Make: Colt

Model: Peacekeeper

Serial Number: 65421V

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1986

Caliber: .357 Magnum

Action Type: Single Action/Double Action with Swing Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 6”, Vent-Rib

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a ramped blade with a serrated orange plastic insert pinned to the rib. The rear sight is a white-outlined square notch adjustable for windage and elevation in a base pinned to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black rubber with finger grooves and gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no rips or tears. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Matte Blue

Finish Originality: Original, there are a couple of touch-ups on the sideplate above the trigger.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9+ out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a couple of touch-ups on the sideplate above the trigger. There are a few other minor marks and faint operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough and consistent cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This revolver comes in a maroon cardboard Colt box with serial-matching label and an assortment of factory paperwork including manual.

Our Assessment: Colt was on top of the revolver market for decades, but by the 1960s, their designs were getting a little long in the tooth. Smith & Wesson was crushing the market with similar quality revolvers at a lower price, and something had to be done. The MK III series was introduced with coil springs instead of leaf springs, a transfer-bar safety system to replace the rebounding hammer, and simplified lockwork. In the 1980s, the MK V series would continue Colt's efforts to compete on price with their old rival S&W and the new up-start Ruger. Within the MKV series were a few revolvers with a bead-blast matte finish, eliminating the need for time-consuming and expensive polishing. The Peackeeper was one of these revolvers, essentially a Trooper with the blasted, matte finish.

While the Peacekeeper did allow Colt to offer an affordable .357 Magnum with all the quality of their Trooper, if not the same appearance, it was not a commercial success. Few of the revolvers were sold, they were quickly discontinued, and they are not fairly difficult to find. This example is a great one for the Colt collector wanting to fill that missing slot, its high condition and original box will make it a great addition. It is also a quality-made .357 Magnum that will be a great shooter or even hunting sidearm. Please see our photos and good luck!