Colt Trooper Wood

[MtnSpur]

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to come home with a 1968 Colt Trooper .357 4" bbl in excellent condition. The rub is that the original wood grips were replaced with Pachmayrs, which in and of itself isn't a terrible thing. I'm a wood grip kinda guy for weapons that are "classics". Looking at some auction sites I see beat up or sanded (yep sanded) Trooper grips for $75. Really?
OK my THR friends, what options on new shoes do I have for this Trooper?

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

For something to actually shoot with, I suggest Herrett's made to measure stocks, or "Classic" from Eagle Grips. (Assuming they make them for this gun. They should, as it is little or no different from an Official Police or Python.) I would still keep your eyes peeled for some original grips, though, due to the potential collector value.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Search eBay for Python stocks. There are some decent looking reproductions coming outta the Far East that can be had for under 50 bucks.

 

[MtnSpur]

Trooper Frame

Search eBay for Python stocks. There are some decent looking reproductions coming outta the Far East that can be had for under 50 bucks.

This begs a new question
I can quote model and frame designation for S&W but, yes but and don't laugh, this is my very first COLT (unless you count the Colt .22short derringer). All these many years of owning weapons and my first COLT
Since the 1968 Trooper was basically the last model before MK designations and then you have the Pythons, etc. What frame designation is equal to the Trooper as far as grips? Am I making any sense whatsoever?

 

[ColtPythonElite]

"I" Frame

 

[Lucky Derby]

yes, I frame. However your Trooper (Congrats) will usually not be listed. Any grip made for the Python should fit. Use Python speedloaders too.

I have a set of Badger grips on the '69 vintage Trooper that I carry. It is one of the last 80 made before the switch to the MKIII.

 

[equalizer]

Look under buy/sell accessories. I have a pair of new "Eagle" grips for the I Frame. I'll sell them seperately for 35.00 shipped

 

[Lucky Derby]

equalizer-You might send the OP a PM too, in case he doesn't look here in time.

 

[equalizer]

Thanks Lucky, I did.

 

[Standing Wolf]

For something to actually shoot with, I suggest Herrett's made to measure stocks...

I'll second that and add Nill's as another possibility.

 

[SaxonPig]

Original Colt revolver stocks are now worth their weight in gold. A nice set of late model Python target stocks will sell for $250 and more in some cases. The 1950s style can go for $400 in my observation. Madness... or simply supply and demand at work. That's why so many I frame Colts are offered for sale with rubber grips, the wood was sold separately to increase profit.

Maybe 30 years ago I bought come Colt stocks that were fully checkered. I had never seen them before and only later learned they were for the early Python and 357 Magnum models made 1954-1961 (I think). I paid $5 for them. I put them on a Python and liked them. So all of my I frame Colts wear them. Being the consummate wheeler-dealer and world renowned cheap bastard I figure I have paid an average of about $20 for these. Some are like new while others show extensive wear. I try to match the stocks with the condition of the gun.

These were really nice so they go on a couple of nice revolvers.




This set is more "beater" in nature and so is the gun.




Putting a few together for a group photo.

 

[MtnSpur]

Very nice weapons. See? They scream for wood !!!! Just finished detail cleaning mine and took quick shot:



She WANTS WOOD SHOES

 

[4v50 Gary]

Why are original Python stocks so expensive now?

BTW, my brother hated the originals and I loved them and kept them on my Python. When Pachmayr rubber grips with finger grooves came out, I rejected them for the original Python stocks since the grooves never fit my smaller hands.

 

[MtnSpur]

Been looking at grips 'bout all afternoon (my eyes are crossin). Going to take y'alls word that the Python grips will fit the Trooper. I'm not comfortable with the one piece and screw from the bottom models. I'm either gonna get bit in the butt or find what I need before I go blind

 

[dfariswheel]

Here's some options on grips.
As above, grips for the original Trooper are the same as Python grips.
Be aware that people often sell "Trooper" grips that are actually for the Trooper Mark III. Mark III grips will NOT fit the original Trooper or Python.
Original Colt factory Target grips typically START at $150 these days.

http://gungripsupply.com/
(These are the same grips that Colt used on the last of the Pythons in the late 1990's).

http://www.eaglegrips.com/guns/Python-Official-Police-grips.html
(More Expensive but NICE).

http://www.badgercustomgrips.com/colt_pistol_grips.php

http://www.getgrip.com/
(Hogue is sort of the "standard" for many Colt owners.
Note that they offer options like grips with or without finger grooves.
The bottom mount saddle mounting device is a little aggravating to install, but it gives the most solid mount of any grip made with NO shifting or moving).

On Ebay several South Asia makers are selling "sort of" replica Colt type Target grips. These are offered in the Second and Third type Colt Target style.
These are decent for the price, but in no way are they Colt quality.
Also note that the "Colt" medallions aren't. Look close and they're very different.

Here's some examples:

"Replica" Third Type:


"Replica" Second Type:

 

[4v50 Gary]

Disgusting replicas. If they left the fake logos off of them, they'd be acceptable as aftermarket but to fake the logo is disgusting.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

At least the fake medallions make it easy to spot the knock-offs. In the drawer at my desk is a Trooper Mk III with Pachmayr's. The wood grips are in the safe. My first handgun was a Mk III, I don't like the feel of the Colt wood grips when firing. I carved a set out of rosewood. Now I need to remember to get with Herret and get some made for my hands.

 

[Lucky Derby]

Don't be scared of the bottom grip screw on the hogues. It actually works very well. I have several sets for various S&Ws and one set for my Troopers. It is awaiting the arrival of a 6" to be mounted on. One day I will get it.

 

[MtnSpur]

Don't be scared of the bottom grip screw on the hogues. It actually works very well. I have several sets for various S&Ws and one set for my Troopers. It is awaiting the arrival of a 6" to be mounted on. One day I will get it.

I've had Smith's that had the one screw setup with the bracket, heck my 686 came that way so not scared just old fashioned
The knockoffs with fake medallion won't grace this Trooper so will follow up on the Python, or Hogue's (thanks for the links Ferris ).

THR comes through as always and I'm always appreciative. Thank you all

 

[SaxonPig]

I should add that I believe gold medallions came on Pythons and the siver medallions were generally used on the Trooper and other models. Although at least one Python is known to have shipped with silver ones.

This outfit sells repros of Colt stocks and they look good in photos but are not cheap.

http://www.gungrip.com/items_500__page2.html

 

[22-rimfire]

Back in the old gun show days, it was common for folks that did not like the Colt stocks to bring their revolver to a show and often buy hogue or pachmayr grips as replacements. The dealer would sell you the new grips and keep the old ones as the owner didn't like them or particularly care if they kept them. Lots of $15-$25 Colt stocks floating around in those days. The original stocks were often not valued as they are today. Collectors now buy a Colt revolver with rubber grips and then search for original replacements to bring the revolver back to "factory" original. Interesting how things go. I still prefer to use rubber grips on these revolvers.

 

[Dogguy]

The original wood grips on the Trooper (the Mk III anyway) were not particularly comfortable. Especially when shooting Magnum ammunition. That's why you see a lot of the older Colt's wearing ugly rubber grips instead of the pretty wood grips.