The Colt Frontier Scout, introduced in 1957, is a lightweight .22 LR single-action revolver featuring an aluminum alloy frame. You’ll find it’s a scaled-down version of the Single Action Army, weighing just 1 pound 7.3 ounces unloaded. It comes with either a 4 3/4 inch or 9 1/2 inch Buntline barrel and holds 6 rounds. The Scout’s crisp 3-pound trigger and transfer bar safety system make it a reliable plinker. Original models from the late 1950s typically command $400-600, though there’s much more to this legendary rimfire’s story.
Key Takeaways
- The Colt Frontier Scout is a lightweight .22 LR revolver introduced in 1957, featuring an aluminum alloy frame and single-action mechanism.
- This revolver is a scaled-down version of the Single Action Army, weighing 1 pound 7.3 ounces with a 6-round capacity.
- Original models from the late 1950s typically value between $400-600 in good condition, with pristine examples reaching $1,200.
- Available with either 4 3/4 inch or 9 1/2 inch Buntline barrel options and features a transfer bar safety mechanism.
- The revolver offers reliable performance and accuracy, though its aluminum frame may experience increased wear over extended use.
Description
The Colt Frontier Scout, introduced in 1957, marked Colt’s entry into the lightweight .22 LR revolver market.
You’ll find this scaled-down version of the Single Action Army featuring an aluminum alloy frame, making it notably lighter than its steel counterparts. The Scout’s crisp single-action trigger breaks at approximately 3 pounds, while early models sport black plastic grips, with walnut options available for discerning collectors.
Price Range
Original Colt Frontier Scout revolvers from the late 1950s typically command $400-600 in good condition, while pristine examples can fetch upwards of $1,200. You’ll find varying prices based on condition, rarity, and manufacturing year.
| Condition | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Poor | $200-300 |
| Fair | $300-400 |
| Good | $400-600 |
| Excellent | $800-1000 |
| Mint | $1000-1200+ |
This good gun’s value has steadily increased since production ended, making the Colt revolver a solid investment for collectors.
Specifications
The Frontier Scout’s lightweight design, at just 1 pound 7.3 ounces, made it an ideal training and plinking revolver for shooters seeking a scaled-down Single Action Army. You’ll find this single-action rimfire available with either a standard 4 3/4 inch barrel or the distinctive 9 1/2 inch Buntline configuration, both offering reliable performance with .22 Long Rifle ammunition. The revolver’s 6-round cylinder capacity, combined with its crisp 3-pound trigger pull, delivered consistent accuracy whether fitted with traditional walnut or durable black plastic grips.
| Specification | Measurement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1 lb 7.3 oz | Unloaded |
| Barrel Length | 4 3/4″ or 9 1/2″ | Steel Construction |
| Ammunition | .22 Long Rifle | 6-Round Capacity |
Weight
Weighing approximately 1 pound 7.3 ounces, Colt’s Frontier Scout revolver achieves its lightweight design through an aluminum die-cast frame construction. You’ll find this weight reduction particularly advantageous compared to the heavier Single Action Army model.
The Scout’s nimble handling characteristics make it ideal for recreational shooting and concealed carry, though you should note that the aluminum frame may experience increased wear over extended use.
Barrel Length
Standard production Frontier Scout revolvers featured a 4 3/4 inch barrel length, though you could also obtain the less common “Buntline” variant sporting a 9 1/2 inch barrel.
This barrel configuration contributed significantly to the revolver’s overall length of 10.5 inches from heel to muzzle crown. The barrel length choices distinguished the Frontier Scout from its larger Single Action Army counterpart, affecting the weapon’s balance and portability.
Material Made Out Of
Built around a lightweight aluminum die-cast frame, Colt’s Frontier Scout represented a significant engineering advancement compared to its predecessor’s all-steel construction.
The alloy frame was complemented by blued steel components, creating a harmonious balance between durability and reduced weight. You’ll find this innovative material combination resulted in a revolver weighing just 1 pound 7.3 ounces, making it notably lighter than traditional models.
Chambered In
The Colt Frontier Scout’s primary chambering in .22 Long Rifle made it an ideal choice for both target shooting and small game hunting.
This scaled-down version of the Single Action Army offered you the classic Colt design in an affordable .22 LR package. With its light 3-pound trigger pull and manageable weight of 1 pound 7.3 ounces, you’ll find it perfectly suited for rimfire applications.
Capacity
Following its classic Single Action Army design, the Frontier Scout holds 6 rounds of .22 LR ammunition in its rotating cylinder. This single action revolver maintains the traditional loading process through a side-mounted loading gate on the frame’s right side.
You’ll load and unload rounds one at a time, using the manual ejector rod to remove spent cartridges from each chamber.
Trigger Pull
Designed with precision, the Frontier Scout’s trigger mechanism delivers a remarkably light 3-pound pull weight that enhances shooting accuracy. You’ll find the single-action design provides a smooth, consistent trigger pull that’s become a hallmark of this revolver.
While slight variations exist between individual firearms, regular maintenance and professional tuning ensure you’ll maintain the optimal trigger pull characteristics that contribute to the Scout’s renowned performance.
Safety?
Safety stands at the forefront of the Frontier Scout’s design, incorporating a transfer bar mechanism that prevents accidental discharge even if the hammer receives an impact.
While the transfer bar safety provides reliable protection against unintended firing, you’ll need professional tuning if you plan to engage in fanning techniques. This caution from Colt emphasizes their commitment to safe operation over rapid-fire showmanship with the Frontier Scout.
Action
Operating on a single-action mechanism, the Frontier Scout delivers a crisp 3-pound trigger pull that exemplifies Colt’s commitment to precision engineering.
You’ll experience distinct clicks when manually cocking the exposed hammer, a hallmark of the single-action design. The revolver’s transfer bar safety system adds modern protection while maintaining its classic functionality.
The well-designed loading gate and manual ejector ensure you can reload efficiently and smoothly.
Optic Ready?
The Frontier Scout comes with fixed iron sights as standard equipment, featuring a blade front sight and a notched rear sight machined into the frame.
You won’t find any Red Dot or adjustable sights options on these classic .22 revolvers, as they weren’t designed with optics mounting capabilities.
The fixed sights align with the revolver’s traditional 1800s Single Action Army heritage and simplified construction approach.
Review
The Frontier Scout’s aluminum alloy frame gives you a lightweight, reliable .22 LR revolver that’s perfect for target shooting, though you’ll notice the softer metal is more prone to wear than steel-framed alternatives.
You’ll find the single-action mechanism operates smoothly with minimal recoil, making it an excellent choice for introducing new shooters to revolvers or for casual plinking sessions. While the black plastic grips aren’t as aesthetically pleasing as walnut options, the revolver’s overall construction delivers consistent performance and good accuracy, particularly at typical recreational shooting distances.
Pros
Several key advantages made the Colt Frontier Scout an attractive choice for both recreational shooters and collectors during its 13-year production run. The new revolver’s lightweight aluminum frame and affordable $50 price point made it accessible to more shooters.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Aluminum Frame | Lighter Weight |
| .22 LR Chamber | Low-Cost Ammo |
| 3 lb Trigger | Accuracy |
| Single Action | Reliability |
| $50 MSRP | Affordability |
The Frontier Scout’s smooth trigger pull and reliable single-action mechanism delivered excellent accuracy for target shooting and plinking.
Cons
Despite its popularity, Colt’s Frontier Scout suffered from notable drawbacks that impacted its long-term durability and collector appeal. The aluminum alloy frame proved susceptible to wear, while its bluing wore off more readily than steel-framed counterparts.
| Issue | Impact | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Material | Higher wear rate | Less durable than Peacemaker |
| Surface Finish | Easy bluing wear | Poor aging vs. steel models |
| Investment Value | Lower returns | Inferior to standard models |
| Weight Factor | Less substantial | Mixed handling feedback |
Reliability
Legendary among rimfire revolvers, Colt’s Frontier Scout established itself as a mechanically sound platform through decades of service. Like its predecessor, the Colt Single Action Army revolver, you’ll find the Scout’s transfer bar safety system and single-action mechanism deliver consistent performance.
Its aluminum alloy frame maintains durability while reducing weight, and with proper care, you’ll experience smooth operation and reliable ignition shot after shot.
Similar Models
The Colt Frontier Scout shared its basic single-action design with multiple similar models throughout Colt’s history. You’ll find this design heritage in the original Frontier Six Shooter (1873-1941) and the later New Frontier (1973-1983).
While the Frontier Scout featured a lightweight aluminum frame in .22 LR, its predecessors and successors typically used steel frames and offered larger caliber options.
Similar Models From Other Manufacturers
Several prominent manufacturers produced single-action revolvers that paralleled the Colt Frontier Scout’s design and purpose.
You’ll find the Ruger Single-Six, introduced in 1953, closely following the Scout’s rimfire design. The Heritage Rough Rider offers an economical .22 LR/.22 Magnum option, while Cimarron specializes in authentic reproductions.
The larger-frame Ruger New Model Blackhawk serves as a centerfire alternative in .357 Magnum and .45 Colt.
Maintenance
Maintaining your Colt Frontier Scout properly extends its service life well beyond that of competing single-action revolvers. You’ll need to clean and lubricate your revolver regularly, using appropriate firearm solvents and oils to prevent corrosion.
Leave disassembly to qualified gunsmiths, as the precisely fitted components require expert handling. Store your Frontier Scout in a proper gun safe and perform routine maintenance checks of the action and sights.
History
Introduced in 1957, Colt’s Frontier Scout represented a significant advancement in rimfire revolver design, offering shooters a lighter-weight alternative to the classic Single Action Army. The revolver’s aluminum alloy frame set it apart from steel-framed models like the Peacemaker and New Frontier Scout.
Early Frontier Scouts featured black plastic grips, though walnut grips became more sought-after among collectors during its production run through 1970.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Colt Frontier Scout?
You’ll find the Colt Frontier Scout was a scaled-down .22 LR single-action revolver produced from 1957-1970. It’s built on an aluminum alloy frame, mirroring Colt’s legendary Single Action Army design.
You can identify it by its distinctive 4 3/4″ or 9 1/2″ Buntline barrel options and walnut or black plastic grips. The revolver featured a transfer bar safety system and originally retailed for $50, making it an affordable yet quality firearm.
What Is the Most Sought After Colt Revolver?
You’ll find that the Colt Single Action Army (Peacemaker) is the most sought-after Colt revolver. This iconic firearm, first produced in 1873, is prized by collectors for its historical significance and precision engineering.
While unique Colt models and early Colt production pieces command high prices, the Peacemaker remains the crown jewel. Its legendary status in American frontier history and military service makes it the ultimate prize for serious collectors.
What Is the Rarest Colt Revolver?
You’ll find that among the most elusive firearm treasures, the 1st Generation Colt Single Action Army “Peacemaker” in .45 Colt (1873-1941) stands as the crown jewel of rarity. With its unique model variants featuring special finishes and historical significance, this particular iteration holds unmatched value.
The serial numbered 1st Generation Colt Frontier Six Shooter (1884-1909) follows closely behind, with its mechanical precision and limited production numbers making it exceptionally scarce.
Do Colt Revolvers Hold Their Value?
Yes, Colt revolvers typically hold their value exceptionally well. If you’re monitoring collector’s market trends, you’ll notice that well-maintained Colts often appreciate over time. You’ll find that proper maintenance and preservation are crucial factors in retaining value.
Historical models, especially those from the late 1800s, can command premium prices. Even modern Colt revolvers maintain strong resale values when properly cared for, often selling for 80-90% of their original price.
Conclusion
You’ll find the Colt Frontier Scout, like its legendary Single Action Army ancestor, embodies the spirit of the American West. It’s a scaled-down .22 caliber that mirrors the engineering precision of Colt’s 1873 design. With proper maintenance, you’re preserving more than a firearm – you’re maintaining a piece of history that echoes the gunsmoke era of Wyatt Earp and Wild Bill Hickok.
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