First, I know this is the S&W forum, I 've been posting in Reloading mostly and I own several S&W autos and revolvers.
However, I recently picked up a 1977 Colt Trooper MkIII from a gun show and I know there are some closet Colt Dbl Act revolver owners amungst you.

My question is about the barrel rifling. It seems very shallow. I'm hopingbits not "shot out" or worn down. It seems consistant and from cone to the muzzle and, after cleaning it is bright and shiny.
Does this sound right for a barrel with a lot of life left in it. I compared it to my 686-6 and 642 but S&W rifling is wider and slightly deeper.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Ok...thanks for all the feedback.

I had a Trooper Mark III in the 70's, the rifling was very shallow when the gun was bran new.

__________________
John

Here you go:
This is the bore of my 1972 vintage 4" Colt Trooper MK III. The revolver was bought new by my father and has been in the family since. I'll estimate about 2000 rounds of .38spl 158 grain lead through it, no magnums.
Ok, are you happy..I've now been outed!!...

Hip:
You are not the only "Closet Colt Person" on the forum (I are one too)
WE also have a number of "Closet Glock Persons" also. I discovered this after "I Came Out" and admitted I was "A Glock Guy".
I think I got away with this because the Forum Administrator and His Deputies hands were sore from stun slapping me from other Forum sins and violations that they let me slide (I hope ?)

Wow, thanks fellas!
I now have a better understanding of the relitive condition of this revolver. I was worried I paid good money for an abused revolver with a "shot out" barrel. Although it does have alot (compared to my S&Ws) of end shake.

Pictures also revealed another question I had; why does my barrel crown look so rough? Looks like mine is not the only one that appears Colt missed it durring the finishing stage.


I know it was difficult to come out and admit ownership, but I appreciate it

Shoot the gun into a board (wood plank) or a piece of cardboard and see if the bullet goes in straight or sideways. If the bullet goes in straight the rifling is spinning the bullet and it is not worn out. I have saw old pistols that used corrosive powder and primers and the barrels were badly pitted and most of the rifling gone and they would still spin the bullet. Unless your pistol is so loose it rattles I doubt that it has been shot enough to wear out the barrel. Shoot the gun and see what it does and then you will have the correct answer. Larry

The chance of the barrel being "shot out" is about zip. It will shoot good.

In my career I have seen one (1) barrel worn smooth from shooting.
The revolver was a S&W Heavy Duty 4" .38spl. It belong t a patrol sergeant who was a 20 years veteran. This H/D was the only firearm he own and he was a regular shooter at the range.

Wonder if the barrel was rifled shallow and just looked smooth because of leading?