One thing I noticed was that the same HKS speedloaders will work in the L-frame S&W and the Trooper/Python/Official Police, Colt models. Sixty rounds went into the evil pizza box and all of them were rapid DA, and in spite of the grip, I did well. Colts are known for their 'stagey' DA actions and they do take getting used to, but once it is mastered, it is very 'doable' and a lot of people prefer this action to the later Colt lockwork. The Trooper is soaking in Hoppe's as I type this and in spite of the grips, I did very well with it and the action was very smooth. It also sports the service grips, which due to my method of shooting were slightly uncomfortable. Mine has the target hammer which is still just about the best hammer I have ever seen for thumb-cocking. My Trooper is a 4' barrel version (they also came with 6' tubes) and according to the serial number was made in 1962. From '53 to '61, the Trooper was chambered in 38 Special and probably due to the introduction of the Python in 1955, Colt dropped the 357 model completely and started making the Trooper in 357 in 1961. They also made the Colt Three-Fifty-Seven on the same frame size and started that model name in 1954.

Grips were reddish-brown 'Coltwood' Service type plastic.Colt made the Trooper model revolver from 1953 to 1969 and then in 1969 incorporated the model name into a completely different lockwork design called the Trooper Mk III. Checkering of the hammer, trigger, and cylinder latch was discontinued. It had an extra heavy, untapered 'Bull' barrel and the Coltmaster fully adjustable rear sight that was offered only on this revolver.Ī new style hammer was introduced, and the post-war type cylinder retention system was used. The Officer's Model Special was made only from 1949 to 1952 The medium frame as used on the Official Police and Officer's Models was the Colt 'E' frame. Post-war Colt began assigning letter codes to frame sizes. The Officer's Model Special was Colt's first upgrade post-war. The Officer's Model Special, Fourth issue Grips were checkered walnut with silver medallions. In 1935 a heavy barrel was made available as an option. The Officer's Model Target was introduced in 1927 and made until 1949.Ĭalibers were.

Colt trooper serial number dates