Colt Trooper, Python Barrel, Wow

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KJ231

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Just picked this bad boy up today, and man is it sexy. Some may say that the divide between barrel and frame is ugly, but I can't help but admire the entire look. If anyone can provide anymore history on these types of hybrids, I'd appreciate it.
 

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Can't bring up the picture, but it is a simple change, same threads, unscrew one barrel, screw in the other. Some fitting required on justification to bring the sight on top and set the cylinder gap.

The interesting ones are the counterfeit Pythons with the gap welded up and cut for a smooth transition.
 
I think it looks great, and welcome to the forum!

Ive occasionally toyed with the idea of doing one of these conversions to my early Trooper (not a fan of the 4" factory barrel). Diamondback barrels work too.

I think I love the look, definitely a head turner. IMO, the regular trooper barrel doesn't do the power of 357 justice in terms of looks/actual power.
 
It just looks "odd" to me,,,
Basically they took one of the prettiest Colts (The Trooper Mk-III) and Bubba'd it.

Does it shoot any better with the Python barrel?

Aarond

.
Those conversions are based on the original I-frame Trooper, not the MK3.

Although arguably more durable, the I-framed models were sorely lacking in grace-
20190404_224140.jpg
 
It just looks "odd" to me,,,
Basically they took one of the prettiest Colts (The Trooper Mk-III) and Bubba'd it.

Does it shoot any better with the Python barrel?

Aarond

.

I haven't a clue.... yet. Just picked it up today and got a few boxes of wad cutters. I'll probably hit the range in a few weeks when my other ammo comes in.
 
"Some may say that the divide between barrel and frame is ugly"

I'd be one of those. It's really, really bad.

If it had a King-esque full length rib arrangement that ran all the way back to the rear sight, somehow bridging that enormous gap, you might have something.
 
Just picked this bad boy up today, and man is it sexy. Some may say that the divide between barrel and frame is ugly, but I can't help but admire the entire look. If anyone can provide anymore history on these types of hybrids, I'd appreciate it.
I recently saw one of these I believe it was on GB. Is that it? Good luck and enjoy your unique revolver!
 
KJ231, No offense intended, but I admit I'm lost on this one. It just looks odd to me too. The Bowen conversions are beauties, professionally done and come out looking right. But just to screw a Python barrel into a non Python Colt frame? Because someone could I guess...
 
Gunsmiths would convert the old model Trooper to Colt Python format with a Python barrel, added metal to the front of the frame where the Troopers where tapered and rounded to meet with the round trooper barrel. The added metal to the front of the frame was then machined to meet the rib of the Python barrel. This was done in the early 60's when Pythons where in short supply and demand outstripped the availability from Colt. In the 70's I read about the conversion of Troopers to Pythons in a gun magazine as an article of historical interest. By then MKIII Troopers which are not suitable for conversion had replaced the production of the old model Troopers and Colt Python production had increased sufficiently that the conversions where no longer an economical or desirable substitute for a factory Python that all went through the Colt custom shop for final fit and finish.
 
I have a Colt Python but have always liked the Colt Troopers almost as much. I would not intentionally do the modification and I think it would detract from the gun's value. However if I found one I think it would be a great opportunity to buy a very good gun for significantly less than a Colt Trooper in its original condition (which may be one of the main reasons the OP bought it). The gap is unattractive but the ejector rod is now protected which in my opinion sort of balances things out. If it shoots well and priced right I would buy it.
 
I have a Colt Python but have always liked the Colt Troopers almost as much.

I like them better than the Python.
The Model .357/Trooper has a much taller front sight (height to the sight base) than the Python, (especially the first style Python front sight).
This makes for a superior sight picture when having to hold over at distances without the sight base obscuring the target.

the I-framed models were sorely lacking in grace

Huh? The lines on the I frame Magnums say 'business' to me. Same for the model name.
.357
33 percent.jpg
I do need to learn to photo the gun before shooting it, so pardon the powder fouling.

JT
 
Those conversions are based on the original I-frame Trooper, not the MK3.

Although arguably more durable, the I-framed models were sorely lacking in grace-

I suppose I'm in the minority, but I never liked the looks of the Mark III (or the Mark V, which is one of the ugliest DA revolvers of all time to me). The forward droop of the trigger guard, present in all subsequent new Colt revolver designs, just ruins the whole gun for me. I'm not a big fan of unshrouded ejector rods, but the original 357 and Trooper still look better to me.
 
I've shot Pythons but was always a S&W guy, and was never interested in owning a Python myself. I did own a nice pre MK III Trooper, and currently a 3 5 7 model, but never thought of screwing a Python barrel into either. I'm content with my pedestrian old 3 5 7 model Colt, with boring factory barrel. I've never bent a Colt ejector rod, but think a shrouded ejector rod like the Python's would be preferable though.
Colt and S&W (1).JPG
 
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