Colt Trooper 357 Magnum

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skidder

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I purchased a Colt Trooper 357 at my LGS today. The bluing on the right side is almost perfect, but on the left about 80%. The lockup is rock solid and the grips are worn, but no cracks. Thanks to the link provided by Radacast in the sticky, the S/N puts it at 1967. I paid $380 out the door. This is my first Colt, so I thought I'd ask if I did ok? I wasn't looking for a Colt, but when I tested the lock up and the trigger, I couldn't say no.


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Well, around these parts the LGS' won't give us the time of day for $380, bonus that you got a very nice looking, quality handgun for that price. I think you did very well, congratulations!
 
WOW, $380.00, wish it was me. You know of course that the "guts" of this thing and 90%+ of the functionality is the same as a Python? So just for stripping off the "gingerbread" you saved about what....$800.00 (conservatively).

Colts (even if not in "collector" condition) are escalating in price even more rapidly than other quality double action revolvers. If function is perfect (and that's a big if with gunsmiths qualified to work on these rapidly becoming extinct), you hit it out of the park. Learn to clean up the cosmetic deficiencies with out damaging the piece is the next order of business, then shoot enough to find out why they are so highly valued. I am damn-sure jealous if it operates well.
 
A little Tru-Oil applied with your finger will have those grips looking like new again.

rc
 
You know of course that the "guts" of this thing and 90%+ of the functionality is the same as a Python?
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No, I had no Idea.
I'm in a whole new ball park with this Colt. I've always had Smiths and Rugers.
This is the first time I ever handled a Colt DA, they usually don't surface around here. After messing around with it, I can see where all the love comes from. They are really smooth. I like the wide hammer, and the balance in my hand feels pretty good. I'm as giddy as a school kid to shoot this thing, but It's storming really bad right now so I'll have to wait till tomorrow :(. I'll let you know how it shoots.

Thanks for all the input.
 
That's the same price I paid for my Trooper .357, 4", nickel. It was the issue revolver from a retired cop's estate. I thought it was a steal. So, from my perspective you also got a great deal. I've run a couple of hundred rounds through mine, and it's a ball to shoot. You'll enjoy it.

The Trooper .357 is on the same frame as the Python, the E/I. Stocks are interchangeable. Mine came with a set of Colt-medallioned Pachmayr's. It now has a set of older 1st Generation target stocks. I also have a set of service stocks for it. Your stocks are correct, and they're referred to as 2nd Generation. The Troopers have "silver" medallions vs. "gold" medallions for Pythons.

The action, out of the box, is not as smooth as the Python, but then the Troopers weren't hand-fitted, either. However, mine has had a trigger job, and it's every bit as smooth as my Pythons.

Enjoy!
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That sir, along with the "sexy" vent rib barrel and ejector shroud was about the only difference, a bit longer at the bench for the hand fitters. With "honest wear" and not abuse the Troopers and .357's arrive at what the Python fitters accelerated for you.
 
The pre-MkIII Troopers and "357 Magnums" are Pythons with thinner barrels. You got an excellent price. I have a couple of 357 Troopers (also made in 38 and 22 and I would love to have the latter). This one is sad looking but shoots great and only set me back $210.


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You'll love it. Took my 6" Python to the range this morning and murdered every popcan that dared show itself out to 35 yrds. After I save enough $$$ for a 6" nickel Python, a 4" Trooper is next.
 
did you wear a mask?
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No, but I am a 6'3" 250 pound Indian.:D

You and a few other spurred my curiosity for Colt. I was looking for an opportunity to give one a try and today it seemed all the stars were in alignment. Thanks for the good advice.
A little Tru-Oil applied with your finger will have those grips looking like new again.
Click to expand...
Thanks RC. I will give it a try.
The Trooper .357 is on the same frame as the Python, the E/I. Stocks are interchangeable. Mine came with a set of Colt-medallioned Pachmayr's. It now has a set of older 1st Generation target stocks. I also have a set of service stocks for it. Your stocks are correct, and they're referred to as 2nd Generation. The Troopers have "silver" medallions vs. "gold" medallions for Pythons.
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This is great info, I find it very interesting. After reading this I went and checked out gunbroker... I was shocked to find that the original Python grips were going for $200 :eek:. This Colt world is a whole new experience.
 
And a 6" Trooper is not particularly common itself.
Good catch.

There is a whole family of Colt ".41 frame" revolvers.
The Army Special and its immediate successor with no difference other than the model name, the Official Police, with fixed sights.

The old time standard target revolvers, Officer's Model Target, -Special, and -Match with adjustable sights. (S&W played catchup to Colt for many years before blowing them away with the K-38. Which was soon replaced with automatics.)

The deluxe service models with adjustable sights, the Three Fifty-Seven and Trooper, later merged into one product line under the Trooper name.

And, of course the Python, which is prettier but not actually finer than the rest.
 
I've got the same gun, from a year later in 1968. If I had to get rid of all of them, that would be the last one to go. It is such a great shooter, and is just pure Americana. I'm the third owner of mine.

Josh
 
I've got the same gun, from a year later in 1968. If I had to get rid of all of them, that would be the last one to go. It is such a great shooter, and is just pure Americana. I'm the third owner of mine.
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Thanks Josh.

I'm really looking forward to shooting this thing. I have some 148 wadcutters loaded up to start out. Then some medium 158 hard cast, and finish it with some full powered 158 JHPs. Dang, I wish I could leave work early....my back is kinda hurting :rolleyes:.
 
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Another thing that stood out to me about the Trooper is the size. I'm used to shooting my sp101 and 3 Security Six revolvers. This thing a no slouch... it's got some hoss to it. Next to my 6" Six, everything is bigger: cylinder diameter, frame, barrel. It must be closer to the GP or 686 in size?
Man I can't wait to shoot this thing (did I mention that yet? :)).
 
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Congratulations on you Colt,

I've found the Wadcutters and hard cast shoot lights out in the older Colts I've owned through the years, the rifling seems to really grab the lead better than jacketed slugs. The smoothness really shows up at the range shooting double action....like butter!!

Good luck and keep us posted, I've never met a v-spring Colt I didn't like. And the proof shows up on the target.....:)
 
All the old Colts I've found lately have been ragged-out and way overpriced.
Nearly zero original finish left, and $350 or more. "It's a collector's gun" the LGS monkeys say.
"It's ragged-out and needs work" I say. "It's a shooter, AFTER it gets repaired." I say.
"Collectors will pay big money for anything Colt" They say.
"Then, why haven't colectors bought them?" I say.
End of conversation.

I've even found some very obviously reblued specimens for outrageous prices.
No luck.
 
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