oil

I would not be caught dead with a Colt New Frontier. The Ruger copycat modern sights completely destroy the classic lines of the revolver. Why Colt didn't try and more closely duplicate the original Flat Top Model is beyond me. USFA and Uberti did it, why couldn't Colt?

P.S.: And note how USFA even but attractive grips on the revolver.

John Gross

 

[BobWright]

I would not be caught dead with a Colt New Frontier. The Ruger copycat modern sights completely destroy the classic lines of the revolver. Why Colt didn't try and more closely duplicate the original Flat Top Model is beyond me. USFA and Uberti did it, why couldn't Colt?

P.S.: And note how USFA even but attractive grips on the revolver.

John Gross

Why the Ruger type rear sight? The main thing for that is that sight settings are repeatable and positively and easily made. And they stay put when made. As for that front sight, that blade is a holster-cutter from the git-go. True, Colt didn't exactly copy the beautiful Ruger ramp and sight blade, but the New Frontier's front sight and ramp are quite well done. Notice, too, that the frame is plain blue, no beautiful case hardened colors.

Colt still makes both Single Action Armies and New Frontiers, sparodic though that may be, so folks can have the model of their choice.

You like the lines of the SAA; me, I like the shootability of the New Frontier. So you admire the looks of your choice, I enjoy the shooting of mine.



Bob Wright

 

[Bearbait in NM]

John,

I suspect that when Colt decided to introduce/reintroduce the NF, one quick look at the shooting scene of the times would quickly reveal that folks wanted shooters, not target guns for controlled match conditions. Those flat top targets are indeed beautiful guns, but even the adjustable sight was really set up for one load. Unless the front sight has a screw retainer rather than a pin. My guess would be this lack of actual match use might have also had something to do with the short run of the originals.

I do like the flat top rear sight, but like Bob, would have zero use for the front sight if actually trying to carry the gun. My recent NF purchase needs work on the front sight. Probably gonna make it look more like the Flattop, but not quite so extreme. I am guessing any squaring of the front is gonna skin some holster leather, but should be a little better than the original. It would be neat to take an original and set the front sight up sharp/target and have other blades for field/carry or different loads. But then I would have to pay collector prices for a shooter. Shooter prices are bad enough

Craig