Opinions of Colt Trooper MK III

[Grimjaws]

Hey gang. My FFL enabler is getting in an estate with a bunch of nice handguns mostly Colt. I don’t have any pictures yet but he says there is one that fits my taste for blue and walnut - a 4” .357 Colt Trooper MKIII with some minor bluing loss at the end of the barrel, no box or papers. Timing and lock up seem fine based upon his inspection.

I may be able to get it for $550-600.

Anyone have any experience with this revolver and anything to look for besides the usual? I don’t know much about them and was hoping someone here does!

Thanks in advance.

 

[swagmeister]

I've always read that they are solid and dependable guns, but never dry fire them, because a broken firing pin means a return to the Colt factory to fix? Other than that, everything else seems to point to it being a quality firearm.

 

[BKLooney]

I owned a MK III .357 years ago, early 80's. Very well made and accurate revolver...traded off...gone...wish I still had it..

 

[glenwolde]

At that price I'd buy it. They're no Python but nice guns nonetheless. It's a coil mainspring rather than Colt's usual leaf springs.

 

[1911haulic]

I've owned mine since 1976, never a problem. Oh, and I paid $185 for it in three easy payments.

 

[jmiles1960]

That's a good price for that model IMO. I'd pick it up. If there are other Colts or this is an open dealer opportunity, I'd appreciate knowing more.

 

[shamuscull]

Also own a couple of these. I like it also trigger is not as nice as earlier Colts but it is built like a tank. Price seems good from description

 

[mchom]

My 2 cents …
You need that Colt!
It’s a very good price too
Some folks denigrate the sintered metal process but I think they are excellent guns. I have 2 Mk III in 4”. A blue and nickel
I want to say I overpaid around $900 to $1000 each. Naturally when I found out I needed to have one supply dried up. I think (If in good shape) you’ll be pleased

 

[Gunsquirrel]

Like BKLooney had one back in the late 70's early 80's as a duty gun and sold it but picked one up again 2 years ago! Very solid gun for sure and thats what I paid for mine complete with original box/papers etc... Go for it, you'll thank yourself later.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

The Colt Trooper Mark III was designed by Karl R. Lewes, who also designed the Dan Wesson and the Browning Lever Rifle.

 

[bummer]

I had an early one that I unfortunately ended up with a broken trigger. I replaced it and traded it off on a model 19. If I remember it had a void in the casting and broke at the pivot pin

 

[OutAtTheEdge]

Had One...

Yes, I had one, back around '05, and let it go because I was really stepping up my S&W collecting at the time and wanted to free up some gun money. I'm sure I made good use of it, but still....



Would be nice to have it back, but I can't get started with the regrets right now; too early to start drinking.

 

[Farmer17]

A girl I dated years ago had one and it was nice but had an EXTREMELY hard DA trigger pull. I would guess 18-20 lbs.

 

[hdfinder47]

Have a 6" in 22LR. No issues - I'd buy it.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

That’s a very good price for a Trooper Mark III. It’s a fine, heavy duty revolver.

Very early on there were a few issues with parts breakage due to the new sintered metal technology but those problems were sorted out quickly. That happens with new models and new technologies.

The firing pin issue was thought restricted to a specific period but no one has seemed to nail down exactly when. There was a batch of firing pins that were brittle and might break with dry firing…so as a blanket warning always use snap caps.

 

[cd228]

I shot one once at the range. Not a bad pistol, it remineded me of an S&W 28, not the prettiest but a good shooter.

If that price is affordable to you, I'd buy it. It'll be fun to have and if it dosen't tickle your fancy, the Colt name on it will help you sell it.

Edited: A little web research indicates that the Trooper is lighter then the 28.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

The Trooper Mark III, like the older Trooper, is Colt's version of the L frame.

 

[shovelhead]

My only Colt revolver is a Trooper MkIII. You won’t regret it.

 

[surfgun]

At least the later ones had cast hammers and triggers. As previously mentioned don’t dry fire it without caps as a special press is needed to help repair it after gets buggered up.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

The Trooper Mark III, like the older Trooper, is Colt's version of the L frame.

Not quite…the Mark III came out in ‘69…long before the Smith L-frame.