5" New Frontier 45 colt in a Bisley configuration
Howdy
Not quite sure what you are wishing for.
Standard barrel lengths for Colts have always been 7 1/2", 5 1/2", and 4 3/4".
The New Frontier was the adjustable sight version of the SAA. It was only manufactured from 1961 until 1983. This one left the factory in 1965. Notice the heavy frame, small adjustable rear sight, and ramp mounted front sight.
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The Bisley Model was first offered in 1894, it has not been made since 1912.
This one is one of my favorites, chambered for 38-40, it left the factory in 1909. Note the 4 3/4" barrel.
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This one is also chambered for 38-40, it left the factory in 1907. Note the 7 1/2" barrel.
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Colt never offered the New Frontier in the Bisley configuration. They did offer a target version which was known as the Flat Top Target version. Very rare, there were only 976 of them made.
The configuration of the Bisley Flat Top model was nothing like a New Frontier. The rear sight was dovetailed into the frame, and it was only adjustable for windage by drifting it to one side or the other. The height of the front sight could be adjusted by loosening a screw and moving the blade up or down.
All that Colt seems to be offering today is the standard Single Action Army chambered for 45 Colt with a choice of 4 3/4", 5 1/2" or 7 1/2" barrel. I have no idea how available they are, I have heard they are not producing very many.
Here is a really good video about the Bisley Model by Ian McCollum:
Anyway, good luck getting your Bisley Colt, but I suspect you are going to have to look for an old one if you really want one.
If a Bisley is what you really want, the ruger SS Bisley is a sweet little gun.
The Ruger version of the Bisley is very different from the original Colt Bisley design.
This one is not mine, it is a photo off the web.
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The Colt Bisley grip is narrower than the Ruger version and sweeps farther forward.
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A lot of guys favor the Ruger Bisley because it is easier to squeeze their entire hand onto the grip than it is with a traditional plow handle grip. A lot of guys like that for powerful ammunition that generates a lot of recoil.
When I first considered loading 45 Colt with Black Powder a lot of guys cautioned me that because of the stout recoil I would probably want a Vaquero with the Bisley grip. I bought one and took it to exactly one CAS match. Did not like it at all and sold it right after. I found that I liked the traditional Colt plowhandle grip rotating in my hand with stout Black Powder recoil.
One thing I discovered about the Colt Bisley grip is the gun tends to point down slightly when held with a modern straight elbow grip. I suspect that Colt designed the Bisley grip with 19th Century target shooters in mind. A lot of them did not extend the arm out straight, but bent their elbow slightly. I find that with a slightly bent elbow the a Bisley Colt will point straight ahead.
By the way, Uberti offers a pretty good replica of the Bisley Colt. It comes in 45 Colt with 4 3/4", 5 1/2" or 7 1/2" barrels or 357 Magnum with a 5 1/2" barrel. It would probably be a good candidate for turning into a Flat Top Target model.
https://www.uberti-usa.com/bisley-revolver
Brutus51: You might want to consider a reproduction of Elmer Keith's #5. A special custom Colt he had made up with a Bisley style hammer and a modified grip kind of similar to the Bisley grip. I think Hamilton Bowen might be able to make you one of these.
It appears Kieth's original #5 sold for $80,500 in 2015.
You could probably get one for a bit less from Hamilton Bowen.
http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/
CraigC: What's the story with your Bisley Flat Top? The frame looks a little bit more squared off at the front than a typical Bisley.