Colt Mfg. Anaconda
Posted May 25, 2023
The Colt Mfg. Anaconda is one of the most iconic pieces of American firearms history. For those of us who consider ourselves serious gun enthusiasts, it holds a special place in our hearts as the pinnacle of American handgun design and engineering. Before the Anaconda, there were few revolvers with a large enough caliber to be considered effective against armored targets. The Anaconda changed that, ushering in the era of the magnum revolver and revolutionizing the landscape of handgun ballistics and design. But is it really as effective as people say it is? Let us dive in a bit deeper to find out.
At first glance, the Anaconda looks like a daunting weapon. Its imposing frame is made from stainless steel and checkered hardwood, topped off by the legendary black M-2C “shark fin” sight. It’s a common statement that the Anaconda looks more like an architectural artifact than a gun. It certainly has the look that can easily be mistaken for something far less dangerous than it really is.
When you pick up the Anaconda, it will be immediately evident how large and heavy the frame is — it weighs a whopping 2.4 kg with an unloaded eight-round magazine inserted. You may also find yourself surprised at how well-balanced it is in your hands — the Anaconda’s ergonomics are truly remarkable. It’s a big gun that handles like a much smaller one.
The design of the Anaconda is second to none — it blends innovation and tradition into one perfect package. Starting from the muzzle, the five-inch barrel utilizes the Colt 1873 Single Action Army style forcing cone that increases the accuracy of the cylinder’s rifling. The cylinder itself is made out of stainless steel with deep relieved grooves and curves for faster reloading.
The trigger is a single-action, checkered walnut trigger with a smooth pull that requires little effort to squeeze. It’s also the first Colt revolver to feature an internal hammer instead of an external hammer, which reduces the overall size of the gun and makes it less likely to snag when holstered.
When it comes time to shoot the Anaconda, expect immediate satisfaction courtesy of its grip and trigger. It goes without saying that the Anaconda is powerful — firing a .44 magnum cartridge, it can shoot out at any distance without worry. The accuracy of the Anaconda’s output is also quite impressive — it’s able to hit targets up to 25 meters with ease and consistently hits them times and again.
What’s more, the internal hammer allows for double action shooting, meaning you can pull the trigger once and the hammer stays back until you’re ready for the second shot. Overall, the Anaconda is an incredibly reliable weapon — it can handle even the most demanding shooting tasks.
But while the weapon is designed with both performance and looks in mind, there are some minor drawbacks to the Anaconda that should be considered. First, the grip is too wide for some shooters, which may make it hard to draw and shoot accurately. There is some muzzle flip with the five-inch barrel — it requires practice and a good grip to keep it in check. Finally, the firing speed of the Anaconda is slower than most modern revolvers — if you’re looking for snap shooting, this isn’t the gun for you.
That said, the Anaconda is undeniably one of the most iconic firearms of the 20th century. It has revolutionized the handgun industry, it has an unbeatable aesthetic, and the accuracy, power, and reliability it provides is second to none. Whether you’re a hunter, a collector, or a competitive shooter, the Anaconda is a gun that will not disappoint. And at the end of the day, that is what really matters.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Colt Anacondas are constructed from high-grade stainless steel and have tight production tolerances, resulting in an incredibly durable, accurate and reliable handgun.
-Anacondas come with a transfer bar safety system to help prevent accidental discharge.
-Lightweight and well-balanced for a large-caliber handgun.
-The Anaconda is a popular hunting and outdoor handgun, and offers great power and control.
Cons:
-Expensive compared to other large caliber revolvers.
-The long barrel can make the Anaconda difficult to maneuver and keep stable for precision shooting.
-It is a large and heavy handgun, and can be difficult to conceal.
-The single-action trigger pull is heavy and not recommended for shooters with a weak grip.
Who Should Buy
Anyone who is looking for an extremely powerful and accurate handgun for self defense or hunting should consider the Colt Mfg. Anaconda. People who are looking for a cheaper, entry-level handgun and are not used to the heavier weight of the Anaconda should avoid buying the gun. Additionally, those who are uncomfortable shooting a handgun with a heavy recoil, or those who are unfamiliar with gun safety, should stay away from the Colt Mfg. Anaconda.
Comparisons
| Ruger Super Redhawk | Smith & Wesson X-frame | |
|---|---|---|
| .44 Magnum/.44 Special | .454 Casull/.45 Colt/.45 ACP | .460 S&W magnum/.454 Casull/.45 Colt |
| 6 in | 7.5 in | 8.38 in |
| 46.2 oz | 60 oz | 78 oz |
| 10.8 in | 12.75 in | 11.84 in |
| 6 in | 6.25 in | 6 in |
| Adjustable | Adjustable | Adjustable |
| Rubber | Hogue® Monogrip | Hogue® Monogrip |
| $1,399 | $1,079 | $1,359 |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: .44 Magnum/.44 Special
• Capacity: 6 rounds in cylinder
• Barrel length: 6"
• Overall length:11.6"
• Weight: 3.3 lbs
• Finish: Blue
• Grip: Hardwood or Rubber
• Sights: Adjustable rear, ramped front
Popular Accessories
firearms?
- Scopes
- Holsters
- Laser Sights
- Recoil Pads
- Magazine Extensions
- Grips
- Speedloaders
- Rails
- Cleaning Kits
- Flashlights
Accuracy
The Colt Anaconda is a trustworthy revolver, known for its tight groupings and accurate shooting. The 6-round cylinder can be fired multiple times without having to stop and reload, allowing shooters to stay on target and continue shooting accurately. Furthermore, the Anaconda’s adjustable sights allow for more accurate aiming and better accuracy, while the balance of the gun makes it easier to hold and point steady. Overall, the Colt Anaconda is known for its reliable accuracy, making it a popular option for shooters looking for accuracy in a revolver.
