Posted: 3/29/2013 7:02:46 AM EDT
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A Co-Worker came across this revolver, and it looks to me like a first-generation Colt Trooper in 357 Mag.
Can anybody help identify this, and give an approximate value? I do not know allot about the older Colt revolvers, and figured you guys would be able to shine a little light on it. I do not have the gun, and I am only going by pictures provided to me. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! 
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It's not an original Trooper.....BETTER, it's the higher grade Colt 3-5-7 Model.
That was both the name and the caliber. These were made from 1954 to 1960-61, with about 15,000 made. The 357 Model was intended to be Colt's premium holster revolver, and was the first Colt built on the new "I" frame that had the firing pin mounted in the frame, where the Trooper was an "E" frame that had the firing pin on the hammer. The 357 "I" frame was used to build the Python, and the 357 is often known as a "poor man's Python" since it's the same gun without the more tuned action, Python barrel, and Royal Blue finish. The 357 was a fine quality revolver. The problem was, people wanting a less expensive gun bought the Trooper, people wanting the best bought the Python. Due to lower sales, in 1960-61 Colt discontinued the 357, changed the Trooper to the "I" frame, and started offering it in .357 as well as the original .38 Special and .22LR. This 357 has the original First Type Colt fully checkered Target grips. The grips alone are selling for MORE THAN .$250 AND UP these days. It's also fitted with the Colt Target hammer. The Target grips and Target hammer increase the value. These 1950's models have the Colt duo-tone finish. The flats of the frame and the outer diameter of the cylinder are bright polish blue, the sides of the frame and the flutes of the cylinder are bead blasted flat blue, and the end of the muzzle was left "in the white". It looks like the finish is not worn much, someone just allowed it to rust. The rust should clean up by soaking in something like Kroil or CLP then using a brass toothbrush to scrub it off. This will remove the rust but not harm the remaining blue. Value depends on the actual condition, and this one has some rust which reduces the value. As a wild guess, value would be at least $500 and up. If you want a fine Colt .357 Magnum, OR want a Python but can't swing the high prices, this is as good as it gets. I'd be all over that one, rust or not. |
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Wow, thanks so much, I never even knew that the "357" existed. I always hear about the Trooper and the Python, but didn't know about this one.
He is looking for a revolver to take to the range every now and then, and I think, based on the sound of it, this may be a great match for him. The fact that he can "plink" with 38's and have a great platform to shoot with. He really likes the look of the gun and wants to grab it, but just didn't know the value. If I were in his shoes, I'd grab it too lol EDIT: Do you know if Colt would be able to re-finish this gun with the proper duo-tone finish? I don't see that option listed on Colt's site. Maybe I'd have to call and see if they can do that. |
| I've owned the older trooper, similar to the 357, and you can hardly tell them from a python in the way the feel and in accuracy. If its in good shape and you can get it for less than $500, I think you'll be glad you bought it. (By you, I mean you or your friend) |
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Quoted:
I've owned the older trooper, similar to the 357, and you can hardly tell them from a python in the way the feel and in accuracy. If its in good shape and you can get it for less than $500, I think you'll be glad you bought it. (By you, I mean you or your friend) Thanks, he is going to buy it for sure if he can get it for the right price. He was able to look at it in person this weekend and fell in love. He said it is actually in better shape than the pictures show, and that the rust is only light surface rust that should come right off. |