Colt Trooper Mark 111

[gutterman]

Looked at 2 Colt Trooper 3's today at the local pawn shop. They in my opinion are in 90-95 percent condition, and the actions seemed very smooth on both. One was the blued version and the other nickel. The finishes were in good shape other than a little blueing rub from holster wear, and the nickel seemed in very good cond. The blued version has custom wood grips with finger grooves, and filled my hand very comfortably, while the nickel has the standard colt grips, which also were very comfortable.The problem I'm having is the prices. I don't own any colts and never have, and I'm not really familiar with the colt pricing. The blued version was $699 and the nickel was $799. The current blue book on these guns is $550 and $600 respectively, and that's at 100 percent. Am I not seeing something? Are these Colts worth more for some reason?

 

[Guillermo]

Those prices seem a little strong but in my experience, pawn shops price high so that they can dicker.

I like to go to Gunbroker and look at closed auctions to check prices.

You didn't ask but my preference would be the blued one but I might ask them to swap the grips

 

[Walkalong]

I agree. Pretty strong prices. Be patient on Gunbroker and you can find much better deals. I love the Mark III. I did not pay over $500 for any of mine. All in very nice shape.

 

[Phydeaux642]

I paid $499 this year for a Trooper MK III in .22lr. I thought that was a pretty good price. I don't know that I would have paid more for it, though.

 

[ConfederateHoosier]

I have a 4' MKII in .357 that was my late grandfather's. With the adjustable sights I am usually able to get 1 to 2 inch groups at 25 yards with factory ammo, even tighter with my handloads. If I were in your position, had the money and knew what I do about what the gun is capable of accuracy wise then I would not hesitate to spend at least $600 to $650. Granted you are paying a bit more for the "Colt" name. But as I understand it, although this is one of the first revolvers they produced using "mass production" methods of the time and less actual hand fitting, the gun is just as if not more accuarate then the later much more expensive Colt Python, however I have never held or shot a Python so I dont know personally, just seems to be the opinion of some folks.

 

[evan price]

Unless in perfect condition with box, those guns are about $250 too high, each. There was a nice 85% blued .357 Mk III 4" with Pachmayrs at my local shop for $369 recently and it sold pretty quickly. For $600 you can get a King Cobra nowadays. A Python would run $800-$1200 unless it's mint.

 

[Bill B.]

The blued version was $699

I just bought my Colt MK III 4" blue 95% for $500.00 in the last 6 months. IMO that's about tops. Any higher price I would expect a box & 98% & up condition.

 

[Guillermo]

For $600 you can get a King Cobra

wish I could find a $600 KC around here

 

[bannockburn]

The last Trooper Mk. III I saw in a gun store was priced at $999 for what looked to be a 96 to 98% gun. No box or papers; just the gun. In my opinion it was definitely overpriced. So to answer your question: yes, the pawn shop is a little high for both revolvers; maybe by about $150 to $200. Of course they'll say Colt hasn't made any in quite a few years, and they are right; but then it might be awhile before they sell them at those prices. So maybe offer $200 less on the one you want and see what they say. Never hurts to ask.

 

[CajunBass]

wish I could find a $600 KC around here

You can always find them "somewhere else." All you have to do is go there.

Of course when you get there, you're not "somewhere else" anymore, you're "there." The guns are still "somewhere else."

 

[postalnut25]

The local face to face classifieds had a 4 inch blued Trooper Mk III. He listed it as 85% condition, and at $275. Lasted maybe 2-3 hours on the website. The prices listed by the OP are too high. Troopers are great guns if you can get one, though.

 

[evan price]

wish I could find a $600 KC around here

Mine was only $300; 4" matte stainless, 98%, in original box- and they threw in a box of Federal Hydra-Shoks and a hard case.

Of course this was 1991...

It's amazing how prices have changed. Local GS has a Colt Banker's Special in a generous 75% condition for only $599. Rode hard and put away wet S&W 10-6 & 10-8 HB's for $249. Who woulda thunk it 20 year ago?

 

[Jesse Heywood]

I bought a new MK III in 1975 for $200, iirc. Sold it a few years later to a fellow officer, it was stolen from him.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

I saw one at the gun show this morning. 6" barrel, very good condition. $460 brought it home. The only blue wear is at the barrel end and the cylinder ring. Seller told me itt almost went in his collection, save the ring. Mine will start a new career in shooting this week.

 

[Prosser]

For perspective, a new Ruger Stainless Six is 500 dollars. Just bought one.

Colts around here are about as rare as conservatives. I'd make a lower offer.

 

[TrakHack]

Not Mark IIIs, but I had good luck shopping for my two Colts on www.gunsamerica.com. I haven't heard it mentioned very much in the short time I've been here, so I don't know how the site is perceived by seasoned buyers. In both cases I contacted the seller directly and got better prices than are listed on the site (about 10% off and they included shipping). One piece came from Colorado, the other from Pennsylvania. I got a fair price on the first one and I knew I was paying too much for the second, but I really wanted it.

I didn't know that Colt is a considered a "premium" manufacturer when I bought the first one. I almost went with a Ruger instead of the Colt.