Hi All,
Don't intend for this thread to become a "Colt vs. Smith" skirmish or rehashes of the specs of these two revolvers that can be read on the manufacturers' websites. Rather, I'm asking for comparisons of the new (or the older original if that's what you know) Anaconda (ideally 6") to the Model 629 by those who have actually shot both.

What are your takes on balance, handling, trigger, ergonomics, and overall functioning and shootability of one vs the other, understanding there will be a measure of subjectivity? Pros and cons of one vs the other in your hands?

I'm contemplating adding an Anaconda to my stable of .44s which includes a 6" 629 no dash and a 4" 629-4, both of which are regularly shot with both magnum and spl rounds and thoroughly enjoyed. It would be a range shooter, not for carry or hunting.

This would be my first, and likely only Colt for the foreseeable future (yes, really, really -I mean it, I do, well, maybe ). Your input will help decide whether to invest the effort to run one down as well as purchase.
Thanks as always!

Sure!!! I think I said the same thing a few months ago. Although I’ve owned a few Colts several years ago I foolishly sold them and regretted my insanity ever since. As of today I’m now 4 new Colts up again, a 38 super Commander, new Python, King Cobra and Cobra and I’m contemplating adding an Anaconda.

When I bought my Python a customer was taking delivery of a new 6” Anaconda. I didn’t handle it but it looks like a Python on steroids, it’s beautiful. If the Anaconda is as good as the Python, King Cobra and cobra it’s a real winner.

Having said that I own a nickel 4” 29-2 and it’s not only aesthetically a piece of art it’s a real performer. I honestly can’t imagine the Anaconda outperforming it but feel it will equal the 29 in every way. That’s the way I feel about my Smith 66-2 2.5” vs the Python. They’re comparable in all respects but offer a slightly different experience in shooting.

I would purchase a new Anaconda without an issue. I would not purchase a new Model 29 or 629.

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GOA FL Dir. & Nat. Spokesman

Why would you not purchase a new 629 or 29?

I had an original 6 inch Anaconda back in the day. My impressions were it was a little heavier than a 6 inch N frame, balanced a little different, grip / trigger relationship felt a little different, as did DA trigger pull. None of which means inferior, just different. Plenty accurate and reliable. Eventually it went down the road.

Today, with a little more discretionary income available, and a fair number of S&W and Ruger .44's in my collection, I am again in the market for a new 6 inch Anaconda. Several on-line reviews speak highly of them, and they are supposed to be an improvement over the old ones. If they are built to the standards of the new Python, which I have handled, I think I will be happy with one.

The lock is why. I have a 6" and 8" P&R Model 29 along with a no lock 8" Model 629.

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GOA FL Dir. & Nat. Spokesman

I have an original Anaconda and a 629 both in 6”. My 629 does not have the underlug. The Anaconda feels a lot heavier, but balances nicely. Both are a pleasure to point and aim, much like comparing a 66 to a 686. The Anaconda shoots softer than most 357s. The recoil and muzzle flip of the 629 is noticeably greater. If you weren’t comparing the two, the 629 wouldn’t be objectionable, but I prefer the Colt for magnum range shooting fun. With my 44 Special loads, it’s a toss up, so I prefer my 3” 629 for that. Interestingly, my 629 generally gets about 50 FPS more velocity than the Colt, but both are very accurate.

I don’t use it. Forget it’s even there. I’ve shot well over 10,000 rounds of hot loads through my 5” 629 and it hasn’t caused any issues.

Not sure what the new Anaconda is priced like where you guys are but in Canada I could get two S&W or Ruger 44’s for the price of one Anaconda. So Colt can keep it.

Absolutely you should! I own a new Colt 6” Python and love it! My brother has a new 6” Anaconda and it seems every bit as nice as the new Python. I didn’t shoot the Anaconda yet, just handled it, and it’s certainly more substantial than a S&W 629. I think you’ll be quite pleased with it.

Having been duly enabled, I will checkout the Anaconda! Now get a load of this-one is available locally, NIB. Asking price is $2200 for revolver with MSRP of $1499. That's a 47% markup over sticker! Maybe I'll look at it, but certainly not a buyer at that price for something that would be nice to have but not need to have. On line auction sales prices seem to range from $1500-2000 for the standard factory versions NIB. I think I'll keep my powder dry until the initial buying frenzy subsides. Hope it does in a reasonable time frame...

I have a 6 inch 686 and 6.5 inch 629. Both have the Lock. The bullets don't notice the lock as they go down the barrel.

47% over MSRP is ridiculous.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

Only if a 5” to match my 5” 629

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Sure you did

I caved and bought a new Python and it is so nice that I considered getting an Anaconda to complete the set. Well, my LGS received his first Anaconda and I got the call. The price was MSRP, so that was acceptable. I spent maybe 20 minutes with the Anaconda and after noticing the size and weight differences over the Python and a S&W 629, I decided that it just wasn’t for me. I shoot, carry and hunt with my S&W’s and feel the Colt would be too cumbersome for my gun activities.

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S&W factory revolver armorer

Is the new anaconda lockwork the same as the new python lockwork???
I know the old ANaconda had the coiled spring lockwork like the Trooper Mk III.

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Forum consigliere

I believe it is the same.

They're selling for $1600 here. Production is slow so you have to keep a notification active if you want to have a chance of buying one at that price. I think sportsman's warehouse had a few not long ago for that price. There's still some speculation going on because they're so new but that will be finished by the end of the year when Colt delivers a few more. I'm sure they're building them as fast as they can. I may buy one when the market cools down a bit. Not because I don't like the 629 but I won't buy a new one and the older ones (-4 and older) costs as much or more than a new Anaconda.

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That's just somebody talkin.

So, folks, today I checked out the 6" Anaconda that remains up for sale. The revolver is certainly a stunner- mirror finish, beautifully built and carefully crafted, vault-like lockup. While others complain about the Hogue monograph, I rather like them - just like on my Smiths, as they fit my hands perfectly and the gun are for shooting, not show. I did find that even on the 6" the gun is a bit muzzle-heavy to me.

At this price point, for me to be a buyer, it has to be ergonomically perfect for me. It didn't meet that criterion. I suspect if Colt comes out with an anaconda in 4 or 5", I might be convinced to pull the trigger on the entry fee, which seems a bit steep for what it is. As others point out, i can buy 2 Smiths for the price of 1 anaconda. Which brings me to the other relatively minor negatives- a bit too muzzle heavy(for me), the Colt pony symbol on the frame looks like a child's stick figure drawing - really, Colt! And what's with the QD code on the right side of the frame? I can overlook what seem like small cosmetic blunders, but the muzzle weight and price are deal breakers for me right now. Also, until the CZ purchase works itself out, there will be a nagging question about Colt service support going forward. Will need to watch as the situation develops...keeping my powder dry.

Wa, wa, wa, waa...wa, wa, wa, waaa!
NOBODY buys a Colt Python or Anaconda on a "price point." That's the smoke & mirrors "rationalization" used to justify not having the scratch to make the purchase!

As for the cost, MSRP on the Anaconda is $1,499 which is $300 more than the MSRP on a M629, and maybe I spent too much time teaching "common core" math, but the price difference AIN'T "double."

NOBODY here will buy a S&W New Classic for half the price of a Python or Anaconda - not even close, and IN FACT, certain S&W models carry their own premium such as the 8-shot models!

I’d be all over a new Anaconda if they come out with a 4 or 5”. I sure appreciate the fit, finish and function of my new 4” Python, which I’ve been shooting and carrying almost daily. Other than my “no lock” 342pd and 296, I don’t see a post 1998 Smith in my life. In addition to the silly lock, I don’t care for the aesthetics of the new Smiths, especially those models with the two-piece barrels. To be fair, I don’t like the aesthetics of the new Colt Cobra, King Cobra or Kimber K6 neither, that’s just my opinion.

Attached Images

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213th FBINA

I'd be all over an Anaconda if I could find one locally. It seems it may be a while before that's possible.

I greatly prefer the Smith DA trigger pull over Colt's DA pull.

The Anaconda though is a gun I'd mostly be shooting SA anyway though.

That is correct. I wouldn't buy a "new" S&W with the Hillary Hole now if you paid me. Has not a thing to do with how well they shoot.

Go to a popular auction site and have it transferred to your local FFL.

You will save a few bucks.

At a local show, one vendor was asking $2,700.00 for the new one.

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Rather be outdoors

Ha! I agree, see it all the time, and definitely with Colts. High dollar item stinks, or is nit picked because somebody doesn’t want to pony up the premium price on a premium product (gun, car, boat, house, etc.). It’s ego self protection…. We’ve all been there!

The new Anaconda may not be for everyone, but I love mine. Beautiful revolver, with a really nice action/trigger. Double action is nicer than my 629, single action break is good on the Colt, but it’s a little nicer on my 629. Both guns are very accurate. Also like the stainless trigger and hammer on the Colt vs. the mim on the Smith.

I think the Anaconda balances just fine. There’s no debate, we’re talking big revolvers here, you’ll have some weight with the gun. The Anaconda has a beefier frame than the 629, and the ribbed/full under lug barrel has a little more weight out front, compared to the 629. I honestly don’t even notice it with the Anaconda. I have good hand strength, and with a firm grip, I don’t notice anything in terms of nose heavy with the gun. I like the way it handles recoil. Still shooting .44 mag, but it’s fun to shoot.

Really love my 629-1, great gun, but I think the Anaconda is nicer. And can’t warm up to the idea of buying a new 629 with the lock, no thanks, I’ll pay more and get the Colt…. That said, both the Colts and the Smiths are very nice guns, it’s nice to have choices.

Here’s some pictures for comparison.

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NRA Life Member

You won't get a lock with a new Colt. The reason the -4 629's are selling for new Anaconda prices. $1600. It's real amigo.

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That's just somebody talkin.