Colt Trooper MKIII

[Dutch1911]

Once again I find myself in the position of knowing absolutely nothing about a gun.
Ok, I've been casually looking for some time now for a Colt MK III .357 6" barrel. Don't ask why, cuz I don't know. It's an addiction, very strange. I've always been a 1911 crazed freak now all of a sudden I'm diggin the revolvers and all their glory.

I tracked one down in blue. 375.00
I jumped at the price and thought ok... what's the problem.
I'm waiting for more pictures tomorrow, but know nothing really about revolvers.
He states it's his brothers gun and shoots perfect. Slight wear but nothing substantial.
Pic attached.
Any recommendations???
BTW where can I find a source for serial number manufacture dates???

Thank you

Dutch

 

[Old Fuff]

Absolute piece of junk, but I'll give you what you paid for it.... Just as a favor you understand.

Open the cylinder at look at the frame, below the back of the barrel and behind where the crane was (the crane is the hindge the cylinder swings out on). You should see the serial number, and it's probably got the letter "J" or "L" in front or back of it.

Then go to (www.proofhouse.com) and you can find out when it was made. That will do for a start. Come back, and I'm sure some of out members will tell you more.

 

[22-rimfire]

Dates of manufacture are included in Wilson's Colt An American Legend book as an appendix. Covers until 1986 as I recall. proofhouse covers until 1982 as I recall unless someone has revised the listings.

The model was manufactured from 1969 and discontined in 1983 after the Trooper Mark V was released in 1982. It is a much better revolver than those that lived during that time and snubbed it realize. The Mark V was discontinued in 1986 along with many of their models. It was one of the key change years for Colt and Colt has never been close to the same since. From my perspective Colt died in 1986.

Looks like a fine revolver and if he is telling you the truth there should be absolutely nothing wrong with it. I have one 6" 357 Trooper Mark III and it is my favored 357 mag revolver when it comes to shooting. It carries fine in a holster also. I believe my Python holsters fit it of which I have several. The grips (stocks) appear factory original.

My Trooper Mark III rivals my old Python in smoothness of the trigger. I really like this revolver and the price is good. I have pachmayr grips on mine now. I generally put pachmayr's on most of the revolvers I regularly shoot.

 

[Old Fuff]

Actually, rhe J-frame series of Colt's (not to be confused with J-frame Smith & Wessons, that are different) are very fine revolvers, and perhaps the strongest in they're class. But because of consumer ignorence they are sometimes found at very attractive prices.

We wouldn't want to educate anyone would we... ?

 

[22-rimfire]

I just realized 1986 was 22 years ago. Darn. I'm gettin old. It has been a good ride never the less. Folks born about then are just turning 21 now and know little about revolvers unless their fathers and grandfathers owned and shot them.

Around 1989-1990, during the Wonder Nine years, you could buy the Trooper Mark III NIB for $300 and often cheaper. Smith Model 29's and 57's sold for $300 too. Nobody wanted revolvers which was just fine for me.

That was also about the time period when the change over to stainless revolvers was taking place from the blued versions. Those that wanted revolvers wanted those new stainless guns.

 

[Bozo]

It is a fine revolver and unless there is something wrong, $375.00 is a good deal. I have two, one in 6" nickel and one in 4" blued. The 4" is my favorite, I bought it new in 1972 when I returned home from service.

 

[COK]

What ohers have said , In nice shape , $375 would be a honest price in my area

 

[bannockburn]

Dutch1911

A price of $375 is more than decent; around some places, that's an absolute steal. I have seen Troopers priced anywhere from $700 to $900 in much the same condition as you describe the one you're interested in. A well designed and built gun that was overshadowed by S&W .357's and the surge in semi-auto pistol designs.

 

[ironvic]

I'm a dyed in the wool Smith & Wesson revolver man. But, my Colt Trooper MkIII is my overall most accurate, favorite 6" targeteer. On recoil's impulse, the Trooper is far more comfortable than the S&W and the pain associated with the smack of the backstrap when it hits the base of my thumb, as experienced when firing the S&W, is non-existent in the Colt. The Colt Trooper is smooth and pain free, but it has taken a bit of using to get used to; not feeling that stack just before the hammer lets off on double-action firing.

Accuracy? The Trooper has it in spades, almost to the point of boring, when shooting accuracy loads in .357 or .38 Special (hollowbase wadcutters in the .38).

I bought my Trooper because it looked darned beautiful in the case, the price of 3 hun was just right and the thing looks as deadly as Thor's Hammer. But that is offset by the beautiful deep blue bluing. Slick as snot, good lookin' and painlessly accurate with factory wood grips-a package made in gun heaven!

 

[Colt Smith]

Dutch1911,

You may also want to check out another thread a few lines down in this category titled "Help Compare Colts please - Python". I paid $400 for my 4" MkIII with 6 rounds through it. I think it's a darn fair price @ $375 in excellent condition. A real sleeper and a handsome gun to boot. Check it out well then take it home and shoot it. Enjoy.