Recently, I found a Colt New Frontier 22 made in 1975, at Cabela's in West Michigan. They gave it to me for what they paid for it, $400.
There are some scratches and wear marks on the cylinder, but overall it looks like about a 75% gun.
The grip frame (alloy) looks almost new. If everything works out on this gun, I may have just the cylinder (marked 22LR) re- finished.
There is a noticeable amount of rotational play (not end play). However when you pull the hammer back to full cock with continued rear pressure on it, the cylinder locks up tight. This is because the hand is raised up tight to the cylinder and does not allow any of this rotational play.
The cylinder bolt looks like it is in good shape. The locking grooves in the cylinder are still nice and sharp.
I was wondering if these guns were made that way. I am going to buy an extra hand, hand spring, and bolt, just to gave on hand.
It should be noted that when I insert a .22 cal cleaning rod through the end of the barrel and into each chamber, there is no obstruction. (This is when the hammer is at full cock but with no added rear pressure on it with my thumb/the noticeable rotational play mentioned above, is present.) Also, I tried some of the red, plastic, snap cals and there is a nice clean firing pin mark on each one.
I am really glad I bought this revolver and I won't mind putting a little money in it.
Any thoughts or advice on this will be greatly appreciated.
Trooper Joe
