Colt Trooper or Smith and Wesson 19

cburtman

I have an opprotunity to purchase a Colt Trooper third model, and was wondering what experts have to say about this firearm. I like everything on the gun except the sights and the cylinder release(it seems to be backward). The barrel is 6" and it it in the blue finish. The cylinder locks up tight, but the DA trigger pull seems excessive, although the SA is great. My only experience with DA revolvers is my Smith 19, which I think is super. My thanks in advance.

royc38

The latch is not backwards, your just used to smiths. If you watch your hand (right hand) when you open the cylinder you will see it is one motion. When you open a Smith it is two motions. I have shot both and I have to say I like the Trooper better. A lot of old timers call the Trooper the "poormans python".

AntiqueDr

The "Poor Man's Python" claim was valid with the original Trooper, which used the same basic action. The Mk III is a completely different action so less hand fitting was necessary. Work the two actions side by side and there is a huge difference.A more valid comparison would be the Trooper vs the L-frame Smith. I'd take a 586 over a Mk III Trooper any day.

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SP45

A lot depends on personal preference. I to shoot a revolver in the Air Force and we used the Smith Mod #15. That is what I was used to. At one point I was issued a Colt Trooper and then a Trooper Mk III. I never could quite get used to the double action trigger. Colts "stack" or get heavier as the trigger is pulled to the rear and the hammer travel I beleive is longer than a Smith. I always found I was happier with a smith. A lot also depends on how much you are going to fire it and if you are going to use heavy magnum loads. Although I have never shot a model 19 "loose", the Colt does have a heavier frame similar to that of a Smith L frame.

Police Sharpshooter

Someone mentioned the loads you were going to use. If you're planning on shooting hot loads or shooting a lot of rounds through it, go with the smith. The seem to hold up better. Colts are famous for developing timing problems with a lot of use. The smiths trigger is also far superior. If you don't believe me go to a match and see how many colts you see..if you see any.

AntiqueDr

K-frame .357 Mag revolvers are still very much in production. The introduction of the L-frame was in response to police agencies and gun writers complaining of the lighter K-frame revolvers shooting loose after many many rounds of magnum ammunition, and also to compete on an aesthetic plane with the Python.The lockwork of the Mk III action, specifically the hand/transfer bar arrangement, is inferior in design and construction to either the earlier I-frame Colt design or the S&W design. The Mk III action losing timing from the overall fragility of that system, where the Python loses timing from the constant pressure of the hand against the extractor star inherent in the design.

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ddhotbot

1 OTHER THING TOO CONCIDER IS THE FUTURE VALUE A COLT WILL PROB BRING SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY ARENT MADE ANY LONGER .KEEP ON BANGIN ,DON

cburtman

Thank you all very much for the advise. I think I will go pick up that Colt before someone else does. I also must admit this is the best forum on firearms that I have found on the Net. Once again, Thanks

k.stanonik

dont be surprised if colt starts making the trooper and python again. I recently read in a magazine a interview with colts C.E.O, that he is trying to start up production of their old line again,

k.stanonik

dont be surprised if colt starts making the trooper and python again. I recently read in a magazine a interview with colts C.E.O, that he is trying to start up production of their old line again,