[tech]

Could anyone tell when a trooper with this serial was made, Ser# 58xxx?

Thanks,
Mike

[Old Fuff]

Unfortunately, when Colt comes up with a catchy name they like to use it over and over. That being the case - take your pick:

Trooper - Shared numbers with “357” Model - Made in: 1966

Trooper Mk. III (Serial number started with letter “J”) - Made in: 1971

[George Hill]

Incept dates... I don't have them. You'll have to talk to Tyrell.

[tech]

Thanks guys, I was told 60's. Its an original model mark 0.

Mike

[Dr.Rob]

1966

According to RL Wilson's little blue book.

[tech]

Thanks, DrRob!

Mike

[Majic]

The various Troopers are just Colt's way of designating design changes like S&W using their dash (-) numbers.
The original was known as the Colt 357. It was renamed the Trooper. The Trooper MkIII had a lockwork design change. The Trooper MkV had another lockwork design change.

[tech]

Thanks for all the info guys one more question. I have heard that the first series troopers are more desireable because of the lockwork. Is this true does it give them better triggers?

Mike

[dfariswheel]

Basically, the original Colt Trooper is nothing but a Python without the extra tuning, the heavy barrel, and the nicer bluing.

The Trooper can be tuned to near-Python smoothness. In fact, due to the Python's being so scarce in the late 60's, a number of custom gunsmiths made up Troopers with Python barrels, bluing, and action work. These were known as "Troop-on's" or "Pooper's".

The Trooper Mark III/Mark V/King Cobra are entirely different firearms, with actions closer to S&W than the Python.

So, if you would like to have a Python, but can't swing the price, look for a good .357 old model Trooper.
Note that the earlier .38 Special Trooper used a firing pin mounted on the hammer, and the later .38 and all .357 guns used the firing pin mounted in the frame like the Python.

Of course, if you would like to "split the difference" and have a higher quality gun than the Trooper, but not so expensive as the Python, look for a Colt 357. This is both the name and the caliber of the gun.
The 357 looks like a old model Trooper, but has the Python-like frame mounted firing pin and a better action and blue job.

[tech]

dfariswheel, thanks for the info. I have a King Cobra and I am not impressed with the trigger at all. I have hopes for this trooper.

Mike