Colt experimental prototype revolvers w/pictures

[GUNKWAZY]

I posted these for the boys on the Colt forum last night and thought I would share these with the people that don't go over there on that forum.

Here's a Colt factory experimental prototype of the Trooper MKIII.
As you can see, it has a sleeved/interchangeable style barrel design similar to the Dan Wesson revolvers.






Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[GUNKWAZY]

Here's a Colt factory experimental prototype of the Trooper MKIII.
This could be the very first Trooper MKIII every made.
As you can see, it even has a "GX" prefix serial number which is a Colt experimental prefix.
The bottom on the grips are marked "Delta Trooper".
Could this have been what Colt planned on calling the Trooper MKIII or maybe a Delta MKIII ?
Interesting to see the 1/2 moon style cut around the Colt Medallions on the grips/stocks.
FYI: The action is super slick.








Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[GUNKWAZY]

Here's an earlier style (1965) Colt factory experimental prototype of the Trooper.
As you can see, it has the early style trigger & hammer design, but an experimental shrouded ejector rod with top rib style barrel found on the later troopers. That style barrel did not show up until 1969 on the Trooper MKIII. This looks like it would have been a winner if they built this one. Early smooth lockwork with more of a modern look.
The MK-2 ?







Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[GUNKWAZY]

This one was too damn interesting not to purchase.
It's an experimental prototype of a semi-automatic version of the Colt Trooper.
Also note the "Look ma, no hands" type cylinder set up as the internals of the receiver does not work to rotate the cylinder anymore.
Pull the trigger and only the hammer moves. The fireing of the gun would have rotated the cylinder.







Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[Master Blaster]

Very cool,
So was that last one a gas piston, or recoil operated?

It appears that the inner barrel recoils and works the cylinder.

Can you safely fire it????

 

[GUNKWAZY]

Can you safely fire it????

I'm more of a collector than a see if I can blow my hand up kind of guy.
Anyway, it looks to be that the barrel locks into the front of the cylinder. When a round is fired it pushed the barrel foward and in doing so, would rotate the cylinder.

Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[absolute0]

I think Jack Nicholson said it best...

"Where does he get those wonderful toys?"

Good stuff as always Jeff!

 

[bannockburn]

GUNKWAZY

Really interesting stuff. The experimental Trooper Mk.III reminded me of a Lawman frame, mated to a Dan Wesson interchangeable barrel, with the streamlined shape of a S&W L frame barrel. The one you called a Mk. 2 looked like Colt earlier had an eye towards S&W styling, especially with the ejector shroud and front sight. Sort of like a Model 27 or 28. Very insightful, and sure to be of interest to revolver enthusiasts and collectors alike. Thanks for sharing.

 

[rswartsell]

GUNKWAZY- These came from the Colt factory auction that Old Fuff posted about here didn't they? I'm jealous as hell if snagged all of these. Hats off to you.

 

[sidheshooter]

Jeff,

I take it from the above that you already have a rep around here for your collecting. I'm pretty new here, but I can say that those are some *fascinating* pics. Thanks a ton for that!

 

[GUNKWAZY]

Thanks guys.
Yes, these came from the Colt factory Archives collection and YES, there's more coming with pics to follow.


Jeff (GUNKWAZY)