Prancing Pony in the Pasture

[CajunBass]

I'm a Smith & Wesson guy normally, but I don't turn my nose up at a nice Colt when I find one. I just tend to not keep them very long.

But, my LGS had this one in the case for a while. I threw out a lowball offer, thinking they'd tell me to take a hike.

They didn't. So I had to put up or shut up. Since I didn't want to back out, I now have this one.

1954 Colt Trooper, in 38 Special, with a 4" barrel. Other than being "finish challenged" shall we say, I cant find a thing wrong with it. Lock-up is "bank vault tight." Timing is dead on. Trigger is fantastic. The best Colt I've ever handled including a Python. The grips don't fit, but no service grips do for me. I had a BK adapter for a K-frame Smith & Wesson that fits close enough.





I didn't even know Colt made a Trooper in 38 Special. The ones I've seen have all been 357. I guess it fits the same niche that the Smith & Wesson Combat Masterpiece does. An adjustable sight 38.

I'm not sure if I'll keep it long or if it will become trade bait, but the more I handle it, the more I like it.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

That's a fine looking Colt. Bet it could tell some been-there-done-that stories.

 

[stoky]

SCORE!
patina beats plastic

 

[fireman 9731]

Had a chance to shoot it yet? That would be the determining factor for me...

 

[CajunBass]

Had a chance to shoot it yet? That would be the determining factor for me...

Not yet, but I've got a half dozen or so 38/357 magnum revolvers to shoot. If I don't sell/trade it, I'm sure I'll get around to shooting it sooner or later.

 

[Old Fuff]

They were made in somewhat limited numbers for police departments and other law enforcement agencies that liked the revolver, but didn't want it chambered for the Magnum round. You will find it will handle any .38 Special cartridges offered in the marketplace.

And if you don't like the stocks, be aware that any made for the Python will fit fine.

 

[BobWright]

As I recall, when first introduced, the Trooper was the .38 Special, while the THREE FIFTY SEVEN was, obviously, the .357 Magnum. At that time, and probably still true, a Model .357 Magnum was a registered trademark of S&W.


Bob Wright

 

[horsemen61]

nice I would have to try some wadcutters in it

 

[CajunBass]

I was going to try it at the range this afternoon, but no sooner did I get in and get my first magazine loaded (1911), my phone rang. It was work.

Oh well, another day I suppose.

And if you don't like the stocks, be aware that any made for the Python will fit fine.

The addition of a BK grip adapter took care of the stock problem. They don't fit perfectly, but they're close enough.

 

[OilyPablo]

I was going to try it at the range this afternoon, but no sooner did I get in and get my first magazine loaded (1911), my phone rang. It was work.

Oh well, another day I suppose.



The addition of a BK grip adapter took care of the stock problem. They don't fit perfectly, but they're close enough.

Haha. Sounds like my last few months. Very nice revolver.

 

[bannockburn]

CajunBass

Nice looking vintage Colt! I would also be hard pressed to walk away from deal like that.

 

[PabloJ]

Not yet, but I've got a half dozen or so 38/357 magnum revolvers to shoot. If I don't sell/trade it, I'm sure I'll get around to shooting it sooner or later.

How much would you say that 12ga William Jackman Jeffrey fowler they have is worth? I know it is not worth what they're asking. Mechanically it is very good shape and in proof but same can not be said of its external appearance. I have some 2&3/4" Bismuth game loads and need good classic long range crow/duck gun. What would you offer them?

 

[CajunBass]

Oh, that would be out of my league. I'm pretty confident with Smith & Wesson, and to a lesser extent Colt revolvers, but rifles and shotguns I know less than nothing about.

Throw out an offer. What's the worst thing they do? Say no? If they say no, make another slightly higher offer.

 

[Dframe]

The troopers are great guns. They share the same lockwork as the Python albeit with a bit less hand fitting. They are superbly smooth and very accurate. I have the same problem you do with service stocks. But most E or I stocks should fit just fine and be more hand filling. Great score. Congratulations.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

As I recall, when first introduced, the Trooper was the .38 Special, while the THREE FIFTY SEVEN was, obviously, the .357 Magnum. At that time, and probably still true, a Model .357 Magnum was a registered trademark of S&W.


Bob Wright

And both of those guns are essentially the Python, but without the cosmetics. I have a 357 that is the best revolver I've ever owned.

 

[CajunBass]

And both of those guns are essentially the Python, but without the cosmetics. I have a 357 that is the best revolver I've ever owned.

A few years ago I found that most elusive of creatures, a "shooter Python." It wasn't in bad shape, but it was used enough that I (1) didn't pay an arm and a leg for it, and (2) didn't mind shooting it.

I don't remember it having as nice a trigger as this Trooper. I've always heard that Colt triggers "stack" which I take to mean sort of "hesitate" just before a last little nudge to drop the hammer. This one does not do that. It's just a smooth pull all the way through. I've felt lighter triggers, but never a smoother one.

I think this one is off the market.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Colts of that era used V-shaped mainsprings. During double action shooting, the leaves of the V could come in contact and that could be felt by the shooter. Some people like that feature -- take up the trigger until you feel the gun "stack" then be sure you're on target as you add more pressure.