Kansas Gunshop is a Wichita, KS-based retailer specializing in firearms and accessories for serious gun owners. The Colt Trooper MK III .357 Magnum Police Trade-In Revolver is a robust, classic double-action revolver known for its strength and reliability. This specific model offers a piece of law enforcement history, having served as a duty weapon. Available now for $599.00.
Reviewed by Derek, Owner & FFL Holder at Kansas Gunshop. Kansas-licensed FFL dealer since 2008, NRA Range Safety Officer.
Last updated: April 2026
What are the specifications of the Colt Trooper MK III?
| Product Type | Revolver |
|---|---|
| Model | Colt Trooper MK III |
| Caliber | .357 Magnum (also fires .38 Special) |
| Action | Double Action/Single Action (DA/SA) |
| Capacity | 6 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | Typically 4 or 6 inches (specific barrel length may vary on trade-ins) |
| Frame Material | Forged Steel |
| Finish | Blued or Nickel (specific finish may vary on trade-ins) |
| Sights | Fixed front, adjustable rear |
| Grips | Wood or Rubber (specific type may vary on trade-ins) |
| Manufacturing Period | 1972-1982 |
| Condition | Police Trade-In (Good to Very Good mechanical condition, cosmetic wear consistent with duty use) |
| Weight | Approx. 42 oz (with 4″ barrel, unloaded) |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| SKU | CTMK3-PT |
What makes the Colt Trooper MK III a notable firearm?
- Robust Construction: The MK III series was built on Colt’s ‘J’ frame, a heavily redesigned and strengthened frame compared to earlier models. This was Colt’s answer to the .357 Magnum’s power, allowing for a long service life even with heavy use of full-power loads.
- Classic Colt Action: While not the hand-fitted ‘Python’ action, the MK III still features a smooth double-action pull and a crisp single-action break, characteristic of Colt revolvers of its era. This makes for a predictable and controllable trigger.
- Versatile Caliber: The .357 Magnum cartridge is a powerful and effective round for defense, hunting, or target shooting. The ability to also fire less expensive and milder .38 Special ammunition makes it a versatile range companion.
- Adjustable Sights: The adjustable rear sight allows for precise zeroing, a practical feature for different ammunition types or shooting distances, which was common for duty revolvers of the period.
- Historical Significance: As a police trade-in, this revolver carries a story. It represents a piece of law enforcement history, a workhorse sidearm from an era when revolvers were standard issue.
- Collectibility: Colt revolvers, especially older models, often hold their value and can be sought after by collectors, even as police trade-ins.
Who is this revolver for?
Buy it if:
- ✅ You appreciate classic American-made revolvers and their historical significance.
- ✅ You’re looking for a robust and reliable .357 Magnum revolver for range use, home defense, or as a field gun.
- ✅ You want a firearm that can handle a steady diet of .357 Magnum loads without excessive wear.
- ✅ You’re a collector interested in police trade-in firearms or Colt’s ‘J’ frame revolvers.
- ✅ You value a firearm known for its strong construction and straightforward operation.
- ✅ You’re on a budget but still want a reputable, powerful revolver from a known manufacturer.
Skip it if:
- ❌ You require a lightweight, modern concealed carry firearm. This is a full-sized duty revolver. See our Concealed Carry options.
- ❌ You expect a pristine, factory-new finish. Police trade-ins will show cosmetic wear from duty use.
- ❌ You prefer semi-automatic pistols for higher capacity and faster reloads. See our Pistols for alternatives.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Colt Trooper MK III?
Pros:
- ✅ Built Like a Tank: The MK III series is known for its incredibly strong frame and lock work, designed to withstand thousands of full-power .357 Magnum rounds.
- ✅ Classic Aesthetics: It has the unmistakable look and feel of a classic Colt revolver, a design many find appealing.
- ✅ Versatile Caliber: Fires both .357 Magnum and .38 Special, offering flexibility in power and cost per round.
- ✅ Adjustable Sights: Allows for more precise aiming and zeroing compared to fixed sights.
- ✅ Investment Value: Older Colt revolvers tend to retain or increase in value over time, especially as fewer are available.
- ✅ Reliability: Revolvers are inherently simple and reliable, less prone to malfunctions than semi-automatics under adverse conditions.
Cons:
- ❌ Weight and Bulk: It’s a heavy, full-sized revolver, which can be cumbersome for some users or for extended carry.
- ❌ Cosmetic Wear: As a police trade-in, expect scratches, holster wear, and dings on the finish. This is purely cosmetic and does not affect function.
- ❌ Trigger Action: While good for a production revolver, the double-action trigger is not as refined or smooth as the older, hand-fitted Colt Python or S&W K/L-frame actions.
How does the Colt Trooper MK III compare to other revolvers?
| Feature | Colt Trooper MK III | Taurus 605 (.357 Mag) | Smith & Wesson 686 (.357 Mag) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Forged Steel | Carbon Steel or Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Quality | Robust duty-grade, strong ‘J’ frame construction, good trigger | Budget-friendly, functional, variable fit and finish | Premium duty-grade, smooth action, durable ‘L’ frame |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum / .38 Special | .357 Magnum / .38 Special | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Shipping | Ships from Wichita, KS (FFL required) | Varies by retailer (FFL required) | Varies by retailer (FFL required) |
| Lifespan/Durability | Very high, known for long service life with proper care | Good for the price point, may show wear faster with heavy use | Exceptional, built for extensive use |
| Price | $599.00 (Police Trade-In) | ~$400-500 (New) | ~$800-1000+ (New) |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Colt Trooper MK III
What is a police trade-in firearm?
A police trade-in firearm is a used firearm that was previously issued to law enforcement officers. These firearms are typically well-maintained mechanically due to department armorer inspections but will show cosmetic wear (scratches, holster wear, dings) consistent with being carried and used in a duty environment. They often represent a good value for a reliable firearm.
Can the Colt Trooper MK III fire .38 Special ammunition?
Yes, the Colt Trooper MK III, chambered in .357 Magnum, is fully capable of safely firing .38 Special ammunition. This provides a more affordable and milder shooting experience for practice or target shooting, while still allowing for the power of .357 Magnum when needed.
What is the typical barrel length for the Colt Trooper MK III police trade-ins?
Police trade-in Colt Trooper MK III revolvers commonly feature 4-inch or 6-inch barrels. The specific barrel length for any given trade-in unit can vary, but these are the most prevalent configurations for duty use during its production period.
Is the Colt Trooper MK III suitable for concealed carry?
While it is technically possible to conceal a Colt Trooper MK III, its full-sized frame and substantial weight make it less than ideal for everyday concealed carry compared to more modern, compact firearms. It excels more as a duty, home defense, or range revolver.
Where can I buy revolvers online?
You can buy revolvers online, including the Colt Trooper MK III .357 Magnum Police Trade-In Revolver, right here at Kansas Gunshop (kansas-gunshop.com). All firearms purchased online must be shipped to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer for transfer, which we handle in compliance with all federal and state laws.
What kind of maintenance does a Colt Trooper MK III require?
Like any firearm, the Colt Trooper MK III requires regular cleaning and lubrication, especially after firing. Pay attention to the bore, cylinder chambers, and the action. Periodically, a more thorough cleaning of the internal mechanisms by a qualified gunsmith can be beneficial to ensure long-term reliability.
Are parts still available for the Colt Trooper MK III?
While the Colt Trooper MK III is no longer in production, many common parts can still be found through various online retailers specializing in older firearm parts, or by consulting with experienced gunsmiths. Its robust design, however, means major parts replacement is often unnecessary unless severely abused.
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