Colt Trooper Mk III / Diamondback

[Walkalong]

What is the size and wieght of a Colt Trooper Mk III compared to a S&W 686 or a 27/28? I have a 686 and have handled a 27. I have an N frame .41 so I have an idea about those.

I am looking for a little bit heavier .357 than my 4" 686. Overall wieght, but I don't like it out on the barrel like a 6" full lug 686. I am looking at possibly getting a 27 or 28, probably 28 (price), but am interested in the Colts as well. I just am not familiar with them.

Any other Colts besides the expensive Python fill the bill?

Another question. How does the 4" Colt Diamondback 4" .38 Spl compare to a 4" Smith Model 10 HB (which I really like) as far as size, wieght, etc.

Oh yea, it's a matter of recoil reduction for my tired old joints.
Thanks in advance, Anthony

 

[Majic]

The MkIII is a medium frame revolver and should weight slightly less than the 686 due to the different barrel configurations. If you want a heavy .357 then the N-frame or the elusive Redhawk would fill that bill. Other than the Python you have the Trooper/Lawman MkV and the King Cobra.
The Diamondback will be slightly smaller than the M10.

 

[dfariswheel]

Other than the Python, the closest Colt is the King Cobra.
The Diamondback is much small and lighter. It uses the same frame as the Detective Special.
It's about equivalent in size to the S&W "K" frame guns, and the cylinder is almost exactly the same diameter.

The King Cobra is very likely the strongest medium framed DA revolver of them all.

 

[Dienekes]

I would put the Colt Mk III between the 686 and the N frames. It was, after all, patterned after the old Official Police .41 sized frame.

Had some experience with the Mk III years ago. It had a very nice nickel finish, a 4" barrel, and target stocks. The first warning sign was when the trigger broke completely in half while dry firing. It was made by a "sintered steel" process, aka powdered steel; sort of an earlier MIM process.

SA was ok but DA was awful. Swapped out springs for smoother ones, which did not help appreciably. The stocks were pretty bad also, and I had Craig Spegel work up some for it. In the end, however, it was all for naught. I could have had the gun for free and declined. I usually don't turn down free guns but this one was an easy call.

Don't know much about Diamondbacks other than they are a mini-Python on the old Police Positive frame and of course a Colt DA. Sought after, and pricey. A Model 15 will fill the same niche at much lower cost.

I have had three 28s; great guns, but BIG.

You might give at least passing thought to the Ruger GP-100 in 4" barrel. It's almost exactly the same weight as a M28 with a little less bulk and IMHO outstanding stocks. If you are looking for recoil reduction these do it; .357/125s in this gun feel like .38 Specials. I lucked into one with an incredible action job and I shoot it better with less fuss than any other .357 I own.

It's overkill for CCW so I have Security Sixes for that. I hesitate to use the word "awesome" for anything but in this case it's appropriate.

 

[Walkalong]

You might give at least passing thought to the Ruger GP-100 in 4" barrel.

I have one.

Other than the Python, the closest Colt is the King Cobra.

Looked at those. Pricey as well and has the full lug like the 6"686 I sold because I don't like that wieght out front. I like the full lug 4" 686 and GP-100, but would like more overall weight, just not out front.

Don't stop with the advise though. I'll be checking in to read up on your suggestions.

 

[22-rimfire]

The Colt Trooper Mark III in 357 as 39oz in 4" and 42oz in a 6". The Smith 686 is 41oz in 4" and 46oz in 6". The Model 10 is listed as 30.5oz with 4" barrel and the Colt Diamondback is listed as 28.5oz with 4" barrel.