2021 Colt Anaconda.

In 2017 Colt debuted the .38 Special Colt Cobra at Gunsite; this was Colt’s initial effort to wade back into double-action revolvers.  I remember talking to my friends at Colt and asking them about other double-action revolvers that were slated for reintroduction to the market. I was told the Cobra was engineered to be scalable, which gave me hope for future reintroductions.

You can see the review of the Colt Cobra by following this link.  

In 2019 Colt reintroduces the King Cobra and King Cobra Target. You can read my review of the King Cobra Target by following this link. 

The .357 Magnum Python debuted in 2020 at Colt Media Day held at Gunsite. You can see that by following this link and the full review by following this link. 

Now for 2021, Colt introduces the new Anaconda in .44 Magnum, essentially scaling up the 2020 Python.

My test sample arrived just about a month ago, and in that time, we have run about 150 rounds through the double-action revolver, with about twenty of those being .44 Special.

 

My test sample was a six-inch barrel but it is also be available in an eight-inch barrel. With traditional lines, the new 2021 Colt Anaconda is very reminiscent of the original but was updated in a similar fashion. Colt updated the Python.

Exceptional target sights adorn the top of the revolver, with a rear adjustable for windage and elevation and an interchangeable orange/red insert for the front ramp. The top strap is drilled and tapped for optics or scope mount.

The cylinder release is serrated for the straight pull back to release the cylinder, tradition on Colt double-action revolvers. Factory Houge overmolded stocks are standard, but any stocks that fit the Python will fit the new Anaconda. Note the widened trigger pad, adding comfort to the smooth trigger pull.

As for the trigger, the double-action trigger pull was under twelve pounds, and the single action was just under five pounds. The new Anaconda uses the same leaf spring technology found in the Python hammer/trigger, giving it a more consistent trigger pull from shot to shot.

Accuracy. The new Anaconda averaged about two-inch groups from twenty-five yards from a rest.

Conclusions 

Over the past month, we ran about 150 rounds through the test gun without issue. Accuracy was on par with about as good as I can shoot, averaging two-inch three-shot groups at twenty-five yards. The .44 Special was a dream to shoot out of the Anaconda with little recoil; even with mild .44 Magnum recoil was not bad. With some of the hotter .44 Magnum, such as the Doubletap, it was controllable but took a bit of effort and preparedness. No doubt, the weight and overmolded stocks aided in taming heavy recoil. The trigger pull was quite nice and predictable, just a touch heavier than the 2020 Python but equally as smooth. This revolver would be a superb option as a hunting sidearm or woods carry, especially where dangerous animals may be present.  I am thankful to see Colt continue to reintroduce updated versions of their double-action revolver line, and this may be my new favorite. While I love the new Python, there is just something romantic about the .44 Magnum in a slick six-shooter. With options as .44 Special or mild .44 Magnum for range use but the ability to go to scorching .44 Magnum for hunting or woods carry the new Anaconda has plenty of versatility in a gun that was built to take the punishment.

Specifications 

Capacity: six rounds

Caliber: .44 Magnum

Frame material: stainless steel

Finish: semi-bright

Barrel length: 6″/8″

Overall Length 13″/15″

Overall height: 7.25″

Overall width: 2.75″

Front sight: red ramp

Rear sight: target adjustable

Weight: 53 ounces/59 ounces

MSRP: $1499

Acknowledgments 

Colt Manufacturing 

Doubletap Ammunition 

Defender Ammunition 

By Hunter Elliott

I spent much of my youth involved with firearms and felt the call early on to the United States Marine Corps, following in my father's and his brother's footsteps. Just after high school I enlisted and felt most at home on the rifle range, where I qualified expert with several firearms and spent some time as a rifle coach to my fellow Marines. After being honorably discharged I continued teaching firearm safety, rifle and pistol marksmanship, and began teaching metallic cartridge reloading. In the late 1990s I became a life member to the National Rifle Association and worked with the Friends of the NRA. Around that time my father and I became involved with IDPA and competed together up until he passed away. I began reviewing firearms for publications in the mid 2000s and have been fortunate to make many friends in the industry. Continuing to improve my firearms skills and knowledge is a never ending journey in which we should all be committed. I am also credited as weapons master on a few independent films.

8 thoughts on “2021 Colt Anaconda, bodacious big bore.”
  1. Great review. Beautiful still shots and enjoyed the review. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this 2021 Colt Anaconda ,44 Magnum. I really enjoyed shooting this and would love to shoot it again and again. Love this revolver! Keep up the good work, Hunter.

  2. Fine job on the review – I am happy to see Colt move back into the modern revolver market and you covered all the high points very well – kind of makes me want to find one but I might need to thin down the herd a bit first!
    Best regards,
    Tim Carroll

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