Colt Border Patrol Mark III Second Issue .357 Magnum Revolver, 4 Inch, Blued, 1972
Manufactured in 1972, this Colt Border Patrol Mark III Second Issue is a .357 Magnum, six-shot revolver built on Colt's Mark III "J-frame" line. It features a 4-inch heavy barrel with a short ejector-rod shroud, adjustable sights, and blued carbon-steel construction. This is the commercial variant without USBP or issue-number markings, produced during the 1970–1975 run of approximately 6,500 examples across blue and nickel finishes.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: This firearm is in solid shape. There are some scratches and blemishes present.
What's Included
- Colt Border Patrol Mark III Second Issue .357 Mag. revolver
As part of the Colt Mark III series, the Second Issue Border Patrol uses a transfer-bar action with coil springs, a smooth-faced trigger, and an exposed hammer with a checkered spur. The six-shot fluted cylinder is finished in blue and paired with a knurled ejector-rod tip for positive operation. This example is USA-made and falls within the 1970s production era.
The 4-inch heavy-profile barrel combines a short ejector-rod shroud with a serrated sighting rib. Sights include a ramped, serrated front on an integral base and an adjustable square-notch rear. This setup offers practical sight regulation and a durable, duty-oriented configuration.
Construction is carbon steel throughout with a factory blued finish on the frame, cylinder, and receiver. The revolver wears checkered walnut service stocks fitted with silver Colt medallions, a classic Mark III-era detail that complements the model's purpose-built design.
Markings are correct for the model: the left side of the barrel reads "COLT BORDER PATROL ★ .357 MAGNUM CTG. ★" and the right side reads "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO.
HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A." This is the commercial version, without USBP agency or issue-number markings. MFG. 1972.
Produced within the Colt Mark III "J-frame" line from 1970 to 1975, the Border Patrol Second Issue saw a limited run of about 6,500 units across blue and nickel finishes. This 1972 example reflects the line's emphasis on durability, modernized internal safety, and service-ready features in a compact 4-inch package.