I got a Colt ? Trooper MKIII 357 Magnum

[Josey]

Thanks to Jim March. I obtained a nickel Colt Trooper MKIII in 357 Magnum, 4" barrel, TT, TH with adjustable sights. s/n 802xx J It appears to be excellent in all respects. I was curious to know if Colt provides letters on their products as to where shipped, options and authenticity? How do I obtain one? When was my Trooper born?

 

[Old Fuff]

Ya, you can get a letter, but it may cost as much as the gun. Colt's historical letters now cost around $100.00 - give or take (mostly give). You will find details on their web page.

It was born sometime in 1975 - a good year I think. You could have done worse .....

 

[Josey]

That date fits. I also got a Bianchi #27 breakfront holster. BBW and in good condition. This is a keeper. A LEO bought this for his duty weapon in the 70s. I have one in nickel that I used for my duty weapon. This one had a bright red spot of nail polish on the front sight. I think I will leave it, adds character.

 

[Old Fuff]

I think that the Mk. III Trooper used the same pinned-in front sight that the Python does. If so, Colt offers a front sight blade with a molded-in red insert - also a white-outlined rear sight blade. Both can be user installed.

 

[Kestrel]

I didn't know Colt Trooper MKIIIs were collectable. What is their draw? Is it a strong, reliable revolver? Is it an improvement over the Python?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[stans]

They are strong and reliable, but there have been reports of the firing pin breaking when dry firing. If the pin breaks, the gun must be sent back to Colt, since they are the only people who have the necessary tools to replace the firing pin. Troopers are usually very accurate, almost as much as a Python, they just lack the higher degree of finish on the trigger job.

 

[Gordon]

Of course the Mk 3's used a simpliified action unlike earlier trooper/python/OP and were the first to use 'sintered metal'(MIM) parts. That said I find them strong,attractive, and still affordable REAL Colts.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I didn't know Colt Trooper MKIIIs were collectable. What is their draw? Is it a strong, reliable revolver? Is it an improvement over the Python?

The Mark III Trooper was an excellent revolver, but never the Python's equal. They were as good as anything from Smith & Wesson, and could be slicked up very well, but lacked the Python's crisp single action trigger, and were never polished to perfection before bluing.

Mark III's are "collectible" only because a.) most were excellent shooters, and b.) they're extinct.

 

[Jim March]

If it passes checkout, it's a superb house gun/carry gun. Sounds like snapcaps are in order for dry-firing though. Try the newer A-Zoom I think they're called versus those aweful clear plastic things that fall apart.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Had one of these in the 80s, blue. It served as a test frame for some mods. It's a good serviceable weapon, though the DA trigger doesn't seem amenable to being as clean and smooth as the First Model Trooper(Python frame) or the M-19 I had at the same time.

 

[Gordon]

Went to a gun store today and saw an old model trooper in 98% 4" .38spl for $275, as I have way too many guns I showed it too my partner who bought it saying" you never have too many Colt's".

 

[Old Fuff]

You have a wise partner .....

 

[Josey]

LOL! Good life motto!!

 

[Daniel T]

So, what's the difference between the Trooper Mk III and the Lawman Mk III?

 

[BluesBear]

Trooper had adjustable sights and was made in 4", 6" & 8" barrel lengths.

The Lawman had fixed sights and was made with 2", 4" & 6" barrels.

Both were .357 Magnum but the trooper was later made in both .22LR and .22 WMR.