Old Colt Trooper - info requested

[DDM4556]

Went to the range recently with a friend. He brought his old Colt Trooper, handed down from his father. It was a nice shooter. Smooth, light recoil shooting 357.

He doesn't know much about it (neither do I) so figured I'd throw up some pics and see what I can find out. Can anyone tell the year? General opinions? I've heard it called the "poor man's Python", but any idea of value?

Thanks

[gunner336]

Google colt serial numbers look up. Fast and easy. Will all you when it was made

[Marquand]

Here you go, OP. Enter the serial number here and you should get the info you are searching for.

http://www.colt.com/Customer-Services/Serial-Number-Lookup

[M1NM]

Not a MK III - therefore a good gun - more hand work done when they were built. My Trooper was made the last year before the III. Bought it in 1969 when the previous owner stepped up to a Python. If I remember I gave him 75 bucks for it with Fuzzy Farant grips and the new grips from his Python in case I didn't like the Fuzzys. It all came in the Python box which is probably worth more today than I spent for all of it.

[highpower]

I think that 1968 may have been the last year of the old model Troopers. They have the same frame and lockwork as a Python and while not as polished as their more expensive siblings, they are a solid revolver.

I picked one up a few years ago that is pretty nice, but it's no safe queen. I like it a lot.

[smle-man]

The Trooper is to the Python as the SW 28 is to the SW 27.