Colt Trooper Mk III
Colt's Manufacturing Company · Revolver · Discontinued · 1969
Also known as: Trooper Mark III, Colt Trooper MK III
Overview
The Colt Trooper Mk III is an American double-action/single-action service revolver introduced in 1969 as the top of Colt's Mk III line. It features a heavy ribbed barrel with a full ejector-rod shroud, adjustable target sights, a target trigger and hammer, and a transfer-bar safety. Internally it introduced Colt's new investment-cast, coil-mainspring 'Mk III' action that replaced the older hand-fitted leaf-spring Colt lockwork, allowing a durable revolver to be built more cheaply to compete with Smith & Wesson. It was also offered in .22 LR, .22 WMR and .38 Special.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1134 g (40.0 oz) |
| Barrel Length | 152 mm (5.98") |
| Action Type | Recoil Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Trigger Pull | 69 N (15.5 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Muzzle Energy | 704 J (519 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .357 Magnum · primary — also known as .357 Mag, .357 S&W Magnum, 9x33mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Swing Out Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Transfer Bar
- Features: Heavy Ribbed Barrel, Full Ejector Rod Shroud, Ramped Front Sight, Adjustable Rear Sight, Target Hammer, Target Trigger, Coil Spring Action, Swing Out Cylinder
Variants
- Colt Lawman Mk III — Service
- Colt Official Police Mk III — Service
- Colt Trooper Mk V — Successor
Service history
Operators
- United States police agencies
Production
Production years: 1969-1983
No published total; superseded by the Trooper Mk V
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 1983
Notes
Common barrel lengths 4", 6" and 8". Part of the Mk III family alongside the Lawman Mk III and Official Police Mk III. Superseded by the Trooper Mk V (1982-1985).
Background
The Mk III introduced Colt's investment-cast, coil-mainspring action that replaced the company's older hand-fitted leaf-spring lockwork, a deliberate cost-cutting redesign to compete head-to-head with Smith & Wesson while the hand-fitted Python stayed the flagship; it was also the first Colt revolver with a transfer-bar safety, allowing it to be carried with all six chambers loaded.