Colt Model Trooper MK III MKIII Mark 3 .22 WMR 6″ DA/SA Revolver MFD 1980
SOLD FOR: $1111
LSB#: 220520WB012
Make: Colt
Model: Trooper MK III
Serial Number: Y16562
Year of Manufacture: 1980 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .22 Magnum
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “TROOPER MK III / * .22 MAGNUM R.F. *”, the right is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”. The crane and cut are marked with the serial number, the side plate has a Rampant Colt logo. The front left of the trigger guard bow has the “VP” in triangle proof, the rear is marked “D”.
Barrel Length: 6” heavy barrel with shrouded ejector and solid rib.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade, pinned onto a rise in the barrel rib. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched leaf in a base that is adjustable for windage and elevation, pinned to the topstrap. The tops of the barrel rib and topstrap are matte finished for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut stocks with gold-colored Colt logo medallions. The grips are slightly proud to the backstraps. The front of the left panel is slightly proud to the front panel. There are a few scattered little nicks and marks through the finish. There are light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are some scattered scuffs that have thinned the finish, some of the most noticeable are on the barrel. There are some scattered little hairline scratches, some of the most noticeable are on the ejector shroud. There is finish loss on some of the edges, most noticeable at the muzzle. There are some scattered little spots of surface oxidation. There are some spots of light erosion on the cylinder and streaks of finish loss from abrasive cleaning. There are scattered light handling marks. There is a turn line through the finish on the cylinder. The screw heads are lightly worn with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has some light side-to-side play. The double-action trigger pull is smooth, single-action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Frequently referred to as the “working-man’s Python”, the Trooper MK III was introduced in 1969 after some modifications to make the revolver less expensive to manufacture including the use of sintered parts, which were easier to fit and heat-treat, the use of a coil mainspring, which again didn’t need as much hand-tuning and was cheaper to produce than the v-leaf spring used in the Python, and their new transfer-bar safety system, which prevented the ignition of a round without the trigger being depressed. This put a Colt-quality mid-frame .357 revolver in the price range that the working man could afford as well as being more attractive to law enforcement agencies due to the new safety feature. The Trooper was the premier model in the MK III line with a shrouded ejector, full length rib and heavy barrel. This example is in about Very Good-Fine condition, chambered in .22 Magnum with a 6″ barrel and blue finish. With its adjustable sights and Colt quality, this revolver ought to also make a great target revolver that will turn a few heads at the range. Please see our photos and good luck!