Colt Trooper MK III eNickel Electroless Nickel 6″ .357 mag Double Action Revolver & Box, Ca. 1980
LSB#: 170527MH05
Make: Colt
Model: Trooper MK III
Serial Number: 45405L
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1980
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “TROOPER MK III / * .357 MAGNUM CTG. * “, 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 left 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 “l”. The factory box is serialized to the revolver.
Barrel Length: 6”, heavy profile with shrouded ejector and matted, solid rib.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp blade, pinned onto the rib. The rear sight is a flat top, a square notched leaf in a base that is adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with Gold colored medallions. There is no damage to speak of and only the slightest signs of handling. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: e-Nickel
Finish Originality: Factory 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 99% of its metal finish. The cylinder has a faint drag line of shallow depth, but no rings from firing. There is truly no wear to mention and the gun is still even apparently covered in the packing grease… The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: We did not fire or cycle the action of this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is the revolver’s serialized factory cardboard outer sleeve box, showing rough condition and losses of end flaps, but the end label is clear. The box is in POOR condition. Also included are the two foam inner halves, showing some compression and light oil staining in Excellent condition. Owners Manual and Colt Companion are also included.
Our Assessment: In the late 1960s, Colt began to be concerned with a decline in its market share because of price increases brought about by the high labor costs inherent in its manufacturing processes. In response, an entirely new product line of revolvers dubbed the MK III series debuted in 1969. Intended to be the first major advancement of Colt’s designs since the beginning of the 20th Century, the MK IIIs used a new ‘J’ frame and had no parts interchangeability with older models. The new revolvers were considered groundbreaking as they were the first modern revolver designs to employ a state of the art transfer-bar lockwork system. The sintered parts also allowed for improved fabrication tolerances and could be given a special heat treatment resulting in a harder more wear-resistant composition. Using these parts virtually eliminated hand fitting, significantly lowering labor costs associated with the assembly and manufacture of the MK III line. This is an early 80’s gun, in -Nickel and practically mint besides the dragline. This is a rare combination and we are sure that given the box, finish and condition, collectors will go strong for this one. Please see our pictures and good luck.
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This handgun CANNOT be transferred as a dealer sale in California. This handgun CAN be sold as a Private Party Transfer (PPT) at our Simi Valley shop. This does not apply to out of state residents.
