Have any of you tried a Colt .357? I was offered a trade today...my Remington 1100 20 gauge for a Colt Trooper .357. I have been wanting to pick up a revolver but don't really know much about them. My first choice would have been a .44 but that's not on the table. So I thought I would get some opinions.

Keep the 1100 if you have a need for a Colt Trooper or the like there is a collector in my area sell most of his stuff he has a dozen or so they range from rough to NIB and $275 or so to $750 depending on what you want.

Well, I bought the shotgun only because a friend needed some $'s and I don't even really care for it. So I would much prefer to trade it for a revolver than buy one.

JMHO I would try to trade for a Blackhawk or the like in 45 Colt or 44 Mag I would think you will be much happier in the long run. Get you a thumper the 357 is nice but you just can not make a 44 out of it.

I agree with bug, the colts are nice guns and if your looking for a self defense piece or a plinking gun go for it but if you want a serious hunting gun start at the 41 mag but I'd probably go 44 because of ammo availability.

Plinking is mostly what I would use it for. I hunt with my TC. I really appreciate your opinions. I know you guys have shot a lot of revolvers. If you guys think that the Trooper is a good quality piece I might go for it.

JMHO, but I would at least run the shotgun by my local dealer and see what he would offer me on it.
I always try to make sure I trade even or up on any kind of trade. That way if I end up not liking it, well, more value for the next trade.
And, hey, you never know, the dealer might make you a good deal with the shotgun and a few bucks to end up with something really nice!

I have no idea what the 1100 is worth (and only you know how much you have in this one), or even what Troopers go for now days, but the Trooper is a great gun. Basicaly a Python without the polish. The 1st handgun I bought new was a trooper. That was 25+ yrs ago. It was a sweet piece.
I think it would be a fun & economical gun to shoot for what you want. And at shorter ranges in the hand of a good shot it will do the job on deer as well.

Great info as always guys!

I have a Trooper MKIII 6". I tried putting a scope on it but was unsucessful because of the Weaver Mount I used. It cracked the scope. If I were you I would hold out for a 44, 45LC. Even for plinking, you will be much happier than with the 357. In the long run, you may find yourself wanting to take it hunting someday! The Trooper is a nice shooting gun. Got the 44 now and it is much better. You can load it down and it is as comfortable to shoot.

Colt Trooper....a great 357. Sorry I sold mine....

The problem with opinions is that everyone has one. On the other hand, the good thing about opinions is that everyone has one. My dad has the Ruger GP100 357mag and he loves it. He thinks my Ruger SRH 44mag it too much gun. It's not like he can't handle it, he just prefers the milder recoil of the 357. I love the 44mag and shoot very well with it. It took some time to get used to it when I first started shooting it, but once you get comfortable with it, it becomes an extension of you and you should feel comfortable with it too. But like I said, the problem with opinions... Best bet would be to buy it and shoot it alot. If you don't like it you can always resell it. Who knows, you might end up with both.

Thanks for the opinions...I ended up passing on it because the guy got all retarded at the last minute and wanted the 1100 plus $$$'s. So needless to say I told him no thanks.