New revolver: 1966 Colt Trooper .357

[RyanAnchors]

1966 Colt Trooper .357 (original model, not MKIII).
With box, papers, test target. Unfired except by factory.

My first Colt. I've wanted a Python for a long time. They used to call this one the "poor man's Python" haha.
Now my only dilemma is whether to shoot it or not.
I mean, it isn't a mint Python, but it is still pretty old and in about 99% condition.
One thing I hate about collecting older guns lol.
What would you guys do?





I was hoping user "dfariswheel" would chime in because I've seen him post about Troopers before, but he doesn't accept private messages!

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Nice package...I probably wouldn't shoot it. If I were into right, I would likely flip it and try to upgrade into a Python.

 

[SleazyRider]

I wouldn't shoot it ... but I wouldn't sell it either. A Python will come along someday, and in the meantime there's something very cool about collecting a "poor man's" gun.

 

[gwalchmai]

I would probably shoot it, because I think such things should be allowed to fulfil their destiny.

As noted, the lockwork is the same as a Python (or better to say a Python is a gussied-up Trooper) and will serve admirably at the range or for defense.

 

[Remllez]

I'd shoot it...But I'm not a collector. They are darn nice shooting irons. I've owned and knocked around the woods with it for close to 40 years. Troopers are very utilitarian and nothing special to look at compared to a Python but that's why they appeal to me.

 

[pendennis]

Shoot it. They're a sturdy .357 magnum revolver. I wouldn't consider a mid-1960's revolver as "old". Troopers, by definition, are a "working man's gun". I own a similar Trooper in nickel. There's no future in not shooting them.

 

[TonyT]

I had the predecessor to that model which Colt called the "357". Apparently S&W forced Colt to change that models name. It was a great shooter.

 

[22popnsplat]

I am not a collector and sold the guns that i had that would be considered collector grade and bought shooter grade guns .
I myself would sell it or at least not fire it , It will go up in value since its a colt and a model that will never be produced again, I like to see the collector grade guns preserved and the shooters get shot .
bottom line is its you'r gun and decision

 

[357 Terms]

I would have shot it first, and then posted pics of a dirty gun.

 

[adelbridge]

If it were me I would keep it fresh and sell it when the time is right. In the long run you will come out ahead if you buy a used GP100 for shooting.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I wouldn't trade a good used Colt for 3 new GP100's...FWIW, I am not a Ruger basher. As I type this, I have a SP on my hip.

 

[dfariswheel]

I had the predecessor to that model which Colt called the "357". Apparently S&W forced Colt to change that models name. It was a great shooter.

S&W had nothing to do with it.
The Colt 357 was made from 1954 to 1960-61 when Colt discontinued it after about 15,000 were made.
It was discontinued because people wanting a less expensive adjustable sighted revolver were buying the Trooper and those wanting the best .357 Magnum were buying the Python.

The 357 was discontinued because of lack of sales and to simplify the product line by offering the Trooper in .357 Magnum as well as .38 Special and .22LR.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

I'd see if I could trade up for a python. My brother had a python and sold it. It was the most accurate revolver I ever shot. It was truly a work of art. He sold it.

 

[Starter52]

Dr D, are those third-generation stocks correct for that 1966 Trooper?

 

[jimniowa]

I have the MKlll in 4" nicklel, Pythons were not available then, I have never regreted this purchase.
Jim

 

[harvester]

Those stocks are not correct for that year Trooper. They are correct for that frame size but too new. In addition they appear to have gold medallions which are for Python.

 

[harvester]

duplicate

 

[ColtPythonElite]

The mixed blessing of the gun coming with those grips is that they are worth about 1/3 what the gun is.

 

[SaxonPig]

I shoot my guns. All of them. Wish I had back all the guns that arrived in unfired condition that I proceeded to shoot... so I could do it again. I wouldn't buy a gun that I would hesitate to shoot. So far none have caused me a moment's hesitation. I'm like that. Can't tell YOU what to do...

I do like Troopers. Wish I had one in 22 LR.

 

[788Ham]

harvester, take a look at the second "clear" pic, its silver!

You'll have to decide on whether to shoot it or not, if it bothers you, don't shoot it, put it back in the box and put it in the safe. Listen to ColtPythonElite, he has several NIB, un- fired Colts stashed away in his safe, they don't keep him awake at night! You bought it, you decide. I bought a NIB Python in '85, I just bought a near new Colt Cobra 3 months ago, I've shot both, but I wanted to. Sure wish I'd have seen this one for sale, it would be in the stable now too.

 

[22-rimfire]

I believe those had a silver medalion versus gold, but it is hard to tell for sure what color the medalions are on your gun.

If it were me, I would keep it as it is and not fire it. Too many collectors around that would pay for that gun. IF I wanted one to shoot, I'd buy one that is not as clean. They are around.

I don't own one, but I do own a couple Troopers in 22LR.

 

[rikman]

Beautiful gun! I have yet to add a Colt to my collection....I'd shoot it

 

[243winxb]

If you can't say anything good, don't say anything at all

So i won't.

 

[rswartsell]

I suppose it depends upon your means. Being of humble means myself I want one such as this to shoot. And if I had the means I would stash this one AND buy a shooter so that I could experience this vintage of Colt and decide for myself whether Pythons were the "holy grail" or a marketing boondoggel. YMMV

 

[Gordon]

About the best fighting revolver ever devised IMHO. That one is nice , very very nice. I would just as soon have it than any Python except an early one in almost as nice shape. Being it's shape I would try to double my money - or I'd shoot it gently to see what it will do.