I posted on another thread that I recently gave myself a Trooper MKIII in .22 for Christmas. Well, I went to the gunshow Sunday and managed to turn a Ruger Redhawk 44 magnum into a Colt Trooper MKIII 357 magnum with box included. I know these are not as wanted as the Pythons, but thought some of you Colt lovers would enjoy the pics. The 22 is an 8" model, the 357 a 6". When I saw the 357 sittin' on the table all alone amongst some 'Smiths, I thought it would give the 22 some much-needed company. The 22 has the "bobbed "grips with gold medallion, the 357 has target grips with silver medallion. 1st Colt chambered in 357 I ever owned. Shot it today, All I have to say is.......SWEEEEEEEEET !!!   Does anyone know of a website where I can check the serial #'s for year of manufacture ?

For serial numbers up to 1979 see here:

http://proofhouse.com/colt/

For numbers after that, post the serial letter and number and I can date, OR you can call Colt during business hours and they'll tell you over the phone.

The only "watch-out" with these later Colt's is not to dry fire them without snap caps.
If the firing pin breaks, it's a trip back to Colt for replacement due to the need for a special press device to press out the firing pin and bushing and a new one in without damaging the frame.
A hammer and punch will ruin the frame.

Those Troopers are beauties! While I have a Python and a couple of Diamondback already in my collection, I have always wanted a .357 magnum Trooper to pack around in on the ranch.

I am sure, sooner or later I will run across one that will come home with me........

My first handgun I ever purchased, and with the 6" barrel.

Unfortunately I sold it to acquire a different pistol years ago.

I miss that gun.

Very nice!

I used to have one of those Troopers in 22 long rifle.  

It had the big 8 inch barrel and was beautiful.

The problem was that the cylinder rubbed against the forcing cone and would lock up.  I sent it to Colt and 6 MONTHS!!! and $100 later it came back with a gap I could drive a car though.  

I sucked it up and took it to my pistol club and couldn't hit the broad side of a barn from the inside.  I mean it was bad.  I gave up and traded it for something else.  I told the guy my experience with it but he was some kind of collector and took it off my hands.

I was not impressed with Colt's service on that one at all.

Patrick

This wasn't around 1986 or so when Colt workers were on strike, was it? Just curios.

No, this would have been around 1991-92 time frame.  

Pat

Thanks for the reply!

This is good to know.  I was debating on sending  a rimfire back to them, but I figured I'd try my hand at making it run myself.

So how does your .22 shoot?  One would think they'd be pretty accurate.  





Here's a 4" set.  My dad bought the .357 sometime during the early 70's.  It was only natural that I add the .22 years later.  

 

[So how does your .22 shoot?  One would think they'd be pretty accurate.  

Here's a 4" set.  My dad bought the .357 sometime during the early 70's.  It was only natural that I add the .22 years later.  

That is a super nice pair you have there. My 8"  22 shoots really well with just about anything I feed it, although I must admit, I've only fired somewhere around 60 rounds through it. I've got some Federal Gold Medal Match ammo I want to try next.




http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/parshooter/IMG_4904.jpg



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