1. Colt Trooper Mk V Serial Numbers Lookup
2. Colt Pricing & Reference | Gun Digest
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4. Colt Trooper Mk V Serial Numbers Identification
5. Colt Trooper Mk V Serial Numbers List

The Colt Trooper, as exemplified by this superb model in.357 with a circa 1967 serial number currently looking for a home in our Vault, was a dependable revolver that lived in the shadow of its. Colt TROOPER MKIII USED GUN INV 234940 -.22 LR. Colt COLTS 2 SAA 44 SPECIAL 7 1/2 IN BARRELS CONSECUTIVE SERIAL NUMBERS -.44 Special. Nov 04, 2019 The Colt Trooper, as exemplified by this superb model in.357 with a circa 1967 serial number currently looking for a home in our Vault, was a dependable revolver that lived in the shadow of its.

The Colt Python is a .357 Magnum caliber revolver manufactured by Colt's Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut.^[1] It was first introduced in 1955, the same year as Smith & Wesson's M29 .44 Magnum. The Colt Python is intended for the premium revolver market segment. Some firearm collectors and writers such as Jeff Cooper, Ian V. Hogg, Chuck Hawks, Leroy Thompson, Scott Wolber, Renee Smeets and Martin Dougherty have described the Python as 'the finest production revolver ever made'.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]}

In 2020, Colt announced it would be reintroducing the Python in the 4.25″ and 6″ barrel configurations.^[8] The reintroduced Python has been technically revised and reinforced compared to the original revolver.^[9]

Description[edit]

The Colt Python is a double action handgun chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge, built on Colt's large I-frame. Pythons have a reputation for accuracy, smooth trigger pull, and a tight cylinder lock-up.^[2] They are similar in size and function to the Colt Trooper and Colt Lawman revolvers.^[10]

History[edit]

The Colt Python was first introduced in 1955 as Colt's top-of-the-line model and was originally intended to be a large-frame .38 Special target revolver.^[3] As a result, it features precision adjustable sights, a smooth trigger, solid construction, and extra metal. Pythons have a distinct appearance due to a full barrel underlug, ventilated rib and adjustable sights.^[3] Colt originally manufactured Pythons with hollow underlugs but left them solid to work as a stabilizing barrel weight. When the revolver is at full cock, just as the trigger is pressed, the cylinder locks up for the duration of the hammer strike. Other revolvers have a hint of looseness even at full-cock. The gap between the cylinder and forcing cone is very tight, further aiding accuracy and velocity.^[2] From the 1970s each Python revolver was boresighted at the factory with a laser; the first mass-produced revolver for which this was done.^[3]

End of production[edit]

In October 1999, Colt announced that it would cease production of Python revolvers. In a 2000 follow-up letter to distributors, the company cited changing market conditions and the costs of defending lawsuits as the reasons to discontinue the Python line, as well as a number of other models.^[11] The Colt Custom Gun Shop continued making a limited number of Pythons on special order until 2005, when this limited production ceased.^[2][12]

Production return[edit]

The Colt Python was officially re-released by Colt in January 2020, following months of circulating rumors. The new Python is built out of stronger stainless steel than the originals, and is available in 4.25' or 6' barrels with wood grips.^[8]

Models and variants[edit]

The Python was originally available in two finishes: royal blue and bright nickel. The bright nickel model was discontinued with the introduction of the more durable satin stainless and mirror-polished Ultimate Stainless models.^[2] The stainless steel and royal blue finishes were offered until 2003 by Colt on the Python 'Elite' model.^[10]

Pythons were available with 2.5-inch (6.4 cm), 3-inch (7.6 cm), 4-inch (10 cm), 6-inch (15 cm) and 8-inch (20 cm) barrels.^[2] The six-inch model was the most popular generally, and the eight-inch model was intended for hunting. A three-inch barrel version is very collectible, although not rare.^[3]

The Python Hunter model, with eight-inch barrel and factory-installed 2X Leupold scope, was made in 1980.^[13] The Python Hunter was the first field-ready handgun hunting package made by a major handgun manufacturer.^[13] The scope was mounted on the barrel using Redfield mounts and the gun was packaged in a Haliburton case.^[13] It was discontinued by 1990 and briefly offered as a 'Custom Shop' model afterward.^[13] A Python Target model was made for several years in .38 Special only, in blue and nickel finishes.^[10]

Two variants of the Python were made in small numbers by Colt. The first was the Colt Boa of 1985, a limited production .357 Magnum revolver, made for the Lew Horton Distributing Company in Massachusetts. It uses a Python barrel mated to a Trooper Mk V frame. Six-hundred 6-inch revolvers and 600 four-inch revolvers were made, of which 100 were matched sets. Though it resembles a Python visually, it is substantially different internally. The second was the stainless steel Colt Grizzly of 1994, another limited production .357 Magnum revolver. It uses a Python barrel mated to a Colt King Cobra frame. Five-hundred of these revolvers were manufactured, with six-inch Magna-ported barrels and smooth, unfluted cylinders. The ported barrel includes a bear footprint. Similar to the Grizzly was the Colt Kodiak, which was a Colt Anaconda with a Magna-ported barrel and an unfluted cylinder. Approximately 2000 Kodiaks were manufactured.^[10]

According to Colt historian, R. L. Wilson, Colt Pythons have been collected by Elvis Presley and various kings in the traditional sense: 'H.M. (His Majesty) Hussein I of Jordan ordered a limited number of Pythons with 4-inch and 6-inch barrels, as gifts to his selected friends. Casing and barrel were embossed with His Majesty's crest. The Python for King Juan Carlos of Spain bore his name in flush gold on the sideplate. Among other celebrated recipients: King Khalid and Prince Fahd (Saudi Arabia), King Hassan (Morocco), Sheik Zayed (United Arab Emirates), President Anwar Sadat (Egypt) and President Hafez Assad (Syria).'^[4]

Usage[edit]

The Python immediately made inroads into the law enforcement market when introduced, with the 6-inch barrel being popular with uniformed officers and the 4-inch barrel considered optimum for plainclothes use.^[3] However, it has since fallen out of common use (along with all other revolvers) due to changing law enforcement needs that favor semi-automatic pistols. When law-enforcement agencies realized that the 9 mm semi-automatic pistols fire a round with similar characteristics to the .38 Special with higher capacity, they began a migration to these, and other, semi-automatic pistol cartridges.^[14][15] The move away from the Python is also being driven by the increasing number of law enforcement agencies which require officers to carry department-issue weapons (as a way to reduce liability).

The Colorado State Patrol issued 4-inch blue Pythons until their switch to the S&W .40 caliber autoloader.^[16]Georgia State Patrol and Florida Highway Patrol issued Pythons to their officers.^[16]

A Python, loaded with .357 Magnumsemiwadcutter bullets, was used to murder Irish crime reporter Veronica Guerin in 1996, an act which resulted in the creation of the Criminal Assets Bureau.^[17][18]

Colt's Python revolvers are still popular on the used market and command high prices.^[19]

Criticisms[edit]

Official Colt historian R.L. Wilson described the Colt Python as 'the Rolls-Royce of Colt revolvers',^[4] and firearms historian Ian V. Hogg referred to it as the 'best revolver in the world'.^[7] However, the revolver is not without its detractors. The downside to the Colt Python's precision is its tendency to go 'out of time' with continued heavy shooting.^[20] This is a condition in which the cylinder does not turn in exact alignment with the forcing cone, so a shooter may be sprayed with burning propellant when the gun is fired, or the gun may not fire when used as a double-action.^[20] When this happens, the lockwork needs to be re-timed.^[20]

Author Martin Dougherty notes the weight of the Python as a drawback, as it is quite heavy for a handgun of its caliber, ranging from 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) to 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg). This makes the Python comparable to Smith and Wesson's premier .357, the M27, which weighs 2.6 lbs (42 ounces) with a 4-inch barrel. Both revolvers are 6 to 9 ounces lighter than Smith & Wesson's more powerful M29 .44 Magnum, which weighs 3.0 lbs in 6½-inch barrel configuration (1.36 kg).^[1]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

1. ^ ^abcDougherty, Martin Small Arms: From the Civil War to the Present Day, New York City: Fall River Press, 2005, page 48. ISBN978-0-7607-6329-2
2. ^ ^abcdefThe Colt Python .357 Magnum Revolver by Chuck Hawks at chuckhawks.com accessed April 27, 2009
3. ^ ^abcdefThompson, Leroy; Rene Smeets (October 1, 1993). Great Combat Handguns: A Guide to Using, Collecting and Training With Handguns. London: Arms & Armour Publication. p. 256. ISBN978-1-85409-168-0.
4. ^ ^abcWilson, R.L., The Colt Heritage, New York City: Simon & Schuster, 1987, P. 272.
5. ^Wilson, R.L., Colt: An American Legend, New York City: Abbeville Press, 1985, p. 272.
6. ^Cooper, Jeff, Cooper on Handguns, Los Angeles, Petersen Publishing Co., 1974, p. 189.
7. ^ ^abHogg, Ian V. (1994). Military Small Arms: 300 Years of Soldiers' Firearms, Salamander Publishing
8. ^ ^ab'It's back: Python 2020'
9. ^'New for 2020: The Upgraded Colt Python'
10. ^ ^abcdTarr, James (November 18, 2013). Standard Catalog of Colt Firearms. Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. pp. 120–121. ISBN978-1-4402-3747-8.
11. ^For several years before that, however, the mighty Python's days were numbered, and some collectors believe the sterling quality of these guns were not the same during the 'strike years,' which began on January 24, 1986, when more than 1,000 workers struck the Colt Firearms division of Colt Industries and Colt hired replacement workers. Update from Colt's Manufacturing Company, Inc.Archived February 20, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
12. ^The New York Times, October 22, 1986, 'After 8 Months, U.A.W. Sees Shift in Colt Strike.'
13. ^ ^abcdMetcalf, Dick (1994). 'Top 10 Hunt Guns'. HandGunning. PJS Publications. 8 (5): 52–58.
14. ^Bailey, William G (1995). The Encyclopedia of Police Science. Taylor & Francis. p. 309. ISBN0-8153-1331-4.
15. ^New York City Police to Replace Revolvers With Semiautomatics The New York Times, By CRAIG WOLFF, Saturday, August 21, 1993, Accessed April 27, 2009.
16. ^ ^abAyoob, Massad(2003)The Colt Python, The Accurate Rifle Magazine, November 2003
17. ^Corcoran, Jody (March 2, 2014). 'Veronica led virtual one-woman crusade to bring down gangs'. Independent.ie. Retrieved December 23, 2014.
18. ^Cusack, Jim (October 13, 2013). 'Gilligan returns, now just a trivial figure in a very changed landscape'. Independent.ie. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
19. ^Fjestad, S.P. (August 18, 2015). 'Colt's Snake Guns'. American Rifleman.
20. ^ ^abcRich Grassi (May 2005). 'C&S Python .357MAG'. Combat Handguns. Retrieved April 27, 2009.

Further reading[edit]

• Ayoob, Massad F. (1977). 'The Mighty Colt Python'(PDF). American Handgunner. pp. 36–49. Retrieved April 2, 2020.

External links[edit]

• Official Safety and Instruction Manual (.pdf)

The Colt Trooper is a medium frame, double-actionrevolver featuring a six-round cylinder, chambered for .22, .38, and .357 Magnum calibercartridges. Designed as a less expensive alternative to the upscale Colt .357 and the later Colt Python and Colt King Cobra, it was marketed to law enforcement agencies as well as civilians.

Development and history[edit]

Introduced to the firearms market by the Colt's Manufacturing Company in 1953, the Trooper and its high-end cousin, the .357 Magnum, were introduced with the intention of addressing the medium frame revolver market, as law enforcement officers had long complained about the weight of earlier models. The two guns were seen as ideal in size and handling characteristics for the .38 Special and its big brother the .357. Offered as an alternative and competitor to Smith & Wesson’s Model 28 'Highway Patrolman', the Colts were lighter and handier.^{[citation needed]}

Variants[edit]

Trooper[edit]

1953 – 1969[edit]

The original Trooper was a heavy-barreled version of the Officers Model Match and was based on Colt's medium I^[1]frame. It was offered in .22 Long Rifle and .38 Special chamberings. Manufactured with fine carbon steel, it was available in both blued and nickel-plated finishes. Early blued Troopers boasted a two-tone color scheme with dull Colt Royal Blue on the flat surfaces and a black bead blasted texture on the edges and cylinder flutes. Both Target and Service versions of the Trooper were available, the Target models sporting hand-filling Walnutgrips, larger and wider targethammers, and adjustable iron sights. Service versions featured smaller more basic hammers and stocks, and fixed sights. Barrel lengths available included four inch in .22 caliber and four and six inch in .38 Special; the .22 was intended as a ‘practice’ weapon. All the Troopers from this series had hammer mounted firing pins. The Trooper was targeted at the entry-level and Law enforcement service-level segment of the firearms market while the highly polished and expensive 357 model revolver was intended to be their premium offering. Both models shared the same forged and labor-intensive hand-fitted internal lockwork.^[2]

After the introduction of the more expensive Python in 1955, Colt discontinued the basic .38 Special Trooper in 1961, and to did away with the .357 moniker, so they renamed it Trooper. The new offering retained the .357 magnum chambering and frame-mounted firing pin, but kept the entry-level revolver's more subdued finish. The Trooper continued to be offered in .22 Long rifle, and like all .357 Magnums, offered the capability of firing .38 Special ammunition as well.^[2]

MK III[edit]

Trooper[edit]

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 employed transfer-bar lockwork system, so that the revolver could fire only if the trigger was deliberately pulled completely to the rear.^[3] The springs used in the Mark III internals were also an improvement. Unlike the older flat style, they were coiled and made entirely of corrosion-resistant stainless steel.^[4] The .357 Magnum Trooper was the premier offering of the new product line, featuring a heavy barrel with a solid top rib as well as a shroud which protected the ejection rod. A new ammunition chambering option, the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire, also became available for the first time.^[2][3][4] The MK III series incorporated a number of models, several of which were updates of existing designs. Classic models included the venerable Colt Official Police chambered in .38 Special as the basic/entry-level offering, and the Trooper in .357 Magnum. New members of the line up included the Lawman, Metropolitan Police, and Border Patrol. The MK III series was discontinued in 1983.^[4]

Lawman[edit]

Colt Trooper Mk V Serial Numbers Lookup

The Lawman was a .357 Magnum 'service grade' or 'police issue' version of the Trooper, and somewhat of an economy model intended for law enforcement looking for cheaper sidearms or private armed security. The Lawman came with fixed sights and no ejector rod shroud. Early Lawman revolvers came with thinner hammers and narrow triggers, but most Lawman revolvers come with the standard MK III Trooper hammers and triggers. Initial guns came with narrow service grips, but most come with larger target grips. Nickel finished guns came with Colt medallion-equipped Pachmayr 'Signature' rubber grips. The Lawman came with a heavy barrel in lengths of two inch and four inch only. Early versions of the Lawman with the two inch barrel had an exposed ejector rod; but later models with the two inch barrel have an attribute unique to the Lawman, the only Lawman barrel equipped with shrouded ejector rod, resembling something of a larger third-generation Colt Detective Special. As with the MK III Trooper, the MK III Lawman was produced from 1969 to 1983.^[3][4]

MK V[edit]

1982 - 1985As with the MK III, the Mark V series was an entirely new product line of models which included Official Police, Lawman, and Trooper variants. The MK V series was based on a new, slightly smaller ‘V’ frame, similar in size to Smith & Wesson's ‘K’ frame. Changes from the MK III models were minor and many parts remained identical. Internally, Colt did away with the sintered iron MK III lockwork in favor of cast parts, and improved the trigger action with new components and a shorter hammer fall. These improvements made the MK V triggers smoother, while the diminished lock times increased accuracy. Exterior modifications included a compact grip frame with rounded grips; other changes were engineering-based with the goal of simplifying and facilitating production.^[5]

Colt Pricing & Reference | Gun Digest

• Trooper: Options remained the same as they were with the MK III models, but the launch of the MK Vs denoted the initiation of a ventilated barrel rib option similar to the Python. The legacy solid rib remained available as well.^[5]
• Lawman: External options and finishes for the MK V Lawman remained identical to the MK III version.^[5]
• Whitetailer: A variant of very limited production which was intended for the hunting market, the Whitetailer came equipped with an eight-inch barrel and Telescopic sight mounting rings.^[5]

Cached

References[edit]

Colt Trooper Mk V Serial Numbers Identification

1. ^The Colt Double Action Revolvers A Shop Manual Vol. I, Jerry Kuhnhausen, VSP Publishers, 1588900003Introduction Page 7
2. ^ ^abc“Colt Model .357 and Trooper”Archived 2009-02-13 at the Wayback Machine, Colt Revolvers Web site. Accessed November 4, 2008.
3. ^ ^abcR.K. Campbell. 'Colt's Trooper', Gunblast Web site. Accessed November 4, 2008.
4. ^ ^abcd“Colt mk. III revolvers: Trooper, Lawman, Official Police (USA)”Archived 2008-09-14 at the Wayback Machine, World Guns Web site. Accessed November 4, 2008.
5. ^ ^abcd“Colt mk. V revolvers: Trooper, KingCobra, Anaconda (USA)”, World Guns Web site. Accessed November 4, 2008.

Colt Trooper Mk V Serial Numbers List