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Colt Trooper MK3

E.WilliamsE.Williams Member Posts: 1,101 ✭✭✭✭
edited June 2002 in Ask the Experts
I have a Trooper MK3 in 90-95% condition and I was wondering what its value might be. It has a blue finish, barrel, adjustable rear site and wood grips. its has been shot very littlea the action is very tight.

Comments

  • E.WilliamsE.Williams Member Posts: 1,101 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I had posted earlier trying to find some suggestions.A Colt Trooper MK3 was recomended.I have always liked colt pistols.My father had a Colt Cobra .38 that I would shoot when him and me would go shooting as a kid.Are there any drawbacks to the Colt Trooper?What is the accuracy like out to around 25 yards?I like the Trooper and am about ready providing I get positive responses.I have one more question regarding barrel length.Is there really that much of a difference between a 3" .357 and a 4" .357?Everyone is always telling me 4" barrel for .357 but does that extra inch make a .357 worth having.Because I would think a .357magnum is a .357 magnum.But what do you all think? Thanks in Advance

    Eric S. Williams
  • E.WilliamsE.Williams Member Posts: 1,101 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Is the Trooper Mk5 or Colt King Cobra Trigger compatible with the Trooper Mk3? Or somewhere I can get a trooper mk3 trigger from? Thanks for all your help.
    morinco@austarnet.com.au
  • charlieccharliec Member Posts: 269 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The trooper is a good revolver, but from what I have seen on the auctions, I feel they are a bit overpriced. This is only a personal observation and I have nothing against them, I just feel they are pricey. Are you planning on carrying a .357 for protection or using it for the range ? Again this is a personal thing, but I feel anything less than a 4" barrel is pretty useless. A few years ago, I had a Dan Wesson that had interchangable barrels. I think I only shot thru the 2 1/2" one time. Muzzle flash and recoil are more noticeable with the shorter barrel. Of course if you reload you can always calm the loads down, but then why have a .357 ? I am be no means an expert, I just know what feels good to me and if you're getting a .357 I wouldn't get anything less than a 4" barrel.

    "If man thinks for one minute he understands women, he's timed it about right"
  • Der GebirgsjagerDer Gebirgsjager Member Posts: 1,673 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Eric- I guess I missed your previous post, so I may not be up to speed; but what is your intended use? Have you considered a 6 inch? Some of the .357's potential is lost in shorter barrels--especially in anything less than 4 inches, and a 6 is preferable to a 4 for most purposes other than concealment. I can certainly think of better handguns for concealment purposes. The Trooper Mk III is a good choice for target and hunting, and for both purposes a 6 inch would be better. Also better if you're a handloader. A 4 inch shines for handiness and a slightly faster draw, but is a compromise between performance and portability. Charlie is correct about the Mk III commanding higher prices, and this is a trend that is bound to continue as the revolver has long been discontinued. What is wrong with one of the many S&W .357s? If you are sold on a 4 inch and intend to use it for defense, concealment, and target with moderate use, may I suggest a Model 66? If you are interested in hunting, reloading, and target with heavy use, I'd take a look at the 686 with a 6 inch barrel. Best wishes in your decision.
  • gap1916gap1916 Member Posts: 4,977
    edited November -1
    I purchased a Mark 3 here on Gunbroker. It was less than $400.00. I feltr it was a good deal. I always wanted a Colt and the Pythons are way too pricy. I use mine as a camp gun. It is a 4 inch barrel and it functions very well. The single action trigger pull is a crisp 3 lbs. There are many .357 that you may want. I wanted a Colt. My 2 cents.
  • punchiepunchie Member Posts: 2,792
    edited November -1
    For all around useage the 4 inch is a good choice. As a general rule figure on 40-65 fps increase in velocity per inch of brl. The increase in the length of the site radius is one of the main benefits adding the accuracy. It is not that a snubby is much more inaccurate just that the shooter has to do his job better.

    When you read the articles in gun magazines remember that most gun 'writers' are physically incapable of shooting more than a 4 inch group at 25 yds. The Colt Trooper line is an excellent choice in a quality, well made revolver. IMHO this would be an excellent choice with the brl length being what feels balanced well to you.

    AN ARMED SOCIETY IS A POLITE SOCIETY
  • gunut 1gunut 1 Member Posts: 359 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    The Tooper MkIII is a good gun but is slightly more prone to small parts breakage because a lot of the small parts [trigger hammer ect] are made of cintered metal. These parts might be getting hard to find now because the gun has been out of production for quite a while....
  • 101AIRBORNE101AIRBORNE Member Posts: 1,252 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have two Mk111's-both 4 inchers. One has been fired several
    thousand rounds over the years. No parts have broken. Lock up is
    still tight. As far as a wheel gun goes, I think the Trooper Mk111
    is tops. My $00.02 Best, Steve
  • RocklobsterRocklobster Member Posts: 7,060
    edited November -1
    Yep. I got a 6" Trooper Mk3 in Guns America for $280.00 (all you gotta do is haggle). It'll group at 2" @ 25 yds. Both hammer and trigger are color case-hardened. Smoother action, prettier finish than anything S&W ever built.
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