Colt 4 1/4″ Anaconda, handheld howitzer

Seven months ago, I spoke with my good friend Kamil at SHOT when the new 4 1/4″ Colt Anaconda was introduced. After the dust settled from SHOT show, I called Kamil and asked for a test sample, which I received several months ago.

It is mechanically identical to the six and eight-inch Anaconda other than barrel length. You can read my review of the six-inch Anaconda by following this link.  

The four-and-a-quarter Anaconda is the most visually appealing and wielded easier than the six and eight-inch in my opinion. Granted, you give up about 100 fps from the six-inch and some sight radius, but the accuracy of the four-and-a-quarter” was similar to the six-inch. Trigger pull was under five pounds at single action and under twelve pounds, same as the six-inch. The Anaconda uses the same leaf spring technology found in the Python hammer/trigger, giving it a more consistent trigger pull from shot to shot. The widened trigger added comfort to the smooth trigger pull.

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, traditionally on Colt double-action revolvers. Factory Houge over-molded stocks are standard, but any stocks that fit the Python will fit the new Anaconda. So, I added a set of Python walnut target stocks about a third of the way into the review and preferred them over the Hough rubber stocks.

Accuracy. The four-and-a-quarter Anaconda averaged about two-and-a-half-inch groups from twenty-five yards from a rest. Accuracy was similar to the six-inch Anaconda losing about a half inch at most at twenty-five yards, or that could be my error.

Conclusions 

The four-and-a-quarter Anaconda is by far my favorite on the Colt .44 Magnums and is on par with the three-inch Python as my favorite Colt revolver. The .44 Special was so much fun with little recoil and was enjoyed by all. With the full house .44 Magnum, such as the Doubletap, it was controllable but took a bit of effort and preparedness. I am sure the heft aided in taming some of the heavy recoil, but the six-inch Anaconda had a bit of an advantage in this area. 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. Still, it could be pressed into everyday carry if needed being the smallest Colt .44 Magnum. Now I know the .44 Magnum is big medicine for a carry gun, but swap in some .44 Special, and you are ready to be social. While I love the new Python, there is something American about the obnoxious .44 Magnum, making it one of my favorite revolver cartridges.  After some 300 rounds downrange with zero issues, I firmly believe the Anaconda is built to take your abuse.

Specifications 

• Barrel Description: 1:20 LH, 6 Groove
• Barrel Length: 4 1/4″
• Capacity: 6 rds.
• Finish: Semi-Bright
• Frame Material: Stainless Steel
• Front Sight: User-swappable orange insert
• Rear Sight: Target Adjustable
• Stocks: Rubber Stocks
• Height: 6 in.
• Width: 1 1/2″
• Overall Length: 9. 3/4″
• Weight: 42 oz.
• MSRP: $1499

Acknowledgments 

Acknowledgments 

Colt Manufacturing 

Doubletap Ammunition 

Defender Ammunition 

Ammo To Go