COLT TROOPER

colt trooper

PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECS

The Colt Trooper is one of the most well-regarded revolvers ever produced by Colt’s Manufacturing Company. Introduced in 1953, the Trooper was designed to provide a high-quality yet affordable alternative to Colt’s premium revolvers, such as the Python. Over its decades-long production run, the Colt Trooper evolved through multiple generations, incorporating technological advancements and meeting the needs of both law enforcement and civilian users. Its robust construction, smooth trigger action, and versatility in caliber options have made it a staple among revolver enthusiasts. This article explores the history, design, variants, and cultural impact of the Colt Trooper in detail.

Historical Background

Colt’s reputation for producing high-quality revolvers was well established by the mid-20th century. However, there was a growing demand for a revolver that offered high performance at a more affordable price than the Colt Python. To meet this demand, Colt introduced the Trooper in 1953 as a mid-range revolver positioned between the entry-level Official Police and the high-end Python.

Initially chambered in .38 Special and .22 Long Rifle, the Colt Trooper was intended for law enforcement and civilian target shooting. In 1961, the revolver was upgraded to handle the more powerful .357 Magnum cartridge, making it a serious contender for police duty use. Over time, Colt refined the Trooper’s design with the introduction of the Trooper Mk III and Mk V series, featuring improved metallurgy and internal mechanisms.

The Colt Trooper was widely used by law enforcement agencies, security professionals, and civilian gun owners due to its reliability, accuracy, and durability. It remained in production until the late 1980s, after which it was eventually replaced by newer semi-automatic handguns that became more popular in law enforcement circles.

Design and Features

Frame and Construction

The original Colt Trooper was built on Colt’s I-frame, which was also used for the Python and Official Police revolvers. This frame provided a balance of durability and manageable weight, making the Trooper a practical firearm for extended use.

With the introduction of the Mk III and Mk V series, Colt switched to the J-frame, which was engineered for more efficient manufacturing processes and increased durability. These later models used modern sintered steel components, which improved longevity and performance.

The revolver was available in barrel lengths of 4 inches, 6 inches, and 8 inches, allowing users to choose configurations suited for either duty use, target shooting, or hunting.

Caliber and Ammunition

The Colt Trooper was initially available in .38 Special and .22 Long Rifle (LR), catering to police officers and civilian target shooters. In 1961, a more powerful .357 Magnum version was introduced, making the Trooper a more viable sidearm for law enforcement agencies needing increased stopping power.

The introduction of the .357 Magnum model allowed shooters to fire both .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition, providing versatility in ammunition choices. The .22 LR model, on the other hand, remained a popular option for training and small-game hunting due to its low recoil and affordability.

Grip and Ergonomics

The Colt Trooper featured walnut grips with checkering to ensure a firm and comfortable hold. The grip shape was designed to accommodate various hand sizes while reducing felt recoil. In later models, rubberized grips were introduced, further improving shooter comfort and control.

Action and Trigger

One of the standout features of the Colt Trooper was its smooth double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger system. The revolver could be fired in double-action mode by pulling the trigger, or in single-action mode by manually cocking the hammer for a lighter, more precise trigger pull.

The trigger pull was particularly well-regarded, offering a smooth and crisp break that contributed to the revolver’s accuracy. Colt’s high-quality craftsmanship ensured that the Trooper’s action remained reliable and consistent over thousands of rounds.

Notable Variants of the Colt Trooper

Throughout its production run, the Colt Trooper went through several key design updates and variations. The most notable versions include:

First Generation Colt Trooper (1953-1969)

• Built on the I-frame, sharing some design elements with the Official Police model.
• Initially chambered in .38 Special and .22 LR, with a .357 Magnum version introduced in 1961.
• Featured adjustable sights, making it suitable for both duty and target shooting.

Colt Trooper Mk III (1969-1983)

• Introduced a new J-frame design with improved metallurgy and durability.
• Featured coil mainsprings instead of flat mainsprings, increasing longevity.
• Chambered in .357 Magnum, .38 Special, .22 LR, and later .22 WMR.
• Introduced a transfer bar safety mechanism, improving safety features.
• More affordable due to streamlined manufacturing but maintained excellent reliability.

Colt Trooper Mk V (1982-1986)

• A further refinement of the Mk III, with an improved shorter action for faster cycling.
• Featured a more compact frame while retaining high strength and durability.
• Chambered primarily in .357 Magnum.
• Used by many law enforcement agencies until being phased out for semi-automatic alternatives.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The Colt Trooper holds an important place in firearms history, particularly among law enforcement agencies in the United States. During the mid-20th century, when revolvers were still the dominant sidearm for police forces, the Trooper became a widely used and respected choice due to its balance of affordability, reliability, and firepower.

While the Colt Python was considered a luxury revolver, the Trooper was seen as a practical workhorse that could withstand the rigors of daily use. Many police departments issued the Trooper to officers who required a dependable and accurate service weapon.

The revolver also found popularity among civilian gun owners for self-defense, target shooting, and hunting. Its robust design, smooth trigger, and accuracy made it a favorite among those who preferred revolvers over semi-automatics.

Performance and Usage

The Colt Trooper was widely praised for its accuracy, smooth trigger pull, and durability. Some of the key advantages included:

• Adjustable Sights: Allowed for precise targeting, making it effective for both defensive and sporting applications.
• Heavy-Duty Construction: Designed to withstand thousands of rounds without excessive wear.
• Versatile Caliber Choices: From .22 LR for training to .357 Magnum for law enforcement and self-defense.
• Superior Trigger Mechanism: Known for its crisp and responsive action.

However, there were some drawbacks:

• Weight: Heavier than some competing revolvers, which could be a drawback for concealed carry.
• Cost: While more affordable than the Python, the Trooper was still more expensive than some competitors like the Smith & Wesson Model 19.

Modern-Day Relevance

Although production of the Colt Trooper ceased in the late 1980s, it remains a highly sought-after revolver among collectors and shooting enthusiasts. Its classic design, reliability, and historical significance have kept interest in the model alive. Well-maintained Troopers are often found on the used gun market, with prices reflecting their desirability.

In an era dominated by semi-automatic handguns, the Colt Trooper remains a testament to the golden age of revolvers, proving that precision craftsmanship and robust design never go out of style.