Colt brings back the Anaconda

smithra_66 said:
These new Colts actually are using something different.

The old Mark action guns did not have the bank vault lockup style that the old V-spring guns action did. This lockup extends the hand on the trigger pull to push the cylinder locked against the bolt stop. All colts had this before 1973 and only the Python and detective special carried it forward after that.

The new action uses the best of the old V-spring (bank vault lockup, V-spring power), as well as the best of the old Mark 3 action (transfer bar, S&W style bolt mechanism) to create a really good modern revolver that should be trouble free for many years.

The new Python is something, and the Anaconda should be the same.
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Interesting. I've seen some pics but I haven't handled one yet, let alone take one apart. I've got too many old guns to be buying a new one any time soon.

Some people look at a Mk III/Mk V action gun and think it is out of time because it doesn't have the "bank vault lockup" like the old Colts. They don't know they are supposed to have some play in the cylinder like a S&W.
 
clang444 said:
Interesting. I've seen some pics but I haven't handled one yet, let alone take one apart. I've got too many old guns to be buying a new one any time soon.

Some people look at a Mk III/Mk V action gun and think it is out of time because it doesn't have the "bank vault lockup" like the old Colts. They don't know they are supposed to have some play in the cylinder like a S&W.
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This is sometimes true.

Also, my old Anaconda IS INDEED out of time...the hand is not advancing the cylinder all the way into the bolt notch if it is cocked slowly.

That condition is also present many times on an old V-spring Colt and people in that case do incorrectly think it is out of time....but in that action, the act of pulling the trigger advances the cylinder the final bit before the round goes off. So although it's not perfectly in time, this condition is not really an issue on the V-spring as opposed to the Mark III/V where it is a problem.
 
clang444 said:
The 1st Generation Anacondas were based on the Mk III/Mk V/1st Gen King Cobra action, which does not have the same timing issues as the original Colt action found in the original Python and earlier guns.

I believe all the new Colts use a slightly updated version of this same Mk III/Mk V action. Timing issues should be similar, which should be infrequent.

My Anaconda from the early 90s has never had a timing problem.
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Brother, you are absolutely correct on all that. I was an LE rep for Colt when that gun first came out. I actually had one of the first tool room guns. ( Why didn't I keep that!) They had a problem with the barrels at first and the guns wouldn't shoot magnums very well. It was because they had never built a .44 mag before and used the same tooling they built their .44 spl barrels on. It had a few issues when you stuffed a 240 grain bullet at 1470 fps out of it. They went everywhere. They did get that resolved.

It was actually a very rugged gun and sort of over built. Don't dare fall out of a boat with one in your holster.
 
Glad to see Colt back in the game. I have no desire for a 6 or 8 inch barrel though. Now a 3 or 4" would be a different story, and even then it would still have to be so good that it made me forget it was almost half again more than a comparable S&W.
 
smithra_66 said:
These problems were sporadic and are fixed. The problem was a loose sideplate. You should definitely re-visit your interest in the new Python. It's the best one Colt has ever made, save for the finish and grips, obviously.

I have a lot of rounds through mine with no issues. Also: They are selling with tremendous demand. If your LGS can't "give them away," they should throw them on Gunbroker. They'll be gone in minutes! :)

The design is not defective in the least. This is coming from someone who has a lot of experience digging through both actions internally.
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I agree with this based on the info I have seen. I have the 4.25" version and its a beauty! Only thing I cannot stand about it -- the trigger! I hate it almost enough to sell the gun entirely. I suspect the Anaconda will have an equally crummy trigger.
 
Model1567 said:
Thanks for the heads up, but I find the last part of your post a bit odd.
IIRC, the Anaconda IS the .44 cal. version of the Python.
So why would you make a point of noting that?
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I'm not sure what you mean, but the old Anaconda and the old Python were completely different actions on different frame sizes. Not the same at all.

Original Anacondas were mostly in .44 Magnum, though some were made in .45 Colt. Hence my remark that the new ones are only available in .44 Magnum.

If you mean the linked article, that is on them,not me.

The new Python and the new Anaconda apparently have similar actions but while I have a new Python I haven't even seen a new Anaconda so I can't comment on that.
 
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sigp220.45 said:
And .45 Colt. It will be interesting to see if this new one ever comes out in .45 Colt, too.
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I'd be interested in a .45 Colt Anaconda as a fun gun (you know, if I ever win the lottery...*fingers crossed*), but mostly because it was used by one of my favorite literary heroes in one of his stories.
 
Maybe I should've asked - was the Anaconda ever available in anything other than .44 mag?
I only remember it offered in .44 mag., so when you stated "only in .44 magnum for now", I just found it odd.
 
ContinentalOp said:
I'd be interested in a .45 Colt Anaconda as a fun gun (you know, if I ever win the lottery...*fingers crossed*), but mostly because it was used by one of my favorite literary heroes in one of his stories.
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Fun indeed. Te only Anaconda I ever fired was a .45 Colt that belonged to a friend. It was accurate and pleasant to shoot.
 
shawn mccarver said:
By the way, I hope it goes without saying that my "rant" about the new Python is no reflection on sigp220.45, for whom I have the highest respect, not only for his contributions here, but for his service to this country in the FBI.

So, sigp220.45, if I offended you in any way, please accept my humble apologies. Same for anyone else, if I offended you with my concerns and opinions about the roll-out of the new Python, I am sorry. Just my opinion, and if you disagree, please ignore me.
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You don’t owe anyone a apology for expressing your opinion especially on this forum.

All this proves is Colt continues to make expensive poor quality guns.

My first hand experience was with a new nickel plated 45 Colt SAA I brought around 1996. This was a holy grail gun and too describe it as junk is a insult to scrap yard dealers. How bad was it? The nickel finish on the cylinder blew off in the first 50 rounds of ammunition (Remington factory). Returned it Colt and they replated it. Oh the nickel finish on the frame peeled off so a second trip was needed to the factory.

I sent the gun to Bob Munden and he returned it to me with a note that my gun would “not shoot worth a hoot”. I figured out that the chambers were cut .457 - .458”. Another trip back to Colt and they returned it untouched with a note that the gun was within factory specs. It was literally impossible to find a bullet that would give good accuracy.

Since then Colt apologists on Discussion Forums have reassured me that it was under the old management and that under the current management Colt SAA’s are wonderful guns. All I need to do is spend $1500 to buy one to prove it.

The Python is Colt’s flagship handgun. Colt put so much extra work making the new version yet someone forgot to properly tighten the sideplate screws and the Inspector did not bother to check them. (Hey it probably wasn’t on their checklist so it’s not the inspector’s fault. That’s assuming they even have a final quality control inspection).

Just for the record I want another 44 Magnum revolver and leaning towards the Model 69.
 
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Would love to see a 2.5 or 3 inch round butt snub in .45 LC. Would also like to see them curve the trigger.....that new trigger looks like it belongs on a Doug Koenig 1911!
 
BSA1 said:
Since then Colt apologists on Discussion Forums have reassured me that it was under the old management and that under the current management Colt SAA’s are wonderful guns. All I need to do is spend $1500 to buy one to prove it....Just for the record I want another 44 Magnum revolver and leaning towards the Model 69.
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Almost sounds like Colt should offer to split the difference on the new gun, once you return your old one.
...The model 69 would be another step in the right direction, though.
 
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smithra_66 said:
Also: They are selling with tremendous demand. If your LGS can't "give them away," they should throw them on Gunbroker. They'll be gone in minutes! :)
Click to expand...

Having all of the passengers on a ship that is sinking take a life preserver doesn’t mean the life preserver is good enough to save their life until help arrives.

In the Obama panic people brought old Russian M N revolvers even though there was not any correct ammunition for them anywhere.
 
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Model1567 said:
Almost sounds like Colt should offer to split the difference on the new gun, once you return your old one.
...The model 69 would be another step in the right direction, though.
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I have no interest in burning my hand on a hot stove again. One lesson is enough for me.

The Model 69 is a huge step for me as I dislike the location of the
I.L. hole. I like big bore revolvers and it will be great for packing on the farm.
 
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BSA1 said:
I have no interest in burning my hand on a hot stove again. One lesson is enough for me.

The Model 69 is a huge step for me as I dislike the location of the
I.L. hole. I like big bore revolvers and it will be great for packing on the farm.
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Maybe you already have personal experience with this, but Ruger still makes the Redhawk in .45 Colt / ACP, too.
The Model 69 would be easier to pack around, though, since I believe its a smaller, lighter package.
 
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Model1567 said:
Thanks for the heads up, but I find the last part of your post a bit odd.
IIRC, the Anaconda IS the .44 cal. version of the Python.
So why would you make a point of noting that?
Click to expand...

The old Python and old Anaconda are entirely different beasts. They only bear similarity in looks with the vented heavy barrel.

Also, the old one was available in 45 Colt as well as 44 magnum. This new one is only announced in 44. The NEW iterations are likely the same gun, just bigger for the Anaconda.
 
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