Since some has called the Colt Trooper Mark III, the "Ugly child" of colt, I'd like to get your overall opinions(The Good, Bad, or Ugly?)about these revolvers? Not just in the appearance-but, everything about these guns? Including, how "Desireable" that you think these guns are(To own, to collect, or whatever?)? I know where a NIB Colt Trooper Mark III is-but, I wouldn't want to buy it, if the majority on this forum, would think of these revolvers, as just being a "Dud" to own? Although the final choice is mine(To buy?)but, I want to hear what all of you, might have to say?
Colt Trooper Mark III: Opinion's please?
- Thread starter boa2
- Start date
My father has one and it's the gun I pretty much learned to shoot handguns with. Love it. He did have the action worked on/polished when he first bought it. Never had any issues with it and I find it very comfortable and accurate to shoot.
It gets my vote as a good gun and one I'd own.
It gets my vote as a good gun and one I'd own.
Sir William
New member
I have a couple. Great actions. To shoot and shoot and shoot some more they are great. I feel that is why they are superior to Pythons. Their only drawback is the factory only firing pin replacement. Mine are good for just about everything, hunting with 6" barrel and adjustable sights, CCW and BBQ revolver in 4" nickel and both are excellent target revolvers. I find them to be desirable and Colt really should make a few thousand more in stainless. Collectible? Not for another 50 years. Too many still out there.
dick_tracy1953
Inactive
Colt Trooper Mark III
I just purchased my first Colt Trooper Mark III configured with a four inch barrel that is chambered in 22 cal. I enjoy it very much. It feels good in my hand. Right now, I plan to sell my Smith & Wesson Model 17-6 because who needs more than one 22 cal when money is tight. The Colt is a wonderful practice revolver. As far as additional wheel guns go, I own a Model 67 S&W, a Model 686P S&W, a Ruger Security Six, and a Ruger Red Hawk. One of my best friends has a Colt Trooper Mark III chambered in 357 Magnum that he most always takes a field when hunting deer.
I just purchased my first Colt Trooper Mark III configured with a four inch barrel that is chambered in 22 cal. I enjoy it very much. It feels good in my hand. Right now, I plan to sell my Smith & Wesson Model 17-6 because who needs more than one 22 cal when money is tight. The Colt is a wonderful practice revolver. As far as additional wheel guns go, I own a Model 67 S&W, a Model 686P S&W, a Ruger Security Six, and a Ruger Red Hawk. One of my best friends has a Colt Trooper Mark III chambered in 357 Magnum that he most always takes a field when hunting deer.
wild_billz
New member
COlt Trooper MKIII
I have one, bought it about 3 and a half years ago. I like it a lot. Its my first, and only (currently) wheel gun. It is accurate too, though mine has a 4 inch barrel, the six would be even more accurate. My brother in law has a Dan Wesson 6 inch barrel .357, and you can tell the difference in accuracy, his gives tighter groups, that said it is a lot of fun to shoot, and more accurate than I am. I don't have any qualms about owing it. Would I buy another, only if it was a 6 inch version, or was rediculously low priced (I paid 200 bucks for mine, so lower than that.) II thought it was cool to own a Colt wheelgun, so I bought it. called Colt and they told me mine was manufactured in 1976.
I have one, bought it about 3 and a half years ago. I like it a lot. Its my first, and only (currently) wheel gun. It is accurate too, though mine has a 4 inch barrel, the six would be even more accurate. My brother in law has a Dan Wesson 6 inch barrel .357, and you can tell the difference in accuracy, his gives tighter groups, that said it is a lot of fun to shoot, and more accurate than I am. I don't have any qualms about owing it. Would I buy another, only if it was a 6 inch version, or was rediculously low priced (I paid 200 bucks for mine, so lower than that.) II thought it was cool to own a Colt wheelgun, so I bought it. called Colt and they told me mine was manufactured in 1976.
Dfariswheel
New member
Considering that the Trooper Mark III was Colt's "Budget" Magnum holster gun, the quality is astounding, especially when compared to today's guns.
The Colt bluing makes modern pistols look really bad, and this was Colt's STANDARD blue, not the Python Royal blue.
The Trooper Mark III is a tank, and Master Gunsmith Jerry Kuhnhausen thought it was the strongest mid-frame revolver ever made.
The same general action, slightly upgraded was used on the King Cobra and the Anaconda.
I've had a number of Trooper Mark III's in .357 and .22LR.
They've been uniformly high quality firearms.
Like all discontinued Colt's, a new in the box Trooper Mark III WILL be a collectible in coming years, especially as the number of NIB guns falls due to people shooting them.
As a shooter, you can do a WHOLE lot worse than a Trooper III, plus you have a better quality, better blued gun than any currently made.
The Colt bluing makes modern pistols look really bad, and this was Colt's STANDARD blue, not the Python Royal blue.
The Trooper Mark III is a tank, and Master Gunsmith Jerry Kuhnhausen thought it was the strongest mid-frame revolver ever made.
The same general action, slightly upgraded was used on the King Cobra and the Anaconda.
I've had a number of Trooper Mark III's in .357 and .22LR.
They've been uniformly high quality firearms.
Like all discontinued Colt's, a new in the box Trooper Mark III WILL be a collectible in coming years, especially as the number of NIB guns falls due to people shooting them.
As a shooter, you can do a WHOLE lot worse than a Trooper III, plus you have a better quality, better blued gun than any currently made.
I have a Mark III in .357. For the price range, I think its an excellent value. I tend to prefer S&Ws so I use a 586 a lot...but the Colt has a trigger pull of about 2.5 pounds, about a pound less the the 586. In fairness, I shoot the 586 more than my Python, too.
The only negative I've ever heard (not experienced) is that the cylinder rod can begin to back out of the threads so that you can't open the cylinder. Fix is to turn the pin back in which could require a padded plyers.
The only negative I've ever heard (not experienced) is that the cylinder rod can begin to back out of the threads so that you can't open the cylinder. Fix is to turn the pin back in which could require a padded plyers.
In the store I worked in we couldnt give them away
And I never understood why, yes you could get a 357 in a different make cheeper. Rugers and S&W 19 we could sell by the dozen, but it it wasnt a python then the trooper must be a cheep gun. That seem to be the thought. I too have been amazed at the quality of the trooper and have one my self in a 4 inch.
No its no python, but no one else is ether, but it sure is close.
And I never understood why, yes you could get a 357 in a different make cheeper. Rugers and S&W 19 we could sell by the dozen, but it it wasnt a python then the trooper must be a cheep gun. That seem to be the thought. I too have been amazed at the quality of the trooper and have one my self in a 4 inch.
No its no python, but no one else is ether, but it sure is close.
Colt Trooper MKIII
I carried one as my primary weapon on the locay PD for about 5 years. It was an excellent firearm. I got some custon grips that were a little slimmer as my little finger was a bit too short to get the best grip. Very accurate, good balance and comfortable to shoot. Maybe not of collector style yet but a great gun to shoot. Finish better than a S&W model 28 when I owned mine.
I carried one as my primary weapon on the locay PD for about 5 years. It was an excellent firearm. I got some custon grips that were a little slimmer as my little finger was a bit too short to get the best grip. Very accurate, good balance and comfortable to shoot. Maybe not of collector style yet but a great gun to shoot. Finish better than a S&W model 28 when I owned mine.
Colt Trooper MK III
I owned one of these for a while in the mid 70's and it was an excellent gun. Mine was a 6" Colt Trooper Mk III and completely stock. Trigger pull was excellent and accuracy rivaled the Python. The Colt blue was rich and deep and put even the period S&W's to shame. I had only two gripes with it which is why I sold it. First the grip was just a tad too big for my hand, forcing me ot adapt my hold. Second was that the 6" barrel was uncomfortable in a duty holster sitting in a car for an 8 hour shift.
I bought the Trooper for $185.50 and sold it for $200 with holster a year later, using that money to buy a S&W Model 58 for $125 and the rest went to ammo and reloading for the .41 Mag.
I got a 4" revolver that rode well in the car and was a Smith & Wesson hand-cannon to boot! But I still miss the Trooper as one of the most accurate revolvers I ever owned.
I owned one of these for a while in the mid 70's and it was an excellent gun. Mine was a 6" Colt Trooper Mk III and completely stock. Trigger pull was excellent and accuracy rivaled the Python. The Colt blue was rich and deep and put even the period S&W's to shame. I had only two gripes with it which is why I sold it. First the grip was just a tad too big for my hand, forcing me ot adapt my hold. Second was that the 6" barrel was uncomfortable in a duty holster sitting in a car for an 8 hour shift.
I bought the Trooper for $185.50 and sold it for $200 with holster a year later, using that money to buy a S&W Model 58 for $125 and the rest went to ammo and reloading for the .41 Mag.
I got a 4" revolver that rode well in the car and was a Smith & Wesson hand-cannon to boot! But I still miss the Trooper as one of the most accurate revolvers I ever owned.Well, I have a 22lr CTIII.
Took Jack Huntington to tune, and grip, and make it shoot.
Quality? I put it in a local shop for sale, and the owner snapped it up, cheap, without telling me it was him buying the gun.
Since it wasn't in the case, I took it out, shot it, and decided to keep it.
if it doesn't load:
http://www.gunpix.com/gallery/Handguns/Double_Action_Revolvers/CJH.jpg
If it doesnt load:
http://www.gunpix.com/gallery/Handguns/Double_Action_Revolvers/CJH2.jpg
Jack did the grips, and, prior to his accurization, at 10 yards, with the right ammo, read fast, and using Paco Kellys Accurizer, it shot thumbnail.
Much better now, like one hole...
s
Took Jack Huntington to tune, and grip, and make it shoot.
Quality? I put it in a local shop for sale, and the owner snapped it up, cheap, without telling me it was him buying the gun.
Since it wasn't in the case, I took it out, shot it, and decided to keep it.
if it doesn't load:
http://www.gunpix.com/gallery/Handguns/Double_Action_Revolvers/CJH.jpg
If it doesnt load:
http://www.gunpix.com/gallery/Handguns/Double_Action_Revolvers/CJH2.jpg
Jack did the grips, and, prior to his accurization, at 10 yards, with the right ammo, read fast, and using Paco Kellys Accurizer, it shot thumbnail.
Much better now, like one hole...
s
Sir William
New member
If that Trooper MKIII is a 22, get it. Colt 22s are becoming rara avis collector items. Have you seen a Diamondback 22 lately? Troopers, the Colt single action 22s, Diamondbacks and 22 Magnum Officer Models would be what I would buy. 22 Colts are getting pricey.
The caliber of the Colt Trooper Mark III!
1)The caliber of this Colt Trooper Mark III, is .357!
2)I do know where there is a Colt Frontier Scout "Commemorative" made sometime in the 1970's! It is some kind of a Kansas centennial, that has a sort of a gold plating look to it(In .22 caliber!)for $400! But, I wasn't sure, if this was a good Colt single-action to buy(Or, not?)?
3)I'm still also, trying to decide upon the Colt "357" versus the Colt OMT(.22LR)but also this Colt Mark III? but, the Colt OMT is expensive at $800(Before fees & tax!)and, the Colt "357" is $575(Before fees and tax!)
and, the Colt Mark III is $450(Out the door!)? What is the wisest choice here?
1)The caliber of this Colt Trooper Mark III, is .357!
2)I do know where there is a Colt Frontier Scout "Commemorative" made sometime in the 1970's! It is some kind of a Kansas centennial, that has a sort of a gold plating look to it(In .22 caliber!)for $400! But, I wasn't sure, if this was a good Colt single-action to buy(Or, not?)?
3)I'm still also, trying to decide upon the Colt "357" versus the Colt OMT(.22LR)but also this Colt Mark III? but, the Colt OMT is expensive at $800(Before fees & tax!)and, the Colt "357" is $575(Before fees and tax!)
and, the Colt Mark III is $450(Out the door!)? What is the wisest choice here?
Last edited:
Sir William
New member
The problem with the KS Cabtennial single action is it needs EVERYTHING to be collectible and complete. If it has everything and is NIB, I would buy it. In my order I would get the Officers Model Target, KS Centennial, 357 and then the Trooper MKIII.
1)Colt Frontier Scout(KS Centennial): What does it take for this gun to be complete? It is in a wood presentation case, but, what else, should be with this gun? I kinda overlooked this gun because the price was only $400(Thinking that if this gun was a fairly valuable Colt-then, the price should be higher?)! 
2)Colt OMT(.22): At a price of $800(Before fees & tax!)isn't it likely, that it would take a long time(Before any gains could be realized on this gun?)and, that I should not expect any short term gains?
3)Colt "357"(6-incher): I like this gun-but, I have a concern, whether or not this gun will ever be given "Recognition"(In view of the fact that I have seen these Colt 357's "Languishing" on the various Gun Auctions, without being sold!)?
4)Colt Trooper Mark III: I probably won't live long enough, to entertain this gun, until it becomes "Considered" somewhat of a "Collectible"! However, this gun is interesting because it is NIB(And is "Pristine"!)but(Despite this!)if I don't make a "Shooter" out of this gun, it might be a waste of money? But, I do like "Mint" things!
5)Right now, I could only afford to buy only two of the above guns! This makes my decision very tough? This gets me back to square one(And, is the very reason that I had started this thread!)! Decisions? Decisions? Yikes!!
2)Colt OMT(.22): At a price of $800(Before fees & tax!)isn't it likely, that it would take a long time(Before any gains could be realized on this gun?)and, that I should not expect any short term gains?
3)Colt "357"(6-incher): I like this gun-but, I have a concern, whether or not this gun will ever be given "Recognition"(In view of the fact that I have seen these Colt 357's "Languishing" on the various Gun Auctions, without being sold!)?
4)Colt Trooper Mark III: I probably won't live long enough, to entertain this gun, until it becomes "Considered" somewhat of a "Collectible"! However, this gun is interesting because it is NIB(And is "Pristine"!)but(Despite this!)if I don't make a "Shooter" out of this gun, it might be a waste of money? But, I do like "Mint" things!
5)Right now, I could only afford to buy only two of the above guns! This makes my decision very tough? This gets me back to square one(And, is the very reason that I had started this thread!)! Decisions? Decisions? Yikes!!