I'm looking for my first Colt revolver and I've been planning on starting with either a Detective Special or a Trooper. I want a quality gun that's a shooter. I don't buy guns to be safe queens unless I just happen to come across the deal of a lifetime. According to my LGS, this .357 magnum trooper is a 1968 version and, as you'll see in the pictures, has a lot of cosmetic challenges from holster wear. Somebody also decided to sand the checkering off of the grips.
That being said, it appears to have been fired very little and lockup is as tight as any new revolver I've seen. The bore is bright, rifling is sharp, and the timing seems right on. I'd like opinions on a fair offer. I suspect that they're asking too much @ $699, but they will negotiate.
I think that is very high considering the condition. The side plate fits poorly and is off color. The plate looks to have been refinished (Rampant colt very weak) while the rest of the gun is worn. I think you should be able to do better. If the price is really $375 then mabie.
I have gotten much, much nicer Troopers for way less. I’d say that’s a $300 gun. Honestly it’s beeb messed with enough I wouldn’t want it even at that price for a shooter. $700 will get you a really nice Trooper if you look a bit.
Nice Troopers are easy to find at a little more than the asking price. I suggest you keep looking. And if you're wanting a shooter, choose the Trooper over a DS.
Oh, one more thing....don’t overlook the Official Police. It’s basically a Trooper with a lighter barrel and fixed sights. They are common and can be had relatively cheaply.
Screw slots are messed up. Someone had it apart and used the wrong screw driver blade. With all the other stuff wrong with it, I'd pass on this one. There are better ones out there!
"Fired very little" is not evidenced by the serious cylinder ring mark.
A picture of the breech face will tell all. Plus it looks that this revolver was put away laying on one side for a long time that eroded the finish. Condition is everything.
jertex: Very wise that you posted pics and cost on this forum before you purchased. Members that posted have lots of knowledge on Colt revolvers. Follow there advice. They just saved you from making a big mistake.
Lots of good ones out there, shop around at that price you should be able to do MUCH better on condition. Other than the Python and Diamondback I have less than $700 dollars in the Trooper 357 Magnum, Detective Special, Official Police, Police Positive. I do have original grips for all and original boxes w/papers for half of them.
The Detective Special a perfect pocket / pickup town gun, for going to the range ( out the back door for us fortunate ones) the 357 Trooper is an excellent choice. That's why to find one now and keep your yes our for the other don he road.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Colt Forum
1.8M posts
52.9K members
Since 2000
A forum community dedicated to Colt firearm owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, gunsmithing, troubleshooting, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!