Colt Python vs. Colt Trooper

[gunprofit]

Guys always seem to get confused about the origin or parent of the Colt Python. I like Colt revolvers. Whenever I look at a Trooper that someone has for sale, they always tell me, it’s just like a Python. Just recently I was looking at a Trooper Mk III a guy had for sale. Of course, he says it’s just like the Python. Well, no it’s not. The Trooper Mk III is a “J” frame. The Trooper Mk V is the “V” frame. The only Trooper that was built on the Python “I” frame was the original Trooper, no Mk III or Mk V.
The true parent to the Python was the Colt Officer’s Model built on the “I” frame. They were all hand fitted, just like the Python. The Trooper series of firearms were production guns. They were built on an assembly line by regular employees. The Officer Model and Pythons were built by a special team of craftsman. All hand fitted and polished. Attached is a picture of the last of the Colt Officer’s Model, the Mk III. It was made in 1971. The Python started production in the 1950’s. The main different is that the Officer’s Model was a 38 Special caliber. They Python is a 357 magnum caliber. Of course, the ejector rod housing was carried out to the muzzle. The Officer was intended to be a target gun. They Python, well pretty much a service type of revolver. So, for all you guys selling Troopers, read up some before you start your line of BS, lol.

[RedFord150]

I have a Trooper Mk III and it is not for sale. If it was, I would never tell anyone it was just like a Python. I know the difference very well. Regretfully, the Mk III is probably the least desirable of the Troopers. I am just happy to have any Colt revolver. I bought it BNIB for an incredible price.

As always, the buyer should do his own research. Everybody knows that sellers lie.

[toadman]

When I bought my 6" python years ago, I agonized over the price. The Python was $175. I could get a Trooper for about $25 less. That was a lot money for me back then. In the end I ended up with the Python, you know why I chose the the Python over the Trooper? The name, Python just sounded cool.

[highpower]

I have an Officers Model, Python and a Trooper (not a MkIII or V). Hands down the smoothest trigger is on the Python. But, the Trooper ain't half bad. The Officers Model is better than the Trooper, but still not quite as nice as the Python.

[GM4spd]

The "I" frame Officers Model Match was available in 22LR in addition to
38 Spcl. The action is IDENTICAL to the Python. Pete

[toadman]

My memory is going on me. Does anyone remember the name of the gun store off Western ave in South Central LA? It was a Army Surplus Store. Bought my Python there about 40 years ago. Think it was Great Western Surplus or something like that.

[mycrstuff]

It was Western Surplus in Hawthorne on Hawthorne Blvd.

[Bullitt01]

gunprofit, thanks for that heads up on the differences

[toadman]

It was Western Surplus in Hawthorne on Hawthorne Blvd.

No, I don't think so. Maybe the name I threw out was wrong. I'm pretty sure it was either on Western ave or Vermont ave in a south Central LA. Damn, getting old is a *****.

[OUTLAWZ]

Thank you Gunprofit for the Colt revolver lesson.

[OUTLAWZ]

When I bought my 6" python years ago, I agonized over the price. The Python was $175. I could get a Trooper for about $25 less. That was a lot money for me back then. In the end I ended up with the Python, you know why I chose the the Python over the Trooper? The name, Python just sounded cool.

$175 for Colt Python 1960's?

[toadman]

$175 for Colt Python 1960's?

Yup. Just wish I could remember the name of the store I bought it at.

[chrometip78]

Enjoyed shooting my Trooper without worrying about it. Python would probably be safe queen, not my thing.

I wouldn't try to blur the lines between them or care enough to spend the extra money for a Python. But I wouldn't sell a Python if I already had it. Didn't feel bad about selling the Trooper for the price I got.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

[gunprofit]

NICE 22 !!!
I am lucky enough to have one also. Dang if they arent a great shooter. Years ago I had all 3 calibers. A 22, 32, and 38. I sold the 32 S&W caliber to a guy who gave me stupid money. As it turns out, I was the stupid one. I had the original box, paperwork, etc. Today, they are worth bout 2k. It was a prewar too boot.

The "I" frame Officers Model Match was available in 22LR in addition to
38 Spcl. The action is IDENTICAL to the Python. Pete

[PseudoTsuga]

My dad started shooting IPSC with his mkIII at the end of the seventies/early eighties before moving on to the 1911. He said he shoot it so much, he stretched out the top strap and the forcing cone would give light lead splatters on his hands.
Even in that shot-out condition, he was still able to trade it for a NIB wingmaster in the mid eighties.
Still, I wish I had that old trooper.
The only Colt revolver I own is my Grandpa's pristine .22 New Frontier from the early '60s.
Would love to find a nice mkIII just to have one for my own curiosity.