Colt Trooper 357 magnum

[joneb]

I was tempted by one today with a 4" barrel. The seller wanted $429, I offered $275 because there was major bluing issues, I would rate its condition at 80-85%.
It did appear to have the original grips that appeared to be in good condition with silver Colt medallions.
The lock up was tight, further inspection didn't happen as the seller would not go below $350. So I walked
Should I go back with a offer of $300 or just forget about it ?

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Original Trooper or MKiii?

 

[joneb]

Original Trooper or MKiii?

It is a Colt Trooper 357 magnum.

To be more clear it is the one after the Colt 357 magnum, it was manufactured up to 1969.

 

[22-rimfire]

I'd go back and offer $400. The Colt 357 Model is an EXCELLENT revolver. Trooper Mark III... probably not. But the Mark III's shoot very well and my 6" is my go to 6" 357 mag revolver and my favorite shooter.

I'm confused. The one that was manufactured until 1969 was called the Trooper which was chambered in 357 magnum at this point in the production cycle. The Colt 357 Model was made until 1962 which was a more premium version of the original Trooper. The original Colt Trooper was chambered in 38spl and 22LR.

 

[joneb]

The original Colt Trooper was chambered in 38spl and 22LR.

I think it was also chambered for 357 mag.

 

[22-rimfire]

Absolutely not.... the Colt 357 Model was chambered in 357 mag. This revolver came out just prior to the introduction of the Python in 1955. The 357 model continued to be made until 1962 and at that time the caliber was rolled into the Trooper model. So Colt had two 357 magnum revolvers. One was the premium Python and other was considered more of a duty gun. The Trooper Mark III replaced the Trooper with a new action that was cheaper for Colt to make. It was initially only offered in 357 mag and was later brought out in 22LR and 22WMR. It was discontinued in 1983 when the Mark V series replaced it. Revolvers like the King Cobra were Mark V actions.

It is a Colt Trooper 357 magnum

The Troopers were marked Trooper with the caliber which included 357's after 1962. So your statement above is correct. The difference is that Colt had a 357 Model which was a premium Trooper when they were first introduced in the early 50's.

 

[joneb]

This is not the gun in question but it is a Colt trooper 357 magnum much like the one I was interested in.
http://thefiringline.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=18295&d=1143175561

 

[22-rimfire]

That is the original Trooper Model or if it was manufactured prior to 1962, it would be a 3-5-7 Model.

It is a great gun and desireable. I think we are dancing around semantics. At the condition you mentioned, it would not be considered a collector piece, but it is still a great revolver.

 

[joneb]

I guess I am asking this question in the wrong gun forum.
I am sorry, and I will take this question elsewhere.

 

[22-rimfire]

Have it your way. I own three of these. I also own more than three Trooper Mark III's.

I read through this again. This statement is correct as long as you are referring to the 3-5-7 model versus the Trooper.

To be more clear it is the one after the Colt 357 magnum, it was manufactured up to 1969.

Therefore, it was a Trooper that was chambered in 357 mag manufactured after 1962. Prior to 1962, the Trooper was not chambered in 357 mag, but only 38spl and 22LR. It was called the Trooper or in my first post... the "original" trooper. It was a question of terminology.... one being the model and the other being the caliber. You could buy a Trooper in either 38spl or 22LR prior to 1962 OR you could purchase the 3-5-7 model chambered in 357 magnum. After 1962, you could buy the Trooper model chambered in 357 magnum. To confuse things further, most including me refer to the "original" Trooper as any Trooper model, and the 3-5-7 Model was a distinct Colt model designation used until 1962. Many will make a post calling the Trooper Mark III a "Trooper" which is why the question was asked whether it is an original Trooper or Trooper Mark III.

 

[DPris]

My 1966 Trooper .357 says Trooper .357 On the barrel.
I presume that's the model Jibjab was asking about, and I'd go to $350 if in good mechanical shape & I really wanted one.

Just be aware that those guns are obsoleting themselves from service if needed.
Denis

 

[Steve C]

$429 was a reasonable price for a 80% Colt Trooper. If the condition of the blue bothers you have it refinished. The old model troopers have the same frame and innards of a Colt Python, the barrel is tapered and there's no under lug but every one I've picked up and tried has an actions as smooth as a Python. Here's a picture of my 3, 2 old models and a MkIII.

 

[788Ham]

If you're not interested in it, let me know where its at, I'll get it. I have a Colt Trooper in .38 spl, but another one won't bother me. I'd jump !

 

[Cluster Bomb]

I own a 1968 Colt Trooper 357mag (they changed to MKIII om 1969) in 4" i love it. Mine has major bluing issues. but shoots straight. I paid $250 for it.

You will be happy with it.