Vintage 1965 Colt Trooper 357

[brendonjames65]

While searching for vintage S&W L and K frames, in my desire for a bargain, I often look to other makes like Colt and Ruger which I also collect. It is obtaining a bargain which is my driving force. So I spied this vintage 6 inch Colt Trooper 357 online and obtained it for $515 which I thought a great deal. $609 total cost.

I had been wanting one for some time but my priorities have been S&W and Ruger revolvers. Anyhow, this Colt Trooper is in fine shape, a little muzzle wear, but excellent overall condition and a good bargain I believe. It'll make a nice collector/shooter. The icing on the cake, it's also my birth year, 1965!

After this, I have budgeted for one more gun at the upcoming Tulsa gun show and then that's it for awhile! I kind of went a little hog wild on the gun buying this year!

*******Update************

Went out back and shot the Colt Trooper along with a recently acquired Ruger 357. Nothing serious today just some offhand shooting at target (top target) and metal gong with 158 gun 38 spl and 158 gun 357. This vintage Trooper is very accurate and a pleasure to shoot!

 

[DWalt]

Congratulations. You just bought a Colt Python with a plainer barrel dirt cheap. Prior to the appearance of the Python, the top revolver of the Colt line was the "3-5-7". After the Python appeared, the 3-5-7 model was dropped. However, to keep competitive in the Police market, Colt brought out the nearly identical Trooper model, that supposedly had a little less attention paid to its fit and finish to keep the price lower. Sort of like the difference between the S&W Model 27 and the S&W Model 28. Initially the Trooper was chambered in .38 Special, but was later chambered for the .357 as the Second Model. Most of the Troopers seen have 4" barrels, but they were available with other lengths. I have both a 3-5-7 6" and a .357 Trooper 4". If there is any difference between their fit and finish, I can't see it. I have never had a craving for a Colt Python, as I already have two of them, just with different-looking barrels. Both of mine have their original target grips. I believe all 3-5-7s came with target grips, while they were options with the Trooper. Back to the old speculation question about "if you could own only one handgun...", I think the 3-5-7 would be mine. With the .357 Trooper in second place.

 

[brendonjames65]

Congratulations. You just bought a Colt Python with a plainer barrel dirt cheap. Prior to the appearance of the Python, the top revolver of the Colt line was the "3-5-7". After the Python appeared, the 3-5-7 model was dropped. However, to keep competitive in the Police market, Colt brought out the nearly identical Trooper model, that supposedly had a little less attention paid to its fit and finish to keep the price lower. Sort of like the difference between the S&W Model 27 and the S&W Model 28. Initially the Trooper was chambered in .38 Special, but was later chambered for the .357. Most of the Troopers seen have 4" barrels, but they were available with other lengths. I have both a 3-5-7 6" and a .357 Trooper 4". If there is any difference between their fit and finish, I can't see it. I have never had a craving for a Colt Python, as I already have two of them, just with different-looking barrels. Both of mine have their original target grips. I believe all 3-5-7s came with target grips, while they were options with the Trooper. Back to the old speculation question about "if you could own only one handgun...", I think the 3-5-7 would be mine. With the .357 Trooper in second place.

Thanks for imparting your knowledge. I have been vying for a Colt 3-5-7 and some I've seen offered at what I feel were "reasonable " prices which I think is anything under $1000 for a 3-5-7 in good condition. I guess you could say I "settled" with this Colt Trooper 357 but the price was right and a close second to the 3-5-7!

 

[DWalt]

The Python, the 3-5-7, and the second generation .357 Trooper all use the identical Colt I frame. The only difference from the Colt E frame as used on the earlier Army Special, the Official Police, and the Officers Model Target and Match revolvers is that the firing pin is in the frame, not on the hammer. Nearly all internal action parts will interchange between Colt E and I frames. I own examples of all of those. I know nothing about the frame used for the New Python, except it is much different from the Colt E and I frames.

 

[dsf]

A couple of years older, with the target hammer spur and grips -



As much as I like Smiths, and prefer the DA pull and SA trigger over the Colt's, thumb cocking the Colt really shows off the handfitting and smooth action. Not a scrape or a grind to be found.

BTW, the new Python actions are excellent on their own.

BTW, $609.00 total for Trooper is outstanding. Easily $300.00 under most sell prices.

 

[schutz5]

Excellent choice and price! You lucked out!

 

[brendonjames65]

A couple of years older, with the target hammer spur and grips -

View attachment 651372

As much as I like Smiths, and prefer the DA pull and SA trigger over the Colt's, thumb cocking the Colt really shows off the handfitting and smooth action. Not a scrape or a grind to be found.

BTW, the new Python actions are excellent on their own.

BTW, $609.00 total for Trooper is outstanding. Easily $300.00 under most sell prices.

Thanks! I was very pleased with the price.

 

[6string]

Those mid 1960s Colt Trooper revolvers are basically 357 Magnum chambered versions of the Colt Officer's Model Match of the same vintage.
Of course, being a target revolver, the latter has an undercut front sight instead of a ramp front sight and a nicely contoured wide spur hammer for easy cocking in the Timed and Rapid fire stages of the Bullseye match.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

You bought a fine, heavy duty service revolver. I have a 4" Trooper .357 and four or five 3-5-7 revolvers…same thing outside of the model name.

Enjoy it…it's meant to be used.

 

[swagmeister]

Very nice old Colt at a good price. I have a "357" with a 6" barrel built in 1958. They are great guns. Shoot and enjoy. Thanks for showing; I very much like looking at old Colt revolvers.

 

[smithra_66]

These are nice guns. I have an Official Police and a Officer's Model Match of similar vintage. Great guns with a great action and nice looks.

 

[brendonjames65]

Those mid 1960s Colt Trooper revolvers are basically 357 Magnum chambered versions of the Colt Officer's Model Match of the same vintage.
Of course, being a target revolver, the latter has an undercut front sight instead of a ramp front sight and a nicely contoured wide spur hammer for easy cocking in the Timed and Rapid fire stages of the Bullseye match.

Very handsome revolver you have, thanks for showing. At the upcoming gun show in Tulsa I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for a Colt Officer's Model Match, Official Police, New Service and vintage S&W K & L frames. I won't lie, if I come across a reasonable Officer's Model Match, I'll buy immediately! Sadly, I'm lacking in my Colt DA revolver collection.

 

[brendonjames65]

You bought a fine, heavy duty service revolver. I have a 4" Trooper .357 and four or five 3-5-7 revolvers…same thing outside of the model name.

Enjoy it…it's meant to be used.

Thanks! I look forward to shooting it. I do want to add a Colt 3-5-7 someday.

 

[brendonjames65]

Very nice old Colt at a good price. I have a "357" with a 6" barrel built in 1958. They are great guns. Shoot and enjoy. Thanks for showing; I very much like looking at old Colt revolvers.

Thanks! I do have an affinity for the older vintage revolvers whether Colt or S&W too.

 

[brendonjames65]

These are nice guns. I have an Official Police and a Officer's Model Match of similar vintage. Great guns with a great action and nice looks.

I will be looking for those exact revolvers at the upcoming Tulsa gun show!

 

[Ameshawki]

I have an earlier Trooper in 38 Special. Shoots lights out. Sweet rig.

 

[rockquarry]

Thanks! I look forward to shooting it. I do want to add a Colt 3-5-7 someday.

I've had a Trooper .357 and a couple of .3-5-7 models for many years. I've never been able to see any difference in any of these guns other than rollstamping. They all should shoot as well as any Python.

 

[DWalt]

There were far more Pythons made vs. 3-5-7s and Second Model Troopers, yet the Python market price is much higher. I have never understood that, as they are all essentially the same. I bought my 3-5-7 around 1995 in like-new condition with two pair of grips, as I remember for around $200. The .357 Trooper in similar condition goes back to the mid-00s, paid around $500 for it. I also have a battery of OMTs, OMMs, and OPs which I shoot very little. Most of my Colt revolver shooting is done with the 3-5-7 as I like it the best.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

Bought my 4" Trooper in 1972, still going strong. IMHO the .357/Trooper much under appreciated, its somewhat larger frame makes it more suited for shooting 357s than the K-frame. The S&W L-frame is an approximation of it.

 

[dsf]

Thanks! I do have an affinity for the older vintage revolvers whether Colt or S&W too.

Well, at least you're among friends -