Colt Python vs. Colt Trooper Mark III

gap1916

OK Ok I know there are Smith fans and Ruger fans who do not much care for Colt. Soooooo for those who know Colt and believe they are a good choice which one do you like? Not that trendy is a reason to like one over the other but many use that as a reason. How about some pros and cons on this issue? Collecting is not what I am looking for. Functionality is key. Let me know what you think or feel.

royc38

If you want quality, accuracy and good return on your money buy the Python. Someday Ruger or Smith may make a better or as good as a Python but don't hold your breath. For economy buy the Trooper. Now if you want Good all round, and throw in rugged, then you want the King Cobra. It is the heaviest mid size .357. (compared to S&W 586/686 and Ruger GP100).Its not quite as accurate as the Python, but for one gun do it all that is what I would choose. I own all three of the above and like them all, but if I could only have just one it would be the King Cobra.

4GodandCountry

I also own a King Cobra, its a 6" with a bright stainless steel finish. It is very accurate and totally reliable. If money isnt a concern I'd say go with the python, but with the money you will save buying a king cobra you could buy a lot of ammunition.Only problem you may find is finding a king cobra as they no longer make them.

When Clinton left office they gave him a 21 gun salute. Its a damn shame they all missed....

RancheroPaul

Here are the reasons each of these guns are what they are. You can compare them from these features.

Starting with the original Trooper made in 1953, (until 1969),this gun has the same style of flat spring action as the Python that came about in 1955. It is smooth as a Python and the gun was regarded as the strongest .357 made because of its metal and construction. Trooper is identical to the Colt Model .357, (discontinued because it was a competitor against the new Python), which also came with the Python action and quality.

Python, made in 1955 and still being made on order from the Colt Custom Shop. More optional finishes, same action that originally was designed for the Trooper and the Colt .357 Revolver. Extremely smooth double action, hand built individually stressing quality and fit.

Trooper Mark III, redesigned completely primarily to facilitate "mass production" as each part was machine made to specific tolerances. You could interchange parts on these guns and the parts will fit. Not so with the old Trooper, .357 Revolver, and the Pythons, which were all hand built and individually fitted. Action completely changed to a coil spring action, which feels slightly less positive than a flat spring action. High quality material and assembly making for a very reliable gun but cheaper priced because of its mass production.

Trooper Mark V, same as the Trooper Mark III guns with the exception of an "improved" action which also is coil spring. Unable to find out what the difference is other than hammer throw seems shorter and this gun is built on a different sized "V" frame instead of the "J" frame of the Mark III.

King Cobra, made of Stainless Steel and early ones were available for a couple of years in blued stainless. This gun is a "V" frame which was used on the Trooper Mark V, and is of the coil spring action. Has transfer bar safety. Very smooth action with short hammer throw and touted as extremely accurate.

Original Colt Troopers can be found out there in the $300 range and are a very good buy for a shooter. This has the Python action and the low price tag. I have one of these that rivals my Python in every way! Just a thought you might want to consider.





If You Can't Buy a Pair, Get a Spare!

gap1916

Thank you for the information and the comments.