Colt 357 First edition (Trooper?)

No, as a matter of fact, I didn`nt know! 22- Rimfire! I don`t think that gun is the same as Winchester 73s guns. I was told that my gun is an earlier gun. BTW, the seller had to send me the gun overnight air, the poor guy spent $91.00 shipping from Reno Nevada, to North Carolina. However it was shipped on a Friday, so even with the extra expense ,it won`t get here until Monday! Thanks UPS, Thanks Pres Clinton. What a screwing!!!!!
 
No, as a matter of fact, I didn`nt know! 22- Rimfire! I don`t think that gun is the same as Winchester 73s guns.
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Yes, you are both right. The MKIII variant came later and is not the same as my guns. The MKIII series was a further attempt to cheapen the trooper line, kind of like the pre 64 vs post 64 Winchesters. I don't have any MKIII guns but they are good overall. I had one MKIII trooper that I sold. Basically the trooper line was like this:

Trooper / 357 model (my two guns) -> Trooper (in 38 and 357, discontinue of 357 model around 1961) - > MKIII series starting in 1969/70 - > MKV series starting around 1980 - > discontinue of trooper, which becomes the King Cobra in SS or blue in the early 80s

Frame wise, the earlier troopers were E, from the beginning until the MKIII series. The 357 model is the I frame, because it has a frame mounted firing pin just like the Python. The MKIII guns are on the Colt J frame (different than S&W J) then the MKV troopers were on the Colt V frame, and finally the King Cobra is the AA frame or the V frame depending on the source. I've seen it both ways, and I'd have to say it was the AA frame because before then every Trooper change denoted a frame change as well.
 
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Almost right. The 357 and the Python are in fact I frames and have frame mounted firing pins. The earlier E frame had hammer mounted pins
 
I always thought that the Colt 3-5-7 was produced from 1953- to 1961 when it was then rolled into the Trooper line. Then, the trooper .357 ran from 1961 to 1969 when the New Colt Trooper MK III was introduced?
 
BOA, that is my undestanding as well. I may have had my '68 vs '69 date incorrect. Did it from memory.

As you know, I have a few of the 22LR Troopers and a few of the Mark III Troopers. You have that super nice 22LR Trooper! I really like my 357 mag Trooper Mark III. Almost bought a really clean 357 Model a few months ago, but the pawn shop would not budge on price with the Pachmayr grips. The original Trooper was discontinued in 1968.

As an aside, I find it interesting how many Troopers you see with holster wear (especially on the barrel near the front sight). That is the typical condition you find them in.
 
Boa you are correct. The 357 was absorbed into the trooper line in 1961 (by simply changing the troopers calibre to 357 magnum) and then continued until 1969 when they were superceded by the new J framed Mk III series.
 
Boa you are correct. The 357 was absorbed into the trooper line in 1961 (by simply changing the troopers calibre to 357 magnum) and then continued until 1969 when they were superceded by the new J framed Mk III series.
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Wow, sorry for that mistake.
 
22-rimfire:

Although I found a like new 4" Colt 3-5-7 awhile back, I went on a hunt in an effort to find a nice 6" Colt 3-5-7-but, to no avail. Late last year I found a beautiful 6" 1968 Trooper .357 that had no wear showing on the gun at all-so, I had to buy this revolver!

Yes, I still have the beautiful 1959 4" Trooper .22. But, I made a mistake in selling my 4" NIB blue Trooper MK III .357. I have just one Trooper MK III left-which is like new(Chambered in .22 LR)but no box or papers came with it. I have had the same experience in finding most pre-MK III Troopers to have alot of wear showing on the finish. Btw, it's nice hearing from you again!:)
 
Ok guys, I just received the gun, As I wrote before , on the left barrel COLT 357. Smaller script below 357 magnum ctg. that`s all on the barrel. It`s an I frame gun ,since it has a frame mounted firing pin. I really feel that the Sile target grips are just too big for my hand. As a matter of fact,
I think i would like to use the Colt service grips. In order for me to determine grip size: I need to look for an early model 357 I frame, or a early Python grip. . I would hate to spend a lot of money & get the wrong grips! BTW, the action,is unbelievably smooth ,what a nice old revolver! Anyone want to sell a set of grips! Ok let`s do correct myself, the on the right side of the barrrel there`s Colt`s Patent Firearms co. it in fact, is the standard inscription , man I`m getting blind! Again I think I like this old Colt!
 
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Unless I'm mistaken either I or E frame stocks should fit your gun. I don't believe there were any significant changes to the grip frame shape during that time. The exterior of the stocks changed of course and there were several changes to the checkering patterns and finishes. The later J frames (Mk III series) will not fit your gun.
 
All of the original models of Colt medium frame grips will interchange.
The Official Police, Officer's Model, original Trooper, 357 Model, and Python all interchange.

A 357 Model with either Target or Service grips would have Silver Colt medallions.
If the rear side plate screw has a flat head, the gun shipped with Target grips.
If the rear plate screw is round headed it shipped with Service grips.

For the 357, unless made in the early 60's the correct grips would be the First Type fully checkered model.
Unfortunately, prices on First Type Colt Target grips these days START at $250 and go UP.
 
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