[PUCH]

Hello all!

I am new to the forum and new to Colt revolvers. I just bought a barely used Trooper Mk III and, while I haven't had the chance to shoot it yet, I am incredibly impressed. The quality just oozes out of this gun. The bluing is beautifully deep and the gun has an overall feeling of tightness and smoothness.

The serial # is 114xxL. Would anyone have an idea as to when it was made?

Thanks in advance /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[dfariswheel]

Welcome.

114xxL was made in 1978.

The "L" suffix series began that year, and started with 1001L.
The year ended at 33171L.

 

[PUCH]

Thanks for the quick reply dfariswheel. You appear to be quite the Colt guru.

Would you happen to know where I could get some smaller stocks for my gun? I have the factory checkered-wood target stocks on it now, and also have a Pachmayer one-piece rubber set. I find both to be a little large though, as I prefer a smaller grip. Did Colt also produce a "service-sized" set of wood stocks, or am I limited to aftermarket manufacturers?

 

[WS23]

Re: Newbie with a Trooper Mk III - Production Date

PUCH, there are 2 additional wood checkered styles for your Trooper MKIII that are factory grip/stocks.

One is the Service Stocks Item# 261910 available from Gun Parts (Numrich).

The other style is a somewhat smaller target version Item# 261930 again available from Gun parts. See http://www.e-gunparts.com/

 

[dfariswheel]

Here are the factory wood grips for the Trooper Mark III:

Standard Target

Late style, "round butt" Target (Note, only the wood grips are actually rounded)

Service type

 

[A1A]

Re: Newbie with a Trooper Mk III - Production Date

Perhaps?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Colt-factory-grips-m...1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[WS23]

Re: Newbie with a Trooper Mk III - Production Date

Yes A1A , those are the Service Type.

 

[WS23]

Re: Newbie with a Trooper Mk III - Production Date

Great pic's Mr. Farris showing the differences.

Now to add to that, there was a factory Goodyear that came on the Trooper MKIII as well. It was the Pachmayr Presentation style (not combat style with finger grooves) and came with a silver Colt Medallion.

It was smaller (thinner) than the same version found on the Python. I have only seen this grip/stock on the early 80's E-Nickel guns. They pop up from time to time on GB. I believe the inside will say "small." This may or may not be right for you hand size.

 

[PUCH]

Re: Newbie with a Trooper Mk III - Production Date

[ QUOTE ]
Yes A1A , those are the Service Type.

[/ QUOTE ]

Wow, you guys are fantastic with the info!

WS23, are you saying these little stocks posted on e-bay will fit my Trooper? If so, a-bidding I will go.

Those late-style rounded off target stocks look nice as well. Does anyone know how much smaller they "feel" in comparison to the standard target stocks?

 

[PUCH]

Re: Newbie with a Trooper Mk III - Production Date

[ QUOTE ]
Now to add to that, there was a factory Goodyear that came on the Trooper MKIII as well. It was the Pachmayr Presentation style (not combat style with finger grooves) and came with a silver Colt Medallion.

It was smaller (thinner) than the same version found on the Python. I have only seen this grip/stock on the early 80's E-Nickel guns. They pop up from time to time on GB. I believe the inside will say "small." This may or may not be right for you hand size.

[/ QUOTE ]

WS23, one more little question (sorry): Are the one's this gentleman is selling the same as the one's you are referring to?

Link: http://www.coltforum.com/forums/showflat...1e9e1bc02ac9793

 

[WS23]

Re: Newbie with a Trooper Mk III - Production Date

Yes PUCH, they will fit your Trooper MKIII. I have a set just like them on one of my Trooper MKIII and also on one of my Lawman MKIII.

I'd pass on that set as they are not in great shape. Unless they don't go too high $$'s and they match the condition of your gun. But from your description, your MKIII is in great shape and probably deserves a set of wood in great shape.

I have seen this style of grip/stock in mint condition go for $20 or less many times. Just be patient and wait for the condition you desire. Then, don't bid them up too high. There will always be another pair up on auction. This style of checkered wood for the J-Frame is not in high demand, so that should make for some good deals.

Good luck

 

[WS23]

Re: Newbie with a Trooper Mk III - Production Date

Yes PUCH the Goodyear rubber one's I was referring to, are like the photo in the link.

Regarding the feel of the Late style, "round butt" Target (Gun Parts # 261930) IMHO they do indeed feel smaller in my hand than the full size target stocks.