Description
Item Description
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Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this ONE-OF-A-KIND double-action revolver for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt Experimental Prototype Trooper MK III!
According to the included factory letter, this Colt Experimental Prototype Trooper MK III, with serial number GX9691, was shipped to Greg Martin Auctions at 660 Third Street, Suite 100, San Francisco, California, on October 16, 2008. This particular revolver is notable for its experimental nature, as it was a prototype model kept by the Colt factory for evaluation and testing. One distinctive feature of this revolver is the embossed plastic strip affixed to the butt of the frame, marked "DELTA TROOPER," signifying its status as part of a special prototype series. The "GX" serial marking further emphasizes its one-of-a-kind status, setting it apart from regular production models. As an experimental firearm, this Trooper MK III showcases unique characteristics that distinguish it from other standard models of the era, making it a rare and highly collectible piece of Colt's history.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Experimental Prototype Trooper MK III
Serial: GX9691
Date of Manufacture: 1998 (According to Colt Serial Lookup)
Model: Experimental Prototype Trooper MK III
Serial: GX9691
Date of Manufacture: 1998 (According to Colt Serial Lookup)
Date of Shipment: October 16, 2008 (According to the Colt Factory Letter)
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Finish: Blue with Color Case Hardened Hammer
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Finish: Blue with Color Case Hardened Hammer
Barrel Length: 4"
Optics/Sights: Pinned Ramp on Ramp Base Front with Adjustable Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered and Varnished Wraparound Walnut Grips with Backstrap Exposed and Nickel Finished Rampant Colt Medallions with Affixed Embossed Plastic Strip on the Butt Marked “DELTA TROOPER.”
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard / The butt is features an afixed embossed plastic strip on the butt marked “DELTA TROOPER.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
By the late 1960s, Colt's revolvers were becoming too expensive and labor-intensive to maintain profitability against competitors. To address this, Colt designed a new action system to replace their old medium-frame revolvers, resulting in the Colt "J" frame, Mark III. This innovative design featured a coil spring mechanism and a revolutionary "transfer bar" ignition system, replacing the old rebounding hammer and safety block system. The transfer bar acted as both a safety feature and the ignition system, ensuring the revolver couldn't fire unless the trigger was deliberately pulled. Colt also incorporated sintered steel technology for internal parts, allowing for faster production and reducing the need for hand-fitting, which made the Mark III the first "machine-fitted" revolver. The new design was simpler, safer, and cheaper to produce, utilizing stainless steel springs and sintered steel parts that were durable and precise, but limited customization options like traditional trigger jobs due to the thin, case-hardened surface of the components.
Optics/Sights: Pinned Ramp on Ramp Base Front with Adjustable Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered and Varnished Wraparound Walnut Grips with Backstrap Exposed and Nickel Finished Rampant Colt Medallions with Affixed Embossed Plastic Strip on the Butt Marked “DELTA TROOPER.”
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard / The butt is features an afixed embossed plastic strip on the butt marked “DELTA TROOPER.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
By the late 1960s, Colt's revolvers were becoming too expensive and labor-intensive to maintain profitability against competitors. To address this, Colt designed a new action system to replace their old medium-frame revolvers, resulting in the Colt "J" frame, Mark III. This innovative design featured a coil spring mechanism and a revolutionary "transfer bar" ignition system, replacing the old rebounding hammer and safety block system. The transfer bar acted as both a safety feature and the ignition system, ensuring the revolver couldn't fire unless the trigger was deliberately pulled. Colt also incorporated sintered steel technology for internal parts, allowing for faster production and reducing the need for hand-fitting, which made the Mark III the first "machine-fitted" revolver. The new design was simpler, safer, and cheaper to produce, utilizing stainless steel springs and sintered steel parts that were durable and precise, but limited customization options like traditional trigger jobs due to the thin, case-hardened surface of the components.
The Colt Trooper Mark III was the premium model in the Mark III series, produced from 1969 to 1983, and served as a replacement for the older medium-frame revolvers, excluding the Python. This revolver featured adjustable sights, a heavy shrouded barrel, and was equipped with Colt's first Target trigger, along with Target grips and a Target hammer. It was available in barrel lengths of 4 inches, 6 inches, and later, 8 inches. The finishes included a new high-gloss bright blue-black, bright nickel, and the satin electroless nickel known as "Coltguard," which is often mistaken for stainless steel. The Trooper Mark III was chambered in .22LR, .22 Magnum, and .357 Magnum, with a few special-order models made in .38 Special for law enforcement use.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with the matching factory Colt letter seen pictured above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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