Which Colt?

[sailor723]

I have a chance to buy either of these for within $25 of each other. The first is a 95% Trooper MK V. The second a Model 3-5-7 with quite a bit of bluing loss but (I'm told) with a shiny bore and good mechanicals. Before everybody says "buy both", the budget this month only stretches to one.

3-5-7





Trooper MK V

 

[Iggy]

357 in a heart beat.

 

[021]

Buy anything with the Colt logo on it, they appear to be about to go bankrupt. I predict a large rise in value in Colts if they do. Just my .02

 

[dmar]

I always say to buy the best condition you can. That being said, I'd buy the 3-5-7. I don't have one, and you don't see a lot of them for sale. The 3-5-7 is a very nice gun, with that great Colt action. I like that it has the box and docs, too...

The MKV is a nice gun too, with an updated action that can really take some abuse, but just not the same feel to me... I've got a nice King Cobra, and MKIII and they are great guns, I'd take the 3-5-7 over any of them. Just my opinion.

 

[sailor723]

Here are a couple more shots of the 3-5-7. The seller says the first one is more true to the colour (the flash washed these out) but these show the wear more clearly

 

[DFrame]

Since I've already got a 357 I'd be all over that Mark V. That one's a beauty, I'd love to give space in my safe.

 

[murphydog]

It's a toss up to me. The Trooper is in nicer condition, the 357 is built on the Python action but looks pretty worn. If the older gun locks up solidly with the trigger pulled all the way, it is really a difficult decision. Good luck!

 

[gregintenn]

Work extra and buy both.

 

[Tom_R]

Mark V Trooper, they are great guns.

 

[lebomm]

3-5-7, absolutely. It's a Python w/o the vent rib or underlug.

JMHO
Larry

 

[Lonestar57]

Trooper! They were built like a tank. IMHO!

 

[sailor723]

Looks like it's a 3-3 tie among those who have expressed a firm opinion.

Thanks a lot guys....that really helps.

 

[Xfuzz]

Three Five Seven...

 

[pawncop]

Another vote for the 3-5-8.

 

[model70hunter]

I've owned both, a good condition 3-5-7 is more scarce than a Python. Better get it. I would.

 

[BCDWYO]

I'll vote 3 5 7 also. Much more scarce. Keep your eyes open and another Trooper will show up in a month when you can afford it in the future!

 

[muzzleblast]

That's a tough one

Bottom line is, "Which one would you most like to have?"

Strictly based on condition as shown in the pictures posted, I'd likely go for the Mk V Trooper.

 

[kdave21]

I see lots of Troopers come up for sale (many of them in good condition), but not many 3 5 7 's. In my opinion, Id get the 3 5 7. If you decide later you would rather have the Trooper, you could probably find someone who would trade. My guess is the 357 probably has the smoother action.

If all else fails get the one that trips your trigger the most and be happy.

 

[k22fan]

I’d pass them both by and get a S&W but a Colt lover would do the opposite. Since the replies to this thread are about 50/50 I’ll accept the values are about the same. However, if you are buying a gun to use, while the 3-5-7’s condition won’t change significantly the Trooper MK V will loose its newness and drop below the value of the 3-5-7 in a few years. Also old guns are just neat to have.

 

[Richard Simmons]

I'd go with the 3-5-7 without a doubt.