.357 CT State Police Revolver

[mcgurj]

The nostalgia bug has bit me again. A few years ago I picked up a Beretta 92 just like the 1 my dad carried when he started with the CT State Police back in the 80s. Now I'm looking to replicate grandpa's duty revolver. He had a long career with CSP, so I really don't think he carried just 1 gun the entire time, but he certainly retired squarely in the period after they switched to .357 and long before the change to 9mm.

My Google-fu has led me to believe CSP was largely using the S&W Model 66 at that point (late 60s/early 70s)…does that sound right, or wrong, to anyone? For any historians, or those who were actually there, was it a full agency change-over? Is it pretty good odds that's the gun my grandfather carried at that time?

Assuming it is the 66, do they find their way onto the used shelf at the local stores or am I stuck with online auctions? What's a ballpark price these days? (I can calculate the nostalgia tax, but what's the hardware itself valued at currently?) I don't necessarily need one of the actual guns issued to CSP, just the same model.

Thanks in advance for any insights!


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[LPD256]

Not long ago a 2.5 inch barrel Model 19 with a special-order matte finish that was from the Connecticut State Police sold on GB twice within two weeks. The first time for about $1300. The second time for $1700. There is a thread here on the Forum about it if you search. Probably an investigator's gun. Depending on when your Grandfather served, he possibly carried a Model 10, one of the most widely issued Police guns. A nice one can be found for $500-$700. If you want a 66 you should be able to find a nice one for $700-$800. No provenance, just nice guns. Good luck.

 

[bigwheelzip]

When my cousin and her husband visited, he brought two Colts that he purchased on an air base in Italy, in 1973. A 1911 and a Trooper, which he had fired one box of ammo through each, then put away for 50 years.

Hubby cleaned them, and we went to an indoor range. As soon as hubby started shooting the Trooper, one of the counterman outside who we knew to be a retired CT Trooper, came on the range, said he'd seen the revolver on the monitor, and asked to hold the revolver.

We let him handle and shoot it. He was amazed at how tight it still was (only 50 rds through it), and said it was exactly the same as the one he carried on duty. Though a generally gruff man, he seemed emotional at the "reunion" with the Colt.



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[lkabug]

The Connecticut State Police Model 66-3 is Blueed Stainless Steel.
Appropriately 800 blued model 66 issued to CSP.

 

[LPD256]

Here is a photo of the 19 I referenced earlier. It's always nice to have one with provenance actually issued by an agency. But if you are looking for a shooter that is similar to what grandpa carried, save yourself the money it would take to find the actual. If you're lucky enough to find an actual gun reasonably priced, act quickly because it won't be for sale long.

 

[mcgurj]

When my cousin and her husband visited, he brought two Colts that he purchased on an air base in Italy, in 1973. A 1911 and a Trooper, which he had fired one box of ammo through each, then put away for 50 years.

Hubby cleaned them, and we went to an indoor range. As soon as hubby started shooting the Trooper, one of the counterman outside who we knew to be a retired CT Trooper, came on the range, said he'd seen the revolver on the monitor, and asked to hold the revolver.

We let him handle and shoot it. He was amazed at how tight it still was (only 50 rds through it), and said it was exactly the same as the one he carried on duty. Though a generally gruff man, he seemed emotional at the "reunion" with the Colt.



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Do you recall if the Trooper was the original .38 version or the later .357? I've uncovered a few more nuggets of info, which I'm not sure if they mean progress or a step backwards. I know my grandfather was on the job at least as early as 1953 and my dad said that CSP went to .357 sometime in the 50s. Since I know they went to the Beretta 9mm in 1983 and the S&W Model 66 around 1974 then it stands to reason they would adopt the new .357 Trooper when it released in the early 60s.


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[Fishinfool]

OP - Back when I was a member during the revolver era, I was issued a "blued" model 66. Model 19's were also issue. Regulations at the time allowed for any 6 shot Colt or S&W DA revolver that was chambered for .357 magnum, 4 or 6 inch barrel, and a blued, or dark finish. No nickel or stainless steel finish. Plain clothes folks usually got the 2 1/2 inch model 19. This was how it was when I started in 1981, until the transition to the Beretta 92. Colt revolvers were kept in troop armories, but only S&W's were being issued by that time.

Larry

 

[bigwheelzip]

Do you recall if the Trooper was the original .38 version or the later .357? I've uncovered a few more nuggets of info, which I'm not sure if they mean progress or a step backwards. I know my grandfather was on the job at least as early as 1953 and my dad said that CSP went to .357 sometime in the 50s. Since I know they went to the Beretta 9mm in 1983 and the S&W Model 66 around 1974 then it stands to reason they would adopt the new .357 Trooper when it released in the early 60s.


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It was the .357 Trooper.




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[John Patrick]

There is a "blue" 4" Model 66 Connecticut State Police revolver for sale by David Condon Guns in Middleburg, VA. He's asking $1,100.

Here's a link to his Guns International listing:
RARE SMITH & WESSON MODEL 66 (NOT 19) CONNECTICUT STATE POLICE .357 MAGNUM 4" PISTOL CA. 1974. for sale