Posted: 6/23/2007 12:40:15 PM EDT
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I have the oportunity to buy a Colt Trooper in .357 with a 4" and 8" barrel. It is in great shape for $550. I don't much about these. |
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ALWAYS beware of revolvers that come with two barrels unless it's a Dan Wesson that is designed to allow easy barrel changes. The problem with a Colt Trooper Mark III with two barrels is, it wasn't intended for the owner to change them. Barrel changes are a MAJOR gunsmithing job, and there's a LOT more to it then just screwing a barrel off and another on. Barrel changes REQUIRE a special barrel vise, (NOT a shop vise), and a special action wrench with plastic inserts that fit THAT specific brand and model frame. After the new barrel is on, it has to have some very delicate adjustments and fitting steps done, most of which the typical gun owner doesn't even suspect need doing. The point here is, when you see a revolver with two barrels the question is: Did someone PLAN on changing the barrels, or DID they. If they PLANNED on changing the barrel but didn't the gun is probably OK. If they DID change the barrel there's about a 99% probability that they didn't do it right, and there's a high probability the frame is damaged or bent. Again, barrel changes are NO JOB for amateurs without the correct tooling, and when they do the old trick like use a hammer handle through the frame to remove and replace barrels, the gun is damaged in some way 99.9% of the time. My suggestion: Unless you can be SURE the barrel wasn't changed......BACK OFF. Often you CANNOT see the damage. There are enough good Colt's around not to take a chance with this one. |
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There are two essentially different revolvers bearing the name Colt Trooper. Both are .357 (or .38) 6-shot revolvers aimed at the LEO market. The first was made in the 1950’s and 60’s and is a finely made revolver which is often referred to as a poor man’s Python since it’s quite similar to the Python other than it’s skinny barrel and duller finish. The second (which has a number of variations) took the place of the first one and was made from the 1970’s until maybe the 1980’s or so. While it is truly constructed like a tank, it IMHO is crude compared to the earlier version. The lock work is entirely different and I wouldn’t be surprised if virtually none of the parts are interchangeable between the two. IIRC, it was carried for a while by the Border Patrol. For starters, you need to figure out which version you’re looking at. And, as dfariswheel has basically suggested, the second barrel is pretty much worthless. First version of the Trooper: www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=74279551 Second version: www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=74311237 |