Question on a Colt Lawman

[tipoc]

I ran across a Lawman Mark III today and I have a few questions. This is a 4" unshrouded, fixed sight gun 38/357.

SN 14xxJ what is the date of production?

As I understand it the hammer and trigger and a few of the internals are made of sintered metal, unlike the earlier Colt wheelguns and I believe the later Mark IVs. Other than dry firing have there been any problems with the metal in these guns?

Is a trigger job possible?

I also understand, but only from what I've read, that these are fairly strong guns. In the past I've shot loose a M28-2, a M19 and a M13-3 all of which required tune ups to restore them after a few thousand rounds of .357. How does the Lawman compare with the K and L frame Smiths and comparable Rugers?

Any opinions will be appreciated.

tipoc

 

[dfariswheel]

In order:

14xxJ was made in 1972. The "J" suffix series began that year, and ran from 01001J to 01601J.

There were few problems with the sintered steel hammer and triggers in the Mark III guns.
A few triggers broke through the thin section that fits over the trigger pin, and the hammer spur could break if the gun was dropped.

A trigger job is possible, but it's mostly a matter of installing a spring kit.
Since the parts cannot be polished and are in fact, already very smooth, springs are about it.

Master gunsmith Jerry Kuhnhausen considered the Colt Mark III and later guns to be the strongest medium framed revolver ever made.

It's certainly stronger than the S&W "K" frame, and I think it's stronger than the "L" frame too, due to it having the cylinder locking notches off-set, where the S&W puts them on the thinnest part of the cylinder.

The Ruger GP is a massive revolver, but it needs the extra bulk to equal the forged and heat treated Colt frame.
Colt specifically designed the Mark III for unlimited use of Magnum ammo, and unless the gun is flat-out abused, they last just about forever.

 

[ak-kev]

That is very informative Dfariswheel, thank you! I always enjoy reading your responses regarding Colts. Have you seen Tex's Lawman? Its absolutly wonderful to look at. Its on my list. I think its a fantastic looking wheelgun.

 

[tipoc]

Thanks for the info.

tipoc