Any Colt Lawman fans out there, one of the better-looking stubs in my opinion. Hold on tight when shooting full load .357s.
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Colt Lawman Snubs
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SnidelyWhiplash
Member
The Mark III series was designed to be less labor intensive to build and digest an almost unlimited number of magnums without trouble. They are super heavy duty revolvers…just on the large and heavy side for concealed carry.
I have never liked the MK III revolvers. So-so action and I've had to replace sintered metal parts in several.
SnidelyWhiplash
Member
The Lawman snubby was referred to by Colt engineers as the "Wax Model" as that's what exited your ears when firing magnum ammunition. It must have something to do with a 2" barrel as opposed to the more common 2.5" or 2.75" barrels on magnum snubbies.
OP
Really, what parts had to be replaced? I've never had to do more than to clean mine after several hundred rounds. Very interested to hear what happened to yours.
SnidelyWhiplash
Member
Some early Mark III revolvers had issues with a few parts such as hammers. They were quickly redesigned and the issue went away.
What did become an occasional issue was Bubba gunsmiths and some professional gunsmiths not understanding the technology used in the Mark III design. Rather than using forged parts or bar stock, Colt used some sintered metal or cast parts…an early form of MIM…that were surface hardened and had a soft interior. The parts were not designed to be hand fitted but simply removed and replaced…the opposite of traditional Colt guns. Unknowing "gunsmiths" tried to do trigger jobs by stoning the sear and other parts and unknowingly filing through the surface hardening and exposing the softer inner core thus accelerating wear exponentially.
The proper way to do an action job on the Mark III and Mark V actions…including the original King Cobra and Anaconda…is to get a Wolff's spring kit. That transforms the trigger action with no gunsmithing necessary beyond that…plus it's an easy job to do.
What did become an occasional issue was Bubba gunsmiths and some professional gunsmiths not understanding the technology used in the Mark III design. Rather than using forged parts or bar stock, Colt used some sintered metal or cast parts…an early form of MIM…that were surface hardened and had a soft interior. The parts were not designed to be hand fitted but simply removed and replaced…the opposite of traditional Colt guns. Unknowing "gunsmiths" tried to do trigger jobs by stoning the sear and other parts and unknowingly filing through the surface hardening and exposing the softer inner core thus accelerating wear exponentially.
The proper way to do an action job on the Mark III and Mark V actions…including the original King Cobra and Anaconda…is to get a Wolff's spring kit. That transforms the trigger action with no gunsmithing necessary beyond that…plus it's an easy job to do.
The hammer and the safety bar both broke on the Trooper MK III that my former lieutenant, from my sheriff's office, carried. He eventually bought a 4" M19.
Abbynormal
Member
Had one back in the late 80's. Great gun, a lotta blast.
But the damn thing was accurate. It shot in great and
after about 500 .38/.357 rounds the trigger pull improved
greatly.
Wish I'd never sold the thing as it was a great carry or stash gun.
But the damn thing was accurate. It shot in great and
after about 500 .38/.357 rounds the trigger pull improved
greatly.
Wish I'd never sold the thing as it was a great carry or stash gun.
Fishinfool
Member
I have never seen one in the flesh. Are they D frame (like Detective Special) or are they E frame (Python)?
That would be the large E frame.
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Physically, the same as a E frame Python, but due to the different internals, it had its own name. I frame perhaps?
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I frame and E frame are the same except for the firing pin location. The I frame has a frame mounted FP, while the E frame's on the hammer.
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swagmeister
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I have not seen one of those for sale in local shops and local gun shows for many years. They have been fairly scarce in the market. A keeper for sure.
Yep, only 5:30am and I am already wrong. Need coffee 
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This was my engagement present from a young lady who thought I had a better chance of coming home to her carrying this than the milsurp Browning 1922 I had been carrying off duty. It served its purpose as my OD and BUG in uniform and as my primary in detectives. Still have the gun and the girl.
Daily load out in the latter capacity. The difference between the J and D frames is evident.
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