Colt .357

[eastwood44mag]

I don't know the model, but it's based off the Python frame.

Rough, some surface rust/scarring (pattern looks like a kid sneezed on half the cylinder), bluing wear on the muzzle, cylinder. 80% by my hard-arse standards. Timing seems great, love the trigger pull (crisp like a Blackhawk). I don't really know what it's worth, but I'd like to have it. Anyone care to offer speculation as to what a fair price is?

Thanks.

 

[joneb]

A picture is worth a thousand words did you read the port side of the barrel ? If it said Colt .357 Magnum, it's a pre Trooper .357 Magnum which is a poorman's Phython which is a pre Trooper mark 3 which is different from the Phyton.
As for a price ? it would be nice to know what it is.

 

[eastwood44mag]

IIRC, it's a Trooper Mark 3

 

[Cosmoline]

There is a Colt .357 that's just a Colt .357. These are the original Colt magnums and are highly sought after. The Troopers came later, after the Python was introduced. IIRC, the Mx III Trooper has the redesigned lockwork. It's a nice piece but not really in high demand yet.

 

[eastwood44mag]

Eh, I'll stop by the shop and get the details tomorrow.

 

[22-rimfire]

The Trooper Mark III is a great 357 revolver. New or as-new ones run about $400-$450, sometimes a bit more or less. 80% gun would probably be around $250.

Cost depends on finish and often what part of the country you are in. West coast prices tend to be higher. Check GunsAmerica web site for asking prices on them to give you a range of prices. There should be more than a couple offered there.

 

[hexidismal]

I have no doubt many of us could be very specific on it's value, but it requires more details. An MKIII can vary in value from $350 to $1500 or more. ( or less depending on the negative conditions you mention ). Pictures , preferably fairly detailed of course, and perhaps serial range would be helpful. What is the shop asking for it ?

 

[joneb]

Thanks Cosmo, I stand corrected it is Colt 357 not Colt 357 magnum

 

[Cosmoline]

Well a Colt .357 is a .357 magnum. What does it say on the side?

 

[joneb]

Maybe we're both right ? http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976782093.htm But you more than I
And the on the 1st Trooper the barrel it reads ( TROOPER .357) and below (.357 MAGNUM CTG.)

 

[eastwood44mag]

I think jibjab's picture is the same model as what I was looking at. The one I saw has after-market, crap grips that just plain suck.

 

[dfariswheel]

An original Colt 357 Model in good condition is a GREAT gun.
The 357 was made from 1954 to 1961, with about 15,000 produced.

At the time it was to be Colt's premium holster revolver, and was discontinued only because of the Super-premium Colt Python out-selling it.

The Colt Python was really just a 357 with a shrouded barrel, a better fitted and tuned action, and a much better blue job.
For that reason, the 357 is often called a "poor man's Python" or a "pre-Python".

These are extremely high-quality revolvers, are very accurate, and are starting to get a lot of collector's interest due to the lower production numbers.
This is one of those guns, that when you find one in good shape at a decent price, you buy it.
Since the 357 looks just like the lower grade original Trooper, most people pass over it, or under-value it.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

The Colt 357 is a superb revolver and differs from the Python only cosmetically. I've had mine for over 40 years, carried it in Viet Nam and in various other places. The Python may have special fitting, but I defy anyone to put on a blindfold and tell my 357 from a Python by the smoothness of the actioni and the trigger.

 

[Confederate]

If you like it and it's tight and within tolerances, $250 might be a fair price. The Mark III was not known for being a great revolver and at the time it was being reviewed by gun rags, the reviews were just so-so. The Mark V came along and had some marked improvements, including better grips and better accuracy. All in all, I'd prefer a Smith or a Ruger, but if you like it, that's most of the deal right there. Pristine Mark Vs can sell at an ungodly $650, but I wouldn't pay it.

 

[22-rimfire]

I'm confused? Are we talking about a Trooper Mark III or 357 Magnum model which is essentially the old Trooper in 357?

 

[eastwood44mag]

The shop was asking $450. While it is probably 85+%, I won't give that for it. Found too many nicer Colts going for less money.

 

[Bullet Bob]

". . crisp like a Blackhawk."

 

[DC3-CVN-72]

"COLT .357"

About a year ago I bought a used "COLT .357" with a 4in. bbl. in about 96%-98% condition with cheep Hogue rubber grips for $300.00 out the door. I started a thread here because I was not shure what I had. I thought I had bought a Trooper Mk.III but could not find Trooper any place on the gun. After checking the recipt it read Mod. "COLT .357" Cal. .357 Mag. serial #69XX. I posted this info. here and learned that this revolver was made in '54 in the first year of production. I also learned that another major difference between the Trooper and the "COLT .357" is that the fireing pin on the "COLT .357" is not on the hammer like on the Trooper. I realy like mine.

 

[Starter52]

I have one, too. It's built on the Colt I-frame, same as the Python. Mine looks very much like a plain barrel, less-polished version of the big snake.

A lot of these I-frame guns appear in shops with aftermarket grips, since the originals stocks are selling for very good money on eBay.

$450 is too much for this gun in 85% condition, IMO.