Colt Lawman Mark MK III MKIII Nickel 2″ .357 Mag Magnum Revolver, MFD 1979
SOLD FOR: $2,825
LSB#: 200630GS01
Make: Colt
Model: Lawman MKIII
Serial Number: 40117L
Date of Manufacture: 1979 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .38 Special / .357 Remington Magnum
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver With Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “LAWMAN MK III / .357 MAGNUM CTG.”, the right of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”. The crane and crane cut are each marked “40117L”. The sideplate is marked with the rampant colt logo. The left-front of the trigger guard is marked with the “VP” in triangle verified proof, the rear-left is marked with “O” inspector mark. The left of the grip frame, under the grip, is marked “N”.
Barrel Length: 2? nominal, 2 1/8” measured.
Sights / Optics: This revolver is mounted with a square notched rear sight milled into the top strap, and a ramped front sight integral to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black rubber with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no rips or tears. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition as likely not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Nickel, Blued Trigger & Case Colored Hammer.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 97% of its finish. There are scattered light marks and the cylinder has a light turn-line, but nothing through the finish. The trigger and hammer show light operational wear, most notable on the left of the trigger. The hammer knurling is sharp. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The cylinder lock-up on this revolver produces very little play on all six chambers. The trigger is smooth in double action and crisp in single action. The action functions correctly. The revolver is equipped with a transfer bar safety. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a faux-wood cardboard sleeve with serial-matching end-label, The sleeve has scattered light wear and a few pieces of clear tape with light fraying at the edges and corners of the leaves, in about Very Good condition. Please note, no styrofoam is included, only the sleeve.
Our Assessment: By the late 1960’s, Colt’s revolvers were becoming too expensive and labor intensive to maintain profitability against competitors, and Colt decided to design a new frame that would replace all of the old medium frames. They also introduced coil springs and a transfer bar safety, already in use by other manufacturers. The new L frame was to be used in the Lawman, Trooper Mark III and Official Police Mark III. This Colt Lawman Mark III shows only light marks in its finish, almost as though it had been placed in a pile with other handguns, but none through the finish. Otherwise, this revolver looks like it just came out of the factory, and has a bright bore with a good cylinder lockup. The Lawman was a fixed sight version of the Trooper and intended for law enforcement. With its 2 1/8” barrel, it also makes a great revolver for concealed carry, packing 6 rounds of .357 cartridges, giving it plenty of knockdown power. Of course, it can also be used for home protection. With its nice finish and great bore, this revolver should be providing shooting fun for decades to come. That said, in its high condition, Nickel finish and with its box, it may also take a place in a Colt collection. This is also a gun with a story, one of more than 1,000 firearms seized from a Bel Air/Holmby Hills mansion in a raid which received national news coverage. Please see our photos and good luck!