Colt 3-5-7

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CajunBass

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I wasn't going to get this one, until I looked and noticed the four digit serial number (34XX). I didn't know much about Colts, but I did know it was a 3-5-7, sort of a "pre-Trooper" I suppose. I guess you could say "pre-Python" too. The low serial number told it was probably an early one. Proofhouse puts it at 1954, the first year for the 3-5-7.

All the mechanical stuff is tight. It looks to have been fired very little, but does have a scratch and ding here and there, which I suppose is to be expected for a 65 or so, year old gun.





I haven't shot it yet. Just got it out of lay-a-way purgatory yesterday, but have put a coat or two of Ren Wax on it.

Did Colt number stocks to the gun? Each stock has the number 88 in pencil on the back.
 
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Cool gun, and the precursor to the Python as you noted. Examples are going up in value relative to the current craze in "snake gun" prices.

"Each stock has the number 88 in pencil on the back".

Is the serial number 3488? Did I just give away a secret? ;)
 
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357

I immediately noticed that it seems to have a target hammer and service stocks.
Usually it would have target stocks with that hammer.
They are outstanding guns IMO
 
murphydog said:
Cool gun, and the precursor to the Python as you noted. Example are going up in value relative to the current craze in "snake gun" prices.

"Each stock has the number 88 in pencil on the back".

Is the serial number 3488? Did I just give away a secret? ;)
Click to expand...

No, the full serial number is 3439...even I can remember it without looking. :)
 
wrkerr said:
Excellent find!

I carried mine, also a 4-digit 1954, for many years. I never transitioned to semi autos even when given the opportunity. It is a great shooter; same action as a Python.

Enjoy yours.[/QUOT

That is one high condition gun for a cop's daily carry.
Click to expand...
 
Nice pick up. Do yourself a favo and get a T-Grip for that gun. They really make it fit your hand better. Here is mine with a few other of my Colts:
20141007-091614-zps9bf8a5df.jpg


Top to Bottom
OMM in .38 Special
OMM in .22 LR
3 5 7
Trooper in .22 LR

ADDED Just found a pic of the 3 5 7 by itself:
Colt357-Left.jpg
 
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Nice find...

I have a 1954 Trooper in .22 Long Rifle and 1968 Trooper in .357 Magnum...

Don't know about the 357s but Troopers came with a Service Hammer and Stocks. For $5.00 more one could get a Target Hammer and Target Stocks. There was no Target Trigger.

From what I was told if the upper sideplate screw on the left side of the frame is domed then the gun came with Service Stocks. If the screw head is flat then the gun would have come with Target Stocks. My .22 didn't have the original grips with it but did not have a Target Hammer and did have a domed head screw so it seem to have come with Service Stocks. The .357 has Target Stocks and Target Hammer and does have a flat head screw.

Not sure but did all 357s come with Target Stocks and a Target Hammer as standard? I have seen the fully checkered Target Stock that were on the 1950s vintage guns sell for for $250+ when they come up for sale...

Bob
 
SuperMan said:
Nice find...

I have a 1954 Trooper in .22 Long Rifle and 1968 Trooper in .357 Magnum...

Don't know about the 357s but Troopers came with a Service Hammer and Stocks. For $5.00 more one could get a Target Hammer and Target Stocks. There was no Target Trigger.

From what I was told if the upper sideplate screw on the left side of the frame is domed then the gun came with Service Stocks. If the screw head is flat then the gun would have come with Target Stocks. My .22 didn't have the original grips with it but did not have a Target Hammer and did have a domed head screw so it seem to have come with Service Stocks. The .357 has Target Stocks and Target Hammer and does have a flat head screw.

Not sure but did all 357s come with Target Stocks and a Target Hammer as standard? I have seen the fully checkered Target Stock that were on the 1950s vintage guns sell for for $250+ when they come up for sale...

Bob
Click to expand...

Thanks Bob. I've been told the same thing about the sideplate screws, so this one probably had target grips originally. That and the target hammer would seem to point that way.

I'm going to watch for a set of originals, but...
 
I have a " 67 " Trooper model 4" inch barrel that I recently bought . Mine has the target hammer and target stocks . The stocks have a gold medallion , but really don't quite fit perfectly . I am wondering if they are stocks off a lawman , the top of the left side grip has been dished out for a speed loader I believe . The gun itself had spent most of it's life being stored , properly . It is a fine shooter , I paid less than $500 , which I felt was a good buy . I had been looking for over 3 yrs . Regards, Paul
 
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I treasure my 1968 Trooper bought in 1972. IIRC Colt used 3-5-7 for the .357, Trooper for the 22LR and 38 Special models until 1961, after that it was just Trooper.
 
Onomea : Thank you for the link . They could possibly be python grips . They are in beautiful shape , look factory new . I will definitely keep them , no matter their worth . Regards, Paul
 
I picked up a 3 digit first month gin a while back, ot is without a doubt the slickest action o have ever handled. Gun was nicked at a later date and the job was beyond excellent. Custom carved stag grips with fitted right side panel for right handed shooter. That fits like a glove, in my hand
I have owned many pythons but none were as smooth as this old python predecessor
 
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