When Colt announced the return of the Anaconda, revolver enthusiasts across the country took notice. After all, the original Colt Anaconda, first introduced in the 1990s, had built a reputation as a powerful and reliable .44 Magnum revolver, and its discontinuation left a void in the market for those who appreciated its iconic design and robust performance. Now, Colt has resurrected this legendary firearm, and the new Anaconda has already sparked a buzz among gun enthusiasts. In this in-depth review, weโll examine whether the updated Colt Anaconda lives up to its storied legacy.
First Impressions and Build Quality
Right out of the box, the Colt Anaconda impresses with its sheer size and presence. Chambered in .44 Magnum, this revolver is not for the faint of heart. Its massive frame is constructed from stainless steel, giving it a rugged and durable feel. Weighing in at over 50 ounces, the Anaconda is certainly a heavy revolver, but for a gun designed to tame the recoil of the powerful .44 Magnum, the weight is a welcome feature.
The revolver comes in two barrel lengthsโ6 inches and 8 inchesโand both versions maintain Coltโs signature brushed stainless steel finish, which adds to the gun’s classic appearance. The Anacondaโs build quality is exceptional, with no visible tool marks or imperfections. Coltโs attention to detail is evident in the way the parts fit together, and the revolver feels like a premium firearm from the moment you pick it up.
One of the standout features of the Anaconda is its oversized, ventilated rib barrel, which not only adds to the gunโs aesthetic appeal but also helps with heat dissipation during extended shooting sessions. Additionally, the Anaconda comes equipped with a fully adjustable rear sight and a red ramp front sight, allowing for quick and easy target acquisition.
Handling and Ergonomics
The Colt Anaconda may be a large revolver, but it handles surprisingly well for its size. Thanks to the well-balanced design and the heavy barrel, the Anaconda doesnโt feel unwieldy, even with its substantial weight. The revolverโs large, Hogue rubber grips provide excellent control and comfort, even when firing full-power .44 Magnum loads. The grips are ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the hand, reducing felt recoil and allowing for more precise control of the firearm.
For those familiar with the original Anaconda, the new versionโs upgraded grips are a welcome improvement. The original wood grips, while beautiful, could be punishing during extended shooting sessions. The modern rubber grips on the updated model help tame recoil, making it easier to shoot accurately over long periods.
The trigger on the new Anaconda is another area where Colt has made significant improvements. The double-action trigger pull is smooth and consistent, with no noticeable stacking, and the single-action pull is crisp and light, breaking cleanly at around 4 pounds. Whether youโre firing in double-action or single-action, the trigger is a pleasure to use and contributes to the revolverโs overall accuracy.
Performance and Accuracy
When it comes to performance, the Colt Anaconda does not disappoint. As expected from a revolver chambered in .44 Magnum, the Anaconda packs a serious punch, but its heavy frame and excellent grip design help to manage recoil effectively. While the recoil is still significantโespecially with full-power .44 Magnum loadsโitโs far from unmanageable. The weight of the revolver, combined with the ergonomic grips, makes it easier to stay on target and fire follow-up shots without excessive muzzle rise.
Accuracy is one of the Anacondaโs strongest attributes. The revolverโs long barrel, adjustable sights, and well-designed trigger system work together to deliver impressive precision. At 25 yards, the Anaconda is capable of producing tight groupings with little effort, making it an excellent choice for both target shooting and hunting.
For those who prefer to shoot .44 Special ammunition, the Anaconda handles it with ease. The reduced recoil of the .44 Special round makes for a more comfortable shooting experience, especially for those who may not need the full power of the .44 Magnum. This versatility makes the Anaconda a great option for a wide range of shooting applications, from hunting to recreational plinking.
Versatility and Applications
One of the reasons the Colt Anaconda has earned such a strong following is its versatility. Chambered in .44 Magnum, the Anaconda is more than capable of handling big game hunting, particularly for those who prefer handgun hunting. The power of the .44 Magnum cartridge, combined with the accuracy of the Anaconda, makes it a formidable option for hunting deer, hogs, and even larger game like bears.
For target shooters, the Anaconda is a joy to shoot. Its smooth trigger and adjustable sights make it easy to achieve tight groups at a variety of distances, and the option to use .44 Special ammunition adds to its appeal for those who want a less punishing shooting experience.
While the Anaconda is certainly not a small revolver, its manageable recoil and excellent balance make it suitable for long shooting sessions at the range.
In terms of personal defense, the Anaconda might be a bit large for most people to consider as a carry option, but as a home defense handgun, it certainly has its merits. The stopping power of the .44 Magnum is undeniable, and the revolverโs reliability ensures that it will perform when you need it most. However, the heavy weight and large frame make it less than ideal for concealed carry.
Reliability
As with any Colt firearm, reliability is a key selling point of the Anaconda. Revolvers, in general, are known for their inherent reliability, and the Anaconda is no exception. The stainless steel construction ensures that the revolver can withstand harsh conditions, and the cylinder lockup is tight and secure. Over the course of several hundred rounds, the Anaconda showed no signs of malfunction or failure, a testament to Coltโs craftsmanship.
The revolverโs ability to cycle through both .44 Magnum and .44 Special rounds without issue adds to its reliability. Whether youโre using full-power hunting loads or lighter target ammunition, the Anaconda delivers consistent performance without any hiccups.
Final Thoughts
The Colt Anaconda has made a triumphant return, and itโs clear that Colt has taken great care to preserve the revolverโs iconic status while incorporating modern improvements. Although it’s not a budget revolver, the build quality, accuracy, and reliability of the new Anaconda are top-notch, and itโs a firearm that will appeal to both seasoned revolver enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
While the Anacondaโs large size and weight may not make it the best choice for every shooter, those looking for a powerful and accurate .44 Magnum revolver will find that the Anaconda delivers in spades. Whether youโre a hunter, target shooter, or collector, the Colt Anaconda is a worthy addition to any firearm collection.
With its return to the market, the Colt Anaconda has once again secured its place as one of the finest revolvers available, offering the perfect blend of power, precision, and classic Colt craftsmanship.
