Colt Three Fifty Seven date of manufacture?
I have a Colt "Three Fifty Seven" DA .357 with serial number 19303. Can anyone tell me the year of manufacture and when this model was changed to the "Trooper" model name? Mine is 6" with oversized Python-type stocks, Accro rear sight, and target trigger and hammer.
Were these pre-Troopers ever official issue of any sizeable police force? Were they ever factory nickel finished? (I've never seen one of those).
Many thanks for any information you can give me!
Were these pre-Troopers ever official issue of any sizeable police force? Were they ever factory nickel finished? (I've never seen one of those).
Many thanks for any information you can give me!
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I believe the Three Fifty Seven was made from 1953 to 1961. I have a 4" with factory nickel finish. I'm not sure if they were ever issued in large quantity by a department, but they were quite popular down here in Florida in the nickel finish, as stainless guns weren't around back then, and nickel protected against the humidity better than blueing on a gun that was exposed to the elements like a holstered gun was. I knew a few older cops that carried these guns right up until their agency made them switch to an auto. Florida Highway Patrol at one time issued 5" Troopers in nickel finish, then switched to 4" nickeled Pythons.
"One day lad, all this will be yours."
"What, the curtains?"0 -
1959 year of manufacture 0 -
Thanks for the info, guys! 0
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