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Colt Anaconda

1990 MODERN

The Colt Anaconda Story

Continuing Colt's tradition of excellent revolvers named after snakes, the company introduced the impressive "big boy" Colt Anaconda in 1990. While there are some similarities to the 1955 Colt Python, the Anaconda is equipped with a more powerful cartridge in the form of a .44 Magnum (as opposed to the .357 Magnum used in the Python). While the Anaconda was initially poor in accuracy, they were redesigned with a modified barrel and eventually proved to be highly accurate. They are crafted from satin stainless steel and are available in various lengths of barrels.

Its weight and size make it unsuitable for official military use and limit its acceptance in law enforcement circles. It has also proven itself in civilian sports and hunting due to its robust and reliable construction.

Colt designed the Anaconda to go head-to-head with other large caliber revolvers on the market, such as the popular Smith & Wesson Model 29. Unfortunately for Colt, its competitors have established themselves in this space more than 30 years ago.

Colt Anaconda imitates Python to a large extent. The frame is enclosed for stiffness and holds the striker as well as all major internal workings including the cylinder. The fluted cylinder contains six cartridges. 44 Magnum (or .44 Special) and turn left to remove/reload.

A spring-loaded ejection arm in front of the barrel allows each chamber to be cleared. The chamber is then reloaded and reset within the frame. The trigger is integrated into the frame design and protected by a ring.

The pistol grip is located behind the trigger and is ergonomically designed to fit the hand with grooved black neoprene synthetic rubber. Hammer spines protrude a short distance from the rear of the frame and drive within thumb reach. The barrel is mounted in front of the cylinder and has ventilation ribs, just like the Colt python. Adjustable open iron sights can be seen on the rear of the frame and behind the muzzle, and optics are optional for accurate shooting.

Revolvers are "double-action" by design, meaning that pulling the trigger can successfully pull (and release) the hammer for continuous fire, allowing for a certain level of impressive "repeat" shots, until all chambers are exhausted. Barrels available in 4, 6 and 8" lengths.

Interestingly, Anaconda only offers the aforementioned satin stainless steel finish. The Colt logo is prominently placed on the left side of the rubber handle and frame. Detailed model information is printed along the barrel.

In 1993 Colt introduced another unique python form, this chamber for the .45 Colt cartridge, available in 6" or 8" barrel lengths. Camouflaged variants of the Anaconda variant are also produced with an 8" barrel for hunting. The Colt Kodiak also came online in 1993 with a factory-installed recoil reducer, grooveless cylinder and stainless steel finish.

These are very limited guns. Colt officially discontinued the Anaconda line in 1999.

Users really enjoyed their time with the Colt Anacondas, they noticed that the iron sights were responsive, the shooting action was smooth and high quality - especially for hunting and target shooting.