I've been looking into buying a Colt revolver. Pretty much anything with a 4" - 8" barrel appeals to me. This is going to be a collector piece that will see range time. It will either be a 357, 38 special, 45 long Colt, or 45 ACP. I have not ruled out the 41's or 44's either.

 

So what is the opinion on Colt's different models? Python, Anaconda, Lawman MKI, II, III, 1909? Definitely want something double action. Gun Broker has some insane prices, anyone have suggestions where to find something in decent shape?

 

I'm going to mention up front that I have nothing against Ruger or S&W. I plan on owning one or more of them as well! I'm fishing for opinions on Colt's only for now!

^{Get a Python 4" or 6". Built much better than the Anaconda. Blue seems to be more desirable than stailess or nickel. The lock up is tight as vault but they also cost a lot more to buy. Most people collect them and keep them in the safe. There are less and less gunsmith out there that knows how to work on these now so I wouldn't feed it a steady diet of hot 357 and shoot it too much. Rugers are much better for that}

dude get a SAA single action army imo they are the best colt revolvers! hahah old school but i love them

^{Get a Python 4" or 6". Built much better than the Anaconda. Blue seems to be more desirable than stailess or nickel. The lock up is tight as vault but they also cost a lot more to buy. Most people collect them and keep them in the safe. There are less and less gunsmith out there that knows how to work on these now so I wouldn't feed it a steady diet of hot 357 and shoot it too much. Rugers are much better for that}

 

I've got a lead on a Trooper MKIII 357 for $625 and its in good condition. Need to make my mind up tonight weather or not I am going to buy!

^{Get a Python 4" or 6". Built much better than the Anaconda. Blue seems to be more desirable than stailess or nickel. The lock up is tight as vault but they also cost a lot more to buy. Most people collect them and keep them in the safe. There are less and less gunsmith out there that knows how to work on these now so I wouldn't feed it a steady diet of hot 357 and shoot it too much. Rugers are much better for that}

 

 

I've spent several hours today reading about the Pythons. While nice looking, I've read it's a high maintanance pistol that requires quite a bit of babying to keep it reliable.

I've spent several hours today reading about the Pythons. While nice looking, I've read it's a high maintanance pistol that requires quite a bit of babying to keep it reliable.

 

I'm leaning towards the Trooper MKIII being they seem to have pretty good reviews as to being a tank of a gun. Do you have any info on the MKIII?

Sorry, I do not. I only know about the Python because I found out it is the gun used by Rick on The Walking Dead. I saw it, liked it, and spent some time reading about it today.

I noticed that last night. They don't make it any more but the director/props person on that show obviously chose it for the bad a$$ look!

Colt King Cobra owner here.. awesome wheelguns. I also own a modified Colt Python 'Race' Gun... dunno what I'm gonna do with that one... :/

I have several Uberti Cap & Ball Colt reproduction revolvers that use percussion caps. Very fine workmanship and very accurate too!

 

Although the Python is pretty, the Trooper is a tank! If you're not looking for a safe queen, I'd get the Trooper. It will do you well!

I have several Uberti Cap & Ball Colt reproduction revolvers that use percussion caps. Very fine workmanship and very accurate too!

 

Although the Python is pretty, the Trooper is a tank! If you're not looking for a safe queen, I'd get the Trooper. It will do you well!

 

Does $625 sound high or right for a price on a used Trooper? It's in very good condition.

I own several Colts and have fired many over the years. They are nice guns but its harder to find someone who knows how to work on them and I don't feel they are worth the insane prices people ask. The Python is hailed as the ned of all ends but out of 5 new ones I've seen and shot one needed to go back to the factory to be operational. That's a 20% failure rate I've never seen in any other type of handgun. A fluke? Probably, but it did happen. You'd expect zero problems with a new gun with all the handfitting of parts.

 

If you want one get one but AFAIC its more of a prestige thing.

I have a blued, six inch Trooper Mk III in .357 . Love the bluing and balance. The double action trigger is a little heavier than what you would typically find on a Smith, but the single action is astoundingly good. Recommended!

Does $625 sound high or right for a price on a used Trooper? It's in very good condition.

 

condition?

 

I picked up a like new in box blued trooper mark 3 for $550 at cabelas.

condition?

 

I picked up a like new in box blued trooper mark 3 for $550 at cabelas.

 

It's in very good condition. I am going to pass on that one. Last night I located another one for $550 however it's the gun only, no box or papers. This one is considered 96%.

They are nice guns but its harder to find someone who knows how to work on them.

 

The Pythons are beautiful guns, but there are fewer and fewer smiths who know how to work on the more intricate Colt revolvers. They are quite different than S&W lockwork. Heck, the cylinder turns clockwise instead of counter.

Colt will refinish and retime a Python for you at the factory if you're willing to drop the coin. $300 last I heard, I had called about having some holster wear repaired but for that price I'll just tell myself it adds character.