Colt Model Lawman Mark MK III MKIII Blue 2″ .357 Magnum Revolver, MFD 1978

SOLD FOR: $1225

LSB#: 210205MS16

Make: Colt

Model: Lawman MKIII

Serial Number: L78803

Date of Manufacture: 1978 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .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 “L78803”. 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 “Q” inspector mark. The inside of each grip panel has “78803” hand-written.

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. The edges of the groove in the topstrap are serrated for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have light handling wear with a few scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The right panel has some scattered dark discoloration. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 90% of its finish. Most of the balance is in surface oxidation under the grip panels on the frame. There is some other scattered pinprick erosion, most on the front face of the cylinder and a spot on the right of the barrel toward the rear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks and minor operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Very Good-Fine 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: None.

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. 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. It may also take a place in a Colt collection missing a Lawman. Please see our photos and good luck!