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Colt Trooper MK V Double Action Revolver with BoxManufactured in 1982. With factory box and manual.

Serial Number:73xxx. (Full Details) Price: $895.00: Colt Handgun - Colt trooper MKII 22 mag serial number Y16XXX 6' barrel target hammer and target trigger with target grips made in 1980. (Full Details) Price: $1,395.00: Colt Handgun - Colt New Frontier 44 special serial #066xxxx 7.5' barrel single action new in the box unfired made in 1970. The serial number of a gun carries information about its background.Let's explore the secret behind Colt serial numbers now! Outdoor Fact Outdoorfact.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to.

Colt Trooper Mk V Serial Numbers

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).

Colt Trooper Mk V Serial Numbers Chart

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)

When Colt ceased production of their double-action revolvers back in 1999 there was much wailing and gnashing of the teeth amongst the Colt aficionados. It remained possible to get a Colt Python made to special order up until 2005 when all production completely ceased. So in recent years if someone has wanted a Colt double-action they have needed to shop around to find a good used one. So Colt’s recent re-entry into the double action revolver market with their new Colt Cobra is welcome and we hope that goes well for them. But we also observe that the new Colt Cobra is a new design, we don’t know if Colt will be making such classics as the Colt Python again in its original form although there are no doubt many potential buyers out there just itching to burn a Colt Python sized hole in their boringly full wallets.

This Colt Trooper Mk III is an example of the second hand Colt double-action revolvers currently available.

Revolvers on the second hand market are obviously not new and buyers have to be aware of what to look for if purchasing one. The Colt Trooper Mk III in the pictures above is an example that is to be offered at auction by Rock Island Auction on March 23rd, 2017.

You will find the sale page for the above pictured revolver if you click here.

The condition of that revolver is rated by Rock Island Auction as being; “ND – VERY GOOD: in working condition, 80% finish or better.”

The early model Colt Trooper was made in .22lr, .38 Special, and as the “Colt .357” in .357 Magnum. (Picture courtesy [email protected]).

Colt Trooper Mark I and Colt .357

The Colt Trooper first appeared in 1953 and remained in production until it was replaced by the Mark III version in 1969. This first model Colt Trooper was based on the Colt “I” frame as used for the Officer’s Model Match and offered in .22lr and .38 Special. The Colt .357 version was based on the same “I” frame which would in 1955 be used as the basis for the Colt Python also.

Colt .357 with cylinder open. This revolver was built on the same frame that would be used on the later Colt Python. (Picture courtesy gunauction.com).

Colt Trooper Mark III

In 1969 Colt decided to keep the Colt Python as their premiere model and change the design of the Colt Trooper to make it cheaper to manufacture and sell. This led Colt to design their new “J” frame which did away with the extensive hand fitting and forging that made their revolvers such as the Python more expensive than the competition.

Comparison between the older style “I” frame as used on the Colt Python and pre-1969 Trooper (left), and the Mark III’s “J” frame with stainless steel coil main spring (right). (Picture courtesy smith-wessonforum.com).

The Colt Trooper Mark III essentially became the “working man’s Python”. Colt was able to reduce manufacturing costs by moving to sintered internal parts which could be more easily fitted and heat treated. The new action also did away with the “V” mainspring and replaced it with a stainless steel coil mainspring. These changes largely eliminated expensive hand fitting but still produced a durable revolver of excellent Colt quality.

The Colt Trooper Mark III was a top quality revolver at an affordable price. (Picture courtesy gunsamerica.com).

The Colt Trooper Mark III was the top of the line revolver in the new “J” frame series. It featured a full top rib and shrouded ejector rod. The Trooper Mark III was also the first of Colt’s revolvers to be fitted with a transfer-bar lock-work system which precluded the possibility of the hammer discharging the revolver unless the trigger was pressed. This was of particular interest to law enforcement agencies and a great advantage over the older lock-work system of the previous models.

The Colt Trooper Mark III was fitted with target grips, a wider target hammer, and adjustable sights. It was available finished in the beautiful Colt Royal Blue, bright nickel, or the “Coltguard” satin nickel finish. This model was made from 1969-1982.

Colt Trooper Mark III with target grips and adjustable sights finished in Colt’s impeccable Royal Blue. (Picture courtesy collectorsfirearms.com).

Colt Trooper Mark V

Colt Trooper Mark V with original box. This one has the Python style ventilated rib. (Picture courtesy collectorsfirearms.com).

The Colt Trooper Mark V was made from 1982-1985 on yet another new frame, the Colt “V” frame, which was slightly smaller than the “J” frame of the Mark III and about the same size as the Smith & Wesson “K” frame. The style of the revolver was kept much the same as the Mark III but with the option to have either the solid top rib of the Mark III or a ventilated top rib as used on the Python. Internal parts were mostly castings which helped to keep costs down again and the trigger system was re-designed and improved to reduce lock-time.

Conclusion

The Colt Trooper in its three variants is not as legendary as the Colt Python but they are a great revolver and are slightly less expensive on the second hand market. With Colt’s impeccable Royal Blue or nickel finish these are beautifully made revolvers.

You can find a whole range of Colt Trooper revolvers for sale at Collectors Firearms if you click here.

For collectors you can also find some interesting Mark I Colt .357 revolvers at Guns International.com; a blued one if you click here, and a bright nickel one here.

So if you’ve got a wallet with some boring money in it and would really like to exchange that boringly ordinary cash for a nice interesting revolver then there could be a neat Colt revolver in your future. You just need to make a decision; “The money or the gun?”

Jon Branch is the founder and senior editor of Revivaler and has written a significant number of articles for various publications including official Buying Guides for eBay, classic car articles for Hagerty, magazine articles for both the Australian Shooters Journal and the Australian Shooter, and he’s a long time contributor to Silodrome.

Jon has done radio, television, magazine and newspaper interviews on various issues, and has traveled extensively, having lived in Britain, Australia, China and Hong Kong. His travels have taken him to Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan and a number of other countries. He has studied the Japanese sword arts and has a long history of involvement in the shooting sports, which has included authoring submissions to government on various firearms related issues and assisting in the design and establishment of shooting ranges.