Which Colt snub in 357 Magnum?

[Josey]

OK. I am looking into a Colt snub. I am only interested in either the Lawman MKIII or Trooper MKIII in 357 Magnum. The finish I prefer is nickel. I want a full size 357 Magnum frame with transfer bar. These two are basically it for me. I have been happy with my 4" models. Which one would you get? Why would you get that model? Sights? Round butt? Action? Grips? Speedloader availibility?

 

[stans]

Since you want a snub, I guess it will have to be the Lawman since Colt never made the Trooper with a barrel shorter than 4 inches.

 

[Josey]

I have seen Troopers with 2.5" barrels.

 

[Dr.Rob]

I've seen a Python with a 2.5 inch bore, and a Lawman/Trooper.

I think I'd save up for the Python. (There is one on GunsAmerica as we speak)

 

[Gordon]

The Lawman is a sleeper:.Low priced and very smooth and reliable.They are a real "ear wax gun" although very accurate and controllable!

 

[Majic]

It will be easier to find the Trooper in nickel. The stocks, sights, action, and speed loader availability will be the same for both models. The Lawman was just an economy version of the Trooper (same revolver, just not finished as nicely).

 

[stans]

I'm sorry to have to disagree with you fellas, but the Trooper Mk III and Mk V were only available in 4, 6 and 8 inch barrel lengths. The Lawman Mk III and Mk V were available in 2 and 4 inch lengths. The differences between the Lawman and the Trooper were the fixed sights on the Lawman and the lack of an ejector rod shroud on the 4 inch version. The Lawman Mk III also lacked a rib along the top of the barrel.

 

[JNewell]

The King Cobra is essentially the same action and did come in 2.5". IIRC there were a small number of blued guns (not sure what bbl length) but most were SS, I believe.

 

[Josey]

Agency special orders were made of Trooper MKIIIs in 2". I have seen 8" Troopers also. I think for a rounded butt and fixed sights in 357 Magnum the Lawman MKIII is the only option. Now I need to hunt down a good nickel and walnut checkered grips snub version.

 

[BluesBear]

The Lawman MkIII was available with a 2" barrel (actually it was two & one eighth inches). Nickel one are hard to find but they're out there. It seems that people who own them then to hang onto them. Unlike me who let mine get away.

While the Trooper MkV was listed in the catalogues with an 8" tube, any Trooper with a barrel shorter than 4" was a special/custom order.

 

[Gordon]

Also Lawman was made without shroud to 70-71 on the 2" and with a shroud there after. Mine has no shroud, just a honkin big tube that is rebated for the extractor rod, I like it!