Colt Trooper $350 - good buy?

[leadcounsel]

Found a local Colt Trooper, probably about 80% and missing the rear sight (a $60 part) for $350. Felt very smooth and had a nice set of wood grips with finger grooves. .357


Had some wear, and a few light scratches, and needs a scrubbing.

For $350, is it a buy or a pass, knowing it would be over $400 after the site and install.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Trooper or MKIII?....Not that it matters, I think it is too high since it is missing parts and the original grips.

 

[savit260]

A little high IMO as well.

Maybe $300 out the door all taxes etc. included.

 

[Checkman]

I agree with savit260. No more than $300 out the door.

 

[22-rimfire]

I agree with the slightly too high price considering you will have to find a rear sight and it does not have the original stocks. Is this a Mark III or original Trooper? Caliber?

 

[Checkman]

Yes that's important as well. If it's a Mk III Trooper you could probably come down some from the $300.

 

[Walkalong]

I think it is too high since it is missing parts and the original grips.

Pretty much.

 

[leadcounsel]

Mark III.

I'm surprised to hear this because I thought that they were supposed to be as good as Pythons.

 

[DPris]

Oh HELL no!
The original Troopers with the same V-Spring actions were very good, just didn't have the same barrel & higher degree of finish as the Pythons.

The later MKIII was a totally different gun, different guts, sintered parts, less hand fitting.
Nowhere near the equal of the Python.
Denis

 

[gpb]

Carefully check the timing before buying.

 

[Walkalong]

While a Mk III is by no means a Python, it is a fine gun in its own right. I love mine.

Missing the grips knocks the value down, as does the missing sight. It will probably cost you more for nice grips than a new sight.

I won't buy a Colt without original grips any more unless the price is really, really, nice.

If you don't care about the grips, and are willing to replace the sight, and it checks out, buy it. Great guns.

Try for $300/325 out the door.

 

[4v50 Gary]

What DPris said. The MK III Trooper was a different gun from the original Trooper that had the same internal lockwork as the Python.

 

[788Ham]

I paid $425 OTD for mine, 95%, box and circular screwdriver that originally came with it. Mine even included the rear sights!

 

[skidder]

I paid $380 for a Trooper 357.

 

[Remllez]

Lead counsel,

Not a good buy for all the above stated reasons, plus the time and effort in finding decent replacement parts. Good specimens are still out there and if you take your time, one will come along for your price.

I've owned my V-spring Trooper many years and when you find a good one your set for life unless you run flamethrowers through it constantly. Wait for a V-spring and you'll be amazed at the trigger pull and accuracy!

 

[Checkman]

I sold my Winchester 1895 to Cabelas in order to be able to afford a pre-WWII (1937) Colt Officer Model Target Heavy Barrel and a 1960 Colt Trooper (.38Spl). They are both in excellent condition, but they weren't cheap. However they were worth parting with the Winchester. I hadn't shot it in eight years and I have shot the Colts several times since getting them. Albeit only with factory loaded Winchester 158 grain LRN. Terrific revolvers, but they don't come cheap. Maybe you should hold out for a specimen that's in better shape and pay more.