I would never say no to one of this puppies. But I am afraid that its fate is to become a safe queen for some rich Colt Collector!
In the early 1950’s, Colt realized that they were behind the times and didn’t have a revolver chambered for the .357 Magnum.
The previous New Service model had been discontinued during WWII, and was a heavy frame, too heavy for constant carry use. Colt brushed off their medium E frame, changed it to add an internal spring-loaded firing pin and heat treated it to increase its strength, calling its new creation the “I” frame.
The new gun was ready for production in 1953 and Colt called it “The Colt 357”. Colt outfitted the revolver with adjustable sights and gave it a more carefully fitted and tuned action.
Then Colt used the old E frame for the Trooper, and gave it adjustable sights as well, chambered for .38 Special and .22 L.R.
When Colt came out with the Python, shooters who had the money went to the new Python and those who didn’t mostly bought the Trooper, leaving the Colt .357 in limbo.
It was discontinued in 1961 after only 15,000 had been produced, at which time Colt moved the Trooper to the I frame and offered it in .357 Magnum as well as .38 and .22.
This Colt Trooper MK III is a six shot revolver chambered for .22 WMR and built on the heavier I frame.