1959 Colt Trooper comments/opinions sought.

[pgmrdan]

I'd like to see your opinions/comments on a 1959 Colt Trooper, 4" barrel, .38 special.

What should I expect to pay for one in good shape?

I'm fairly new to handguns and know nothing about Colts.

Thanks.

 

[Walkalong]

Outstanding guns. Prices really vary. Condition is everything. Do not hesitate to pick it up if it is mechanically sound and the price is good.

 

[pgmrdan]

Do you know if they're capable to safely shoot +P ammunition?

 

[Guillermo]

Do you know if they're capable to safely shoot +P ammunition?

Good lord yes.

they used that platform for .357 magnum

besides...the "+P" of today would not have been considered a hot round, but rather a regular pressure.

The .38 special was emasculated about 1970 and they started selling us the regular stuff as being "hot".

 

[TonyT]

The Colt Trooper was the poor mans version of the Python - no barrel rib nor high gloss blue. The Trooper is an excellent revolver. I have not priced them for ages so Icannot help on that score.

 

[Lucky Derby]

If mechanically sound, they are excellent revolvers. I have two of the .357 versions and an Official Police which is the same gun with fixed sights. Shoot +P as much as you like. As was stated, when this gun was made, what we call +P today, was just standard ammo. I have put quite a bit of +P through my OP. They also had something called .38/44 ammo. This is basically a .38 loaded to .357 velocity. Colt said this was fine for thier guns.

 

[pgmrdan]

Thanks all.

 

[Guillermo]

They also had something called .38/44 ammo

now that was a hot load

 

[pgmrdan]

I got it. I shot it. It's so sweeeeeeeet!

I got a box of American Eagle 130 grain FMJs to check out the gun. Tomorrow I'll get something more suitable for protection/defense.

This is the second handgun I've ever bought. I'm amazed.

I thought I'd have to change out the sharply checkered wood grips. No way! They're fantastic.

I've shot .357 magnums and .44 magnums without a flinch. This baby is a piece of cake. Maybe the AEs are light loads and make is super easy to shoot. Defensive rounds may be much firmer. I don't know. How do they compare?

 

[Walkalong]

Congrats.

 

[22-rimfire]

I thought I'd have to change out the sharply checkered wood grips. No way! They're fantastic.

They are also worth a fair amount of money if they are orginal and in good shape. Save them if you switch to something else.

 

[Iggy]

Poor man's Python. You did good.

 

[Tallinar]

I think pictures are in order.

 

[DickM]

A Colt Trooper .357 was my first centerfire handgun, purchased many years ago. I foolishly sold it and have been looking for another ever since. Don't make the same mistake.

 

[USMC8541]

You are a Colt man now, and a cut above the rest.

 

[Lucky Derby]

A good +P defensive round will have a bit more "bite" to it than the AE loads, but not much, especially since you are familiar with .357 and .44 magnums. Take care of those grips. They are worth some serious $$$ if original. Are they the oversize Target grips or the smaller service grips? My OP wears the service grips with a Tyler T grip added. Feels really nice. One of my Troopers has the original Target grip on it. It feels good to. The Trooper that I carry, has after market Badger grips on it. Those are some of the nicest feeling grips I have ever had.

 

[pgmrdan]

"You are a Colt man now, and a cut above the rest." I'll try not to act stuck up.

I'm pretty certain these are original service grips.

Now I need some home/personal defense ammo.

 

[Lucky Derby]

Oh, I forgot to congradulate you. Congrats!

 

[pgmrdan]

Thanks!

 

[OldCavSoldier]

25 handguns (mostly Smith revolvers and Colt & Sig autos) and just got my first Colt DA revolver...4-inch Trooper MKIII... a few weeks ago....consignment/estate sale...$365 OTD....tighter lock-up than the proverbial Scotsman's nickel grip...smooth trigger...shoots soooooo nice!

Why did I wait so damned long to get a Colt DA revolver?