Colt Lawman Mark Mk III MkIII, Nickel 2″ .357 Mag 6-Shot Double Action Revolver & Box, MFD 1979

SOLD FOR: $1,980.00
LSB#: 180709EA42

Make: Colt

Model: Lawman MKIII

Serial Number: 40117ZL

Date of Manufacture: 1979 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .38 Special / .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 “40117L”. 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 “O” inspector mark. The left of the grip frame, under the grip, is marked “N”.

Barrel Length: 2″ nom inal, 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.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black rubber with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no rips or tears. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition as likely not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Nickel, Blued Trigger & Case Colored Hammer. 

Finish Originality: Original

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

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its finish. There are scattered light marks and the cylinder has a light turn-line, but nothing through the finish. The trigger and hammer show light operational wear. The hammer knurling is sharp. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Excellent 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: This revolver comes with a faux-wood cardboard sleeve with serial-matching end-label, two-piece styrofoam tray and an assortment of factory paperwork which does not include a manual. The sleeve has scattered light wear and a few pieces of clear tape with light fraying at the edges and corners of the leaves, in about Very Good condition. The styrofoam trays exhibit little wear, in Fine condition. Please note, with the current grips, the revolver does not fit properly in the styrofoam trays.

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. This Colt Lawman Mark III shows only light marks in its finish, but none through the finish. Otherwise, this revolver looks like it just came out of the factory, and has a bright bore with a good cylinder lockup. 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. That said, in its high condition, Nickel finish and with its box, it may also take a place in a Colt collection. Please see our photos and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This revolver CANNOT be transferred as a dealer sale in California but CAN be sold as a Private Party Transfer (PPT) at our Simi Valley shop. All cartridge firing handguns (even C&R’s and antiques) sold to a California resident must be DROS’d. This does not apply to out of state residents.