Colt Trooper MK III

[italiansport]

I just acquired a Colt Trooper MK III in 22 Magnum. I attempted to look up the serial number online without success. The number is Y244xx and I hoping someone on the forum can help.
Jim

[SweetMK]

I have no info on dating them,, but, I got one,,,



The LGS that mine came from, claimed he bought the last of the production.
Mine was purchased for me by my wife, in 1982, it is a 22LR.

I could have had any of about 6 variations,, I liked the 22LR, and the nickel.

My wife paid $159,,, OTD

[muzzleblast]

Did someone say Colt Trooper MkIII? Matching .357 and .22LR.


Sorry, OP. I can't help with the dates either.

[Richard Simmons]

Originally Posted by italiansport

I just acquired a Colt Trooper MK III in 22 Magnum. I attempted to look up the serial number online without success. The number is Y244xx and I hoping someone on the forum can help.
Jim

Congratulations! I'd put the date as 1980.

[Jingles]

You sure it starts with a "Y"? I've got a similar vintage Trooper and the SN starts with an "L".

[italiansport]

Originally Posted by Jingles

You sure it starts with a "Y"? I've got a similar vintage Trooper and the SN starts with an "L".

Yes it starts with a "Y". I should have added it's also in 22 magnum and has the nickle finish. It's a dead ringer for the one posted in nickle above right down to the factory rubber grips except for the caliber. The action is incredibly smooth and I can't wait to get out and shoot it.
Jim

[824tsv]

Colt Proofhouse serial# tables only go up to 1978. Your's is sometime after that. The MKIII revolvers were made up to 1983ish with the 8" barrels coming out late in production.

Colt Fever link:
Mark III

[italiansport]

I have another question regarding this Trooper. What the best cleaning product to use externally to keep its satin nickle finish a satin shade? I'm concerned that using just any metal cleaner will brighten it up.
Jim

[bigggbbruce]

Don't use Hoppes 9 solvent it can damage nickel, I simply spray all my guns with Remoil and wipe clean.

[824tsv]

It's the ammonia in the solvent that can attack the nickel finish.

[reddogs]

On the electroless nickel oil,rag and pencil eraser for stuborn spots.My mkIII still looks new and is still best shooting 38/357 i have.

[iPac]

I would also say it was made in 1980. Now whether it's bright nickel or e-nickel is another question. The gun in post #2 above is the e-nickel finish.

You got a very durable revolver, especially in 22 caliber. Since it's a 22mag though, it's rather uncommon and not seen too often. I would hang onto it and enjoy.

I had a '75 in 357mag. I initially got it to use in place of my Python, but after discovering it shot like poo I sold it. It had a great blue finish and was built well though. It just had poor accuracy and the action design was cheapened down.

These MKIIIs have coil mainsprings and the parts are sintered steel. The only action tuning you can do is limited to spring changing. The later MKV line is the same way.

Enjoy shooting your new toy. Hopefully you got an accurate shooter. As far as cleaning goes, don't use any kind of polish on it. If the finish is e-nickel, it will make it shinier. Also, e-nickel doesn't have the copper base layer, so no need to worry about ammonia cleaners like Hoppes9.

[italiansport]

Thanks for all the replies. It is in fact an E Nickle finish and I didn't want to do anything to remove the matte. I'll report on it after i have a chance to get it to the range. And yes I'm very pleased with it so far.
Jim