Rare Smith & Wesson Western Frontier DA, 4″ Barrel, .44-40 Caliber – Original Nickel Finish

Smith & Wesson Revolver – Frontier Double Action Model

Manufactured 1886+ – .44-40 WCF Caliber – 4-inch Barrel – Original Finish – Exceptional Condition

Featuring the highly sought-after 4-inch short barrel configuration and chambered for the famous .44-40 WCF cartridge, this Smith & Wesson Frontier Double Action is a remarkable artifact of the American Frontier era. Retaining its original finish and boasting exceptional mechanical condition, it serves as both a premier collector's piece and a highly appealing firearm for vintage shooting.

History

The Smith & Wesson Frontier Double Action perfectly embodies the spirit of the American Old West. Introduced in the late 19th century, this model is associated with several legendary figures of the West, including Belle Starr and the notorious Texas outlaw John Wesley Hardin—who reportedly carried a Smith & Wesson during his final shootout in El Paso in 1895. Derived from the brand's earlier .32 and .38 caliber double-action models, the Frontier Double Action is distinguished by its ruggedness, speed of operation, and elegant profile.

Initially developed for the .44 Russian cartridge, it was soon offered in .44-40 WCF to meet the needs of users in the American West, allowing them to use the same ammunition in both their revolver and their Winchester rifle. With only 15,340 units produced, the Frontier version in .44-40 WCF is today one of the most sought-after variants among collectors of American Western-era firearms.

Our revolver

This Smith & Wesson Frontier Double Action immediately appeals with its compact profile and authentic Western look. Its 4-inch barrel—the shortest length offered for this model—gives it a highly desirable appearance. The revolver retains its original nickel finish in remarkable condition, covering virtually all surfaces. Over time, the finish has acquired the slight satin, "milky" hue particularly prized by American collectors. Minor, subtle signs of wear are visible at the muzzle and on certain edges of the frame, without detracting from the overall presentation. The hammer retains its original case-hardening, while the trigger guard still shows its period bluing—testament to its exceptional preservation. The markings are perfectly correct, crisp, and deeply struck. Serial number 6XXX indicates relatively early production, a fact confirmed by the absence of a caliber marking on the barrel—a characteristic of the first units produced. The serial number matches across the frame, cylinder, and opening mechanism. The cylinder edges remain remarkably sharp, and the near-absence of a rotation mark ("drag line") demonstrates that the revolver has seen very limited use. The original gutta-percha grips are perfectly preserved, free of significant flaws, and fit flawlessly.

Mechanically, the condition is exceptional. Lockup is tight, indexing is perfect, and there is no perceptible play during operation. The action opens and closes with pleasing smoothness. The 4-inch barrel, chambered in .44-40 WCF, features a mirror-like bore with crisp, deep rifling. Only very slight marks at the muzzle are worth noting.

With its excellent state of preservation, early manufacture, caliber emblematic of the American West, and rare short-barrel configuration, this Smith & Wesson Frontier Double Action is a particularly attractive collector's piece for enthusiasts of American Frontier firearms.

The firearm comes with its official classification certificate designating it as Category D(e), issued by the Saint-Étienne National Proof House.