Finally got a Colt Lawman Mk III snubbie

[Checkman]

Went to one of my favorite pawnshops last Friday. The owner is known to pay fairly well for interesting pieces and I've always been impressed with his selection. In the past couple of years I've purchased a pre-war S&W Heavy Duty with a 5" barrel and a Webley Mk VI in .455.

Last Friday was no exception.I wasn't intending to bring anything home, but in the past that's when I've found some of my favorite pieces. I really should know better.

Sitting in the display cabinet (top shelf) was a beautiful Lawman Mk III 2" with the original service grips. Actually the grips have the serial number written on both panels so perhaps it's the original factory installed grips?

Anyway I traded an Model 1914 Erfurt P08 Luger (mfd. 1916) for it. No regrets. The Luger was a nice piece, but I've had a jones for a mid-size .357 magnum snubbie for a few years now and they sure aren't easy to find.At least not in my part of Idaho. It's all four inch and six inch versions. This Lawman Mk III was too good to pass up.

It's serial number is 38XXXL. I've triple checked that serial number and it's my understanding that the serial number dates it to 1979 so if that is correct it was made near the end of the Lawman Mk III 2" production life. According to the guys over on the Colt Forum the 2" Mk III was stopped a couple years before the Mk III line was ended in 1983. It's in excellent shape.

I wish I had a couple more handguns that I was willing to part with. Sitting next to the Mk III in the display case was a 2nd generation Colt Detective Special made in 1956. Also in excellent shape with the original grips. It was a tough call. Well anyway a few photos.

 

[Guillermo]

ooooo...a Mark II or a Detective Special....

don't they have lawaway?

 

[Checkman]

Yes he does, but I've been on somewhat of a trading/spending spree over the past ten months. The Boss (i.e. my wife) is starting to get a bit cranky. Also ,truth be told, she is unaware of my newest acquisition. So I am now operating on Stealth mode and putting something on layaway would definitely put me on the radar. I'm sure most of the married men understand where I'm coming from.

 

[Guillermo]

I certainly have no idea what you are talking about. My gun purchases are my business.

BTW, the pictures are really small. Wanted to admire your new gun but they are thumbnail size. Please post some bigger ones so that we can oooo and ahhhh

 

[Checkman]

I certainly have no idea what you are talking about. My gun purchases are my business.

BTW, the pictures are really small. Wanted to admire your new gun but they are thumbnail size. Please post some bigger ones so that we can oooo and ahhhh

Well in my house the money is limited and the bulk of it has to be allocated for things like the mortgage, groceries, power bills ect. So firearms do take a back seat at times. When my business (or anyone else) begins to harm the family welfare........

And I try not to put my interests above the family. Trading a Luger didn't cost me anything true but I still have to step carefully sometimes.

I don't know why the photos ended up like that. Try this link. There you can get a better look at the Colt. Be sure to scroll down the page to the section on the Lawman Mk III.

http://www.imfdb.org/index.php/Colt_Trooper

 

[Erich]

Very jealous of your nifty find! Use it in good health!

 

[snooperman]

I have an older Lawman Mark 111 snubby....

and it is one of my favorite revolvers. It is a little heavy at 32 oz but will handle full power .357 HP . I sometimes carry it at night IWB , when I am out and about . I also use it as my night stand gun . During the day time I carry the Colt Detective IWB. Mine was a police trade-in but not shot much at all and very tight. They are a pleasure to shoot and I like it better than my SP101. Enjoy yours too , it looks like a beauty.

 

[Guillermo]

I love the Lawman.

You will enjoy owning it.

 

[76shuvlinoff]

nice find,
....and I certainly understand the needs of the many overriding the wants of the few. Those are choices we make everyday in my house.

I have some guns I see as necessary for self, home and family defense (don't hunt anymore) Then are those that are just joy even though all are shot. I don't think I have advanced into the realm of the collector yet. Doesn't mean I wouldn't want to....

 

[ak-kev]

Very nice find!! Im jealous. I've been looking for one for years here in central Florida. There are just none to be had. I cant even find one at the gun shows. Anyway, nice find sir!! Kevin.

 

[Checkman]

Thanks. Like I said I've been looking for a (used) mid-size .357 magnum snubbie for a few years now and I just haven't found any. I considered buying one of the new S&W 686 snubbies, but I wanted an older model. So when I found the Colt I knew that my Luger and I were parting ways. Sometimes you have to do that.

 

[Four Knives]

Nice pickup, Check - congrats!

I have her twin. 79 vintage Lawman MKIII 2".

Count me in for a vote to see pics of your new acquisition - IMFDB doesn't count!!

 

[Checkman]

Okay lets try it again.

 

[Old Fuff]

Yes, the stocks are original to the gun.

In the Lawman Mk III series both the snubby and 6 inch barrel lengths are hard to find. It was aimed toward the law enforcement market, and most civilian-dressed officers and detectives weren't interested in carrying around so much weight. That said, you could shoot .357 Magnum rounds all day with neither the revolver nor user suffering any pain. Because of its forged frame it is considered to be the strongest in its class of mid-sized .357 Magnums.

If you like BIG snubbies this is one of the best, and you can truthfully tell the lady of the house that it has a collectable value that is going up.

 

[Checkman]

Hey there Old Fuff. It's been a couple years. How have you been? Thanks for the info by the way. I was wondering if you would show up. You're always a great source of info.

 

[snooperman]

Gunbroker.com had them recently... and prices are going up..

but they are a quality snubby. I do not feel discomfort after shooting 2 boxes of full power loads through mine and it carries well IWB holster too. You have a real nice one. I would like to find the Lawman mark V snubby , as they are a little different action and grip, but same weight and quality. However they were only made for 3-4 years , I believe and are harder to find. Have fun with yours as they are a joy to shoot.