I have been looking at Troopers and various 1911's to purchase in hopes that someday after I thoroughly enjot it, it can be passed down to my son named COLTon. I am at a crossroads in the fact that the Colt revolvers I have looked at (Troopers and Pythons) are nice , really like Troopers, and Pythons even though the actions are incredible, are too pricey and I dont know if they are worth the price tag. I have a S&W 686 that I really like. But there is something I really like about the blued 4" Trooper. I don't currently have a 1911 platform at the moment and there a few Gold Cup Trophy's around here at the moment. Are Colt Trooper frames any stronger that a S&W? Colt 1911's really good? For 1000-1100 dollars I can get a really nice Colt 1911 compared to some of the other mfr's out there. There is also a LGS that has a 6" Nickel Trooper MKIII for $900. Like new and it is a beautiful pistol. There is a gunshow this weekend and will be taking some $$. Even better is I have the "green light" from the wife do to the reason I have for purchasing this one! Any input would be greatly appreciated.
I want a Colt pistol! Revolver or 1911?
- Thread starter MOREAMMO
- Start date
Dfariswheel
New member
Tough questions to answer.
There are three Troopers.
The original Trooper is the same action as the Python, only in a gun that wasn't as well tuned and fitted as the super-premium Python.
These are often called a "poor mans Python" since they are the same basic design.
The Trooper Mark III and Mark V are later designs that use a totally different design and have nothing in common with the older original Trooper.
These are super strong revolvers and were designed for unlimited use with full power Magnum ammo.
Quality on the Mark III and Mark V is very high.
The only caution with them is that you have to use snap caps to prevent a possible broken firing pin. Broken firing pins require a trip back to Colt to have the pin replaced with a special press device.
The Colt 1911 series autos are legendary guns with a lot of American history behind them.
The current guns coming from Colt are some of the best they've made since the 1960's.
Most other 1911 pistols are just another gun when you want to sell them, but a Colt has a lot of name recognition and is recognized instantly as a top quality firearm.
Comes down to what you want and how much you can spend. Either a Colt revolver or a Colt 1911 series auto would make a fine heirloom.
All Colt pistols prices are going up fast, especially revolvers.
There are three Troopers.
The original Trooper is the same action as the Python, only in a gun that wasn't as well tuned and fitted as the super-premium Python.
These are often called a "poor mans Python" since they are the same basic design.
The Trooper Mark III and Mark V are later designs that use a totally different design and have nothing in common with the older original Trooper.
These are super strong revolvers and were designed for unlimited use with full power Magnum ammo.
Quality on the Mark III and Mark V is very high.
The only caution with them is that you have to use snap caps to prevent a possible broken firing pin. Broken firing pins require a trip back to Colt to have the pin replaced with a special press device.
The Colt 1911 series autos are legendary guns with a lot of American history behind them.
The current guns coming from Colt are some of the best they've made since the 1960's.
Most other 1911 pistols are just another gun when you want to sell them, but a Colt has a lot of name recognition and is recognized instantly as a top quality firearm.
Comes down to what you want and how much you can spend. Either a Colt revolver or a Colt 1911 series auto would make a fine heirloom.
All Colt pistols prices are going up fast, especially revolvers.
Thanks for the info! I had just read that about dry firing the revolvers. I was also eyeballing some Diamondback revolvers. What's the deal with these? Gorgeous pistols! If I can't find what I like this weekend at show, I have no problem taking time to save more and search more.
dogtown tom
New member
Don't forget about the Woodsman .22..................he'll be able to start shooting a handgun for pennies compared to the skill and $$$ needed to shoot centerfire.
Very nice 3rd generation Woodsman/Huntsman can be had for +/- $400.
Very nice 3rd generation Woodsman/Huntsman can be had for +/- $400.
Crunchy Frog
New member
If you like the "pony", don't forget about the Colt Single Action Army revolver! At least those are still in production.
I've always wanted a Python. When I first started shooting, a Python cost about $400 and I (thought that I) couldn't afford it.
Now that I'm older...I still can't afford it.
For me the Trooper just didn't have the panache of the Python. The Security Six I bought will probably outlast either one.
The Diamondback has some of the cosmetics of the Python but it's a D frame revolver that is not as refined as the old Python. Keep in mind that it comes in .22 or .38 Special, not .357 like the larger guns.
On the 1911 front, I have a Colt that I bought used many years ago. There are other brands of 1911 that are fine but I like the Colt.
I've always wanted a Python. When I first started shooting, a Python cost about $400 and I (thought that I) couldn't afford it.
Now that I'm older...I still can't afford it.
For me the Trooper just didn't have the panache of the Python. The Security Six I bought will probably outlast either one.
The Diamondback has some of the cosmetics of the Python but it's a D frame revolver that is not as refined as the old Python. Keep in mind that it comes in .22 or .38 Special, not .357 like the larger guns.
On the 1911 front, I have a Colt that I bought used many years ago. There are other brands of 1911 that are fine but I like the Colt.
Sharpsdressed Man
Moderator
Go with a vintage 1911 or 1911A1. My experience with the revolvers have gotten to the point that I consider them "high maintenance" or too expensive to fix IF they break.
There is a King Cobra and an Anaconda for sale locally as well. Anaconda is a nice piece for sure! Sounds maybe like I should get a revolver and a 1911! Kind of leaning toward the Gold Cup in Stainless but I could be easily distracted by a nice blued revolver. I appreciate all the responses. Hard decisions. Whatever I buy I want to shoot it and not just a safe queen.
Why not look at the predecesors to the Trooper and the Pythons, such as an Official Police, Police Positive, Detective Special, Bankers Special, etc. I find that many of the older lesser known models can be just as nice and much cheaper. And they shoot just as well. I have a 6" O.P. in 22LR that will out shoot most S&W mod. 17s on a bad day. And that with fixed sights. An heirloom doesn't need to be the best most popular.
I would get him a Colt Single Action Army or 1911. Nothing wrong with Pythons, Diamondbacks, Troopers, etc, but those two pistols share a very iconic history that the others don't. Also the DA Colt revolvers are getting to the point where they are pretty much collector pieces commanding higher prices.
You can get a nice SAA or 1911 for around $1K new.
You can get a nice SAA or 1911 for around $1K new.
Stevie-Ray
New member
Always wanted a King Cobra. And almost traded my Redhawk on a Anaconda, but somebody beat me to it. I do have 1911s though, being an auto guy. And I really think you'd do well to get a Gold Cup.
Other than the single action (from the custom shop), Colt doesn't make revolvers anymore. And truly good people to work on them (outside Colt factory) are really thin on the ground. Consider that.
Pythons are fine pieces, although I've always considered them overpriced. That sweet hand tuned action does not last forever, if you shoot them a lot. Having them retuned is not difficult, except for finding someone who can actually DO it, these days.
If you opt for the Python, I would shoot it once in a while, but if you plan on putting thousands of rounds through it yearly, in a few years, it will need a tune up.
Many other guns are like that as well, put enough wear on something, it needs adjustmen (repair) to keep running its best.
The 1911 is a classic, and there is no better factory 1911 than a good Colt. However, some production years colt's are not as good as others. Mine was made in the 60s (or possibly earlier), and is a good gun.
Remember the original Gold Cup was envisioned as a target gun, and was not optimised for ball or high performance ammo, as it left the factory. Can't say for sure if they are set up for everything today, but a spring change will take care of it, if they aren't.
Pythons are fine pieces, although I've always considered them overpriced. That sweet hand tuned action does not last forever, if you shoot them a lot. Having them retuned is not difficult, except for finding someone who can actually DO it, these days.
If you opt for the Python, I would shoot it once in a while, but if you plan on putting thousands of rounds through it yearly, in a few years, it will need a tune up.
Many other guns are like that as well, put enough wear on something, it needs adjustmen (repair) to keep running its best.
The 1911 is a classic, and there is no better factory 1911 than a good Colt. However, some production years colt's are not as good as others. Mine was made in the 60s (or possibly earlier), and is a good gun.
Remember the original Gold Cup was envisioned as a target gun, and was not optimised for ball or high performance ammo, as it left the factory. Can't say for sure if they are set up for everything today, but a spring change will take care of it, if they aren't.