Colt Trooper .357 - Opinions

[RamShot]

Hello all,

I have a Colt revolver that I purchased some 10 years back. On the 6" barrel it has TROOPER .357 and under that is .357 Magnum CTG and the serial # is
750xx. I have a hard time seeing exactly where this fits in with the numbers I see at proofhouse.com, but I am thinking this means it was made sometime '67 or '68 ish.

Following the revolver checkout sticky, I get a pass with flying colors. It has Pachmayr Presentation grips and shoots like a dream with a touch of a hair trigger if the hammer is cocked back. I have large strong hands so that could just be me.

The bluing is faded slightly near the muzzle but there is not a hint of rust to be found. Attaching picture... Its a camera phone picture with some glare from the flash but it represents well enough I think.

I would appreciate any opinions or thought you all may have on this handgun in general or even its potential resale value.


-Ram

 

[kenno]

I think I was 17 when I bought an identicle Colt, used for $87.00 in 1968. The guy behind the counter put it in a paper bag and I walked out of the store. I still have that Colt!
I've owned a bunch of other Troopers and Officers Models in 38 spl and 22 LR but I've kept that one. They are a fine revolver, not too heavy and not too light. In the days before recycling I hit empty coke bottles at 100 yards with that pistol. I still have two 357's and this is the one I would keep! I would not put +P 357 ammo in it as they were only engineered for High Velocity ammo, the gun should last a few more generations with minimal care!
I have no idea what they sell for today, look at GunBroker.com for a rough idea!
If I get energized tommorow I'll take a pic and post it here.

 

[RugerNo]

That is the original Colt Trooper made in mid 50's to mid 60's. Go to proofhouse dot com with serial number to confirm mfg date. Action was used for the coveted Pythons.

 

[DickM]

Great guns - as others have said, sort of a "pre-Python." I had one just like yours - the first centerfire handgun I ever owned - that I foolishly sold years ago. I've been looking for one ever since (is yours for sale?) but have only been able to find the similar 357 (or three-five-seven), which I bought immediately.

Wiki has a good article on the relationship between the 357, the original Trooper, and the Python: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colt_Trooper.

 

[BullsAndClays]

According to Wilson's data, your Trooper is probably from 1968 (lowest number is 67500). 1969 had the range of 80800-84616.

 

[RamShot]

DickM - I have been considering selling it, but my mind is not made up yet.

From most things I have read, this gun is steady, tough, long-lasting keeper. It makes my stomach twist when I try to justify the satisfaction of a short term money need in exchange for long-term item.

That said, I'm still considering.

 

[DickM]

RamShot - I would strongly urge you to keep the gun, but if you decide to sell it please shoot me a PM.

 

[Guillermo]

if you sell it you will regret it

 

[Lorenzo Rojo]

As far as resale value goes, I'd say between $450 and $550.

 

[Seamore2001]

It's a nice reliable revolver. I have that in 4" and its precursor (the model Three Fifty Seven) in 6". That is one of the last hand-fit Colts made, outside of the python. You simply cannot buy a new mass-market 357 revolver with the same level of quality today, because that level of workmanship is too expensive for mass-production.

 

[kenno]

found it

 

[22-rimfire]

It is a very good shooter made at the tail end of the Trooper production. The Trooper Mark III's stated in 1968. I'd keep it as it probably shoots better than most production revolvers made today. If you want to sell it, there are many who would be interested. It does not appear to be a collector piece to me.

 

[Starter52]

A fine gun. Too bad the original wood grips are missing. Colt factory grips for the early Troopers are bringing good money on the auction sites.

 

[bflobill_69]

Well there's the obvious, they are'nt making double action colts anymore...

...but finding a beauty like that is just gonna get tougher and tougher...

Keep it and enjoy it,

Bflobill69

 

[Iggy]

I ain't known for havin' much couth, so I'll just say it straight out. You'd be an idiot for sellin' that gun.

 

[RebelRabbi]

People pay STUPID money for Colt Revolvers. Check Gunbroker.com for market prices.

 

[22-rimfire]

I have been known to be a little stupid a time or two. Keep the Trooper and enjoy it.

 

[Steve C]

Here is my small sample of Troopers. 2 of the Old models and one MKIII. The 4" I bought 3 years ago for $450 but it was like new. I wouldn't sell any of them at a reasonable price.

 

[djeffcoat]

Here's my '67 Trooper 357 with 4" barrel. Great gun. My advice is keep yours.

DJ

 

[RamShot]

Thanks everyone. Much appreciated.

-Ram

 

[Black Knight]

Nice revolver you have there. I seem to recall the Trooper being referred to as the poor man's Python. They were great guns in their own right. Check out the Colt Forum where many folks there know more than I do about Colts. Even though I have been handling guns for more than 30 years I still learn something new from time to time on these various forums.

 

[Phydeaux642]

I would keep the Colt if at all possible. I'm not sure how well prices translate between calibers, but I just picked up a Trooper MK III in .22lr for $499 (okay, I traded a Walther P22 plus $230 for it and couldn't be happier. Never much liked the P22).