Highway Patrolman vs Trooper 357 [pics]

Gary7

Gary7

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Here's a couple pics of my 6" Model 28 with the new magna grips I got from Old Bear. I thought it would be interesting to do a side-by-side comparison with the Highway Patrolman's chief rival when it was introduced in 1954: the Colt Trooper 357.

TNP01.jpg


TNP02.jpg
 
Quite a difference in cylinder diameter - well illustrated in both of your comparison pics. Do you find the size and shape of the stocks on the Colt compensate for the greater weight of the N frame when shooting?

Thanks,

Jerry
 
When I get home I plan on doing the same thing with a Highway Patrolman and a Colt New Service in .357. These would've all been regulated/built around 158 grain projectiles right?
 
j38 said:
Quite a difference in cylinder diameter - well illustrated in both of your comparison pics. Do you find the size and shape of the stocks on the Colt compensate for the greater weight of the N frame when shooting?
Click to expand...

I'm not sure I understand your question. At any rate, I'm planning to take both to the range tomorrow or Wednesday for a comparison "shoot off."

The Trooper 357 was built on Colt's I-Frame (as was the Python) and is nearly identical in size to the later S&W L-Frame. With the much lighter Trooper competing with the big Model 28, it's easy to see why S&W yielded to pressure to make a K-Frame 357.
 
Gary7 said:
I'm not sure I understand your question. At any rate, I'm planning to take both to the range tomorrow or Wednesday for a comparison "shoot off."

The Trooper 357 was built on Colt's I-Frame (as was the Python) and is nearly identical in size to the later S&W L-Frame. With the much lighter Trooper competing with the big Model 28, it's easy to see why S&W yielded to pressure to make a K-Frame 357.
Click to expand...

Sir, that should be interesting. The Trooper, though smaller and lighter, actually has a longer trigger reach and trigger pull than a Model 28. Makes a difference. The weight difference isn't as noticeable as you'd expect--in my limited experience, anyway. I'll be interested to hear others' perceptions.

Semper Fi,

Ron H.
 
Ron H. said:
Sir, that should be interesting. The Trooper, though smaller and lighter, actually has a longer trigger reach and trigger pull than a Model 28. Makes a difference. The weight difference isn't as noticeable as you'd expect--in my limited experience, anyway. I'll be interested to hear others' perceptions.
Click to expand...

The weight difference is very noticeable to me in just handling the two guns.
 
The 28 does have a larger cylinder, but notice the cuts for the bolt stop. On S&W they are directly over the chambers resulting in a thin section underneath while Colt offsets the cut slight meaning the Colt is actually stronger when it comes to containing chamber pressure.
 
SaxonPig said:
The 28 does have a larger cylinder, but notice the cuts for the bolt stop. On S&W they are directly over the chambers resulting in a thin section underneath while Colt offsets the cut slight meaning the Colt is actually stronger when it comes to containing chamber pressure.
Click to expand...

Which is why Colt had no problem "certifying" their 41 frame 38 Special guns for the 38/44 round. The 41 frame became the I-Frame used for the Trooper and Python.
 
Good god, look at the size of that cylinder! I always thought that Ruger DA pistols looked bulky, and now I know why: They are! I bet you could load that thing full of proof loads and still not bulge a cylinder wall.
 
SaxonPig said:
The 28 does have a larger cylinder, but notice the cuts for the bolt stop. On S&W they are directly over the chambers resulting in a thin section underneath while Colt offsets the cut slight meaning the Colt is actually stronger when it comes to containing chamber pressure.
Click to expand...

I've heard this before over the years. Has there ever been a failure due to the location of the cuts?

I did some dumb stuff in my younger days (actually I still do) I once put a bit too much 2400 in a .41 mag and had to punch the (split) case out of the cylinder. Those walls are thinner than a .357 but there was no damage to the gun (a 58) that I could tell.
 
SWID said:
I've heard this before over the years. Has there ever been a failure due to the location of the cuts?

I did some dumb stuff in my younger days (actually I still do) I once put a bit too much 2400 in a .41 mag and had to punch the (split) case out of the cylinder. Those walls are thinner than a .357 but there was no damage to the gun (a 58) that I could tell.
Click to expand...

It's an academic argument. Yes, if the notch is offset there is more metal around the chamber. Does it make any practical difference in the strength of the cylinder? No.
 
Gotta admit I've always liked the Ruger Redhawks ("not" super redhawks---don't like the looks). I think they were/are under appreciated. Built like tanks and can take a ton of abuse and keep on firing.

Don
 
A model 28-3 four inch vs Redhawk four inch. The Ruger has the best trigger action.
DSC_2591.jpg

000_0800.jpg
 
I owned and carried them all. First off, the trooper should be compared to the model 19. I own or have owned them in models 27, 28, 19, 66, 586, troopers, pythons and new service.
When its said and done I found the colts a little more accurate. The N frames are a little overbuilt and heavy to pack all day. So is the new service AND EVEN the python.
The troopers, and 4" K frames do it for me best. (and I still own a 5" 27 and two pythons in 2 1.2" and 4".
 
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