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colt trooper mark III
- Thread starter nick8180
- Start date
Sir William
New member
Are you certain it wasn't hard chromed? Colt didn't offer a satin finish IIRC until the MK5. All factory Troopers I have seen have a deep colour case hardened trigger/hammer. It is odd but, it might not be rare.
22-rimfire
New member
Colt did produce the Trooper MK III with a Electroless nickel finish. You can often see them for sale on GunBroker, Auction Arms, GunsAmerica. Rarity? Who knows? Some people have quoted some very low production figures on certain MK III models. Have no idea if they are correct or even close to being correct. That is part of the fun of collecting Colts. Mystery.
One thing to remember Colt introduced the MK III in 1969 (late I believe) replacing the Trooper Model 357/38spl. The MK III was only offered in 357mag/38spl when it was introduced. The 22 RF version was introduced much later (1979 timeframe) and was produced for about 5 years. All production ceased in 1985 on all MK III's. The 22 MKIII was competing with the Diamondback at that time. They were meant to be more affordable than the Diamondback. Also, they were offered in 4", 6", and 8" versions with the 6" being probably the more common.
One thing to remember Colt introduced the MK III in 1969 (late I believe) replacing the Trooper Model 357/38spl. The MK III was only offered in 357mag/38spl when it was introduced. The 22 RF version was introduced much later (1979 timeframe) and was produced for about 5 years. All production ceased in 1985 on all MK III's. The 22 MKIII was competing with the Diamondback at that time. They were meant to be more affordable than the Diamondback. Also, they were offered in 4", 6", and 8" versions with the 6" being probably the more common.
Last edited:
Dfariswheel
New member
As above, Colt did offer satin Electroless Nickel finishes on the Trooper Mark III.
At various times Colt called this Electroless Nickel, and "Coltguard".
Satin EN Mark III's are not too common, but not at all rare.
No Mark III guns were ever produced with stainless steel hammers or triggers. The hammer and trigger on the poster's gun will be plated.
As far as I know, there is no price premium on the EN finish itself.
Some versions with the EN finish are rare.
As example, the Mark III in .22 Magnum, 8" barrel, and EN finish is rare, and this is due simply to the lack of demand during production holding numbers produced down.
Bottom line is, a common barrel length and caliber Trooper Mark III with the EN finish, is neither rare, nor worth more than a blued version.
At various times Colt called this Electroless Nickel, and "Coltguard".
Satin EN Mark III's are not too common, but not at all rare.
No Mark III guns were ever produced with stainless steel hammers or triggers. The hammer and trigger on the poster's gun will be plated.
As far as I know, there is no price premium on the EN finish itself.
Some versions with the EN finish are rare.
As example, the Mark III in .22 Magnum, 8" barrel, and EN finish is rare, and this is due simply to the lack of demand during production holding numbers produced down.
Bottom line is, a common barrel length and caliber Trooper Mark III with the EN finish, is neither rare, nor worth more than a blued version.