New Colt Anaconda availability---Sportsman's Whse

[rjm6120]

I guess this is more of a public service announcement for those who have been waiting for new Colt Anacondas to become available.

I have been wanting one of these ever since the announcement came out. I have been checking the Sportsman's Warehouse site at least once a day to see if my local one in northern Kentucky had any available for ordering. A check this morning revealed some 8" barreled versions were available and was FINALLY able to get one ordered. Should be able to get it in a couple weeks.

I did a check on surrounding area stores and it looks like SW in NUMEROUS states got some in for order.

If anyone has already managed to get their hands on one, I'm interested in your thoughts about them.

 

[Shootgood]

I like the new anaconda better than the original, the fit and finish is much nicer. As far as the Python I think the original is much nicer than the new production, but the new pythons shoot great.

 

[Mark8]

The new Anaconda is great, so much better than the original, it's basically an oversized Python. Finish and quality appears to be very good on the latest production, I have checked out 3 so far and they were all flawless. Out of the box action is significantly better than current production Smiths.

When it comes to large and heavy .44 Magnum revolvers, the Korth NXR is currently the reference in my opinion, but the Anaconda can definitely hold its own. The 8" Anaconda is about the same size and weight as the Korth NXR (bigger and heavier than an N-frame). The action on the Korth is better, but when it comes to looks, the Anaconda takes the crown, that semi-polished piece of steel is just beautiful! (with nicer grips obviously)

 

[Laketime]

I handled one ,its worth the $1200 MSRP. But even drunk its not worth the $2500 most dealers are asking for it. Two of my local shops have sat on theirs for about a year now at that price.

 

[sodacan]

The new Anaconda is great, so much better than the original, it's basically an oversized Python. Finish and quality appears to be very good on the latest production, I have checked out 3 so far and they were all flawless. Out of the box action is significantly better than current production Smiths.

When it comes to large and heavy .44 Magnum revolvers, the Korth NXR is currently the reference in my opinion, but the Anaconda can definitely hold its own. The 8" Anaconda is about the same size and weight as the Korth NXR (bigger and heavier than an N-frame). The action on the Korth is better, but when it comes to looks, the Anaconda takes the crown, that semi-polished piece of steel is just beautiful! (with nicer grips obviously)

At 4X the price it should be better in some way. It is also 4X uglier. LOL.

 

[Harry Callihan]

A local store in my area last week had 9 of these in stock with the 8 inch barrel. I prefer the 6 inch. They were priced at 1599. I was able to handle one. They are very nice. The fit and finish looks great.

 

[robertrwalsh]

I saw one on the shelf three days ago at a LGS. I think it was $2,100.

 

[dmar]

Got mine last Summer, and it's a really nice revolver. It has a very heavy duty frame, but balances nicely and has a great trigger. IMO, better than the original Anaconda. BTW, the retail is $1,499, not $1,299.

I paid a tick above retail, and would do it again. Is it worth more than $2k? I suppose it is, but I wouldn't pay it. That said, with our inflation problems, $2k may sound like a good value in another year, or so…

Here's a couple of pictures, one with new 3" and 4.25" Pythons for comparison l

 

[jfleisher]

I admit to picking up a few…

 

[Lowa]

I had to sell my 2020 python because the trigger reset is terribly long and I couldn't stand it. I reckon the longer barrels would be better for target shooting and the 4" better for not buying at all. If only the model 69 came in a 6"

 

[Mark8]

At 4X the price it should be better in some way. It is also 4X uglier. LOL.

Well, they do classic versions, with a barrel rib much like the Anaconda. Nighthawk calls them "Mongoose .44 Magnum" and offers the 3" and 4" variants in the US.

 

[Fishinfool]

Congratulations on acquiring a fine big bore revolver.

Ahh, Sportsmans Warehouse.....

Wanted an Anaconda, didn't want to pay over retail, so I signed up with them to be notified when in stock. Twice, that I know of, they had them in, then sold out again, without me ever receiving an e-mail notification. I eventually found myself one local, for retail, and bought it. Same deal with a SA-35 HP copy. They have had them at least once, I know of, with no notification. Complained to SW about it, and never received a response. But I do get two or three e-mails a day hawking things I am not interested in. Still looking for a SA-35.

Anyway - Yep, the new Anaconda is a first class revolver, much nicer than the original I once owned. All the above positive comments apply. I am particularly impressed with the DA trigger pull - Night and day compared to the originals. My only real complaint is the serrated trigger - I like smooth, and the poorly designed rear sight that uses a micro small set screw for windage adjustment. Hate to say it, but fit and finish is better than any new Smiths I have handled lately. Only change is I put a set of Hogue wood grips on it. I think they look better, and the gun is heavy enough rubber grips are not really needed for recoil control. I'm waiting for a blued, or 4 inch stainless version.

Larry

 

[rjm6120]

Congratulations on acquiring a fine big bore revolver.

Ahh, Sportsmans Warehouse.....

Wanted an Anaconda, didn't want to pay over retail, so I signed up with them to be notified when in stock. Twice, that I know of, they had them in, then sold out again, without me ever receiving an e-mail notification. I eventually found myself one local, for retail, and bought it. Same deal with a SA-35 HP copy. They have had them at least once, I know of, with no notification. Complained to SW about it, and never received a response. But I do get two or three e-mails a day hawking things I am not interested in. Still looking for a SA-35.

Anyway - Yep, the new Anaconda is a first class revolver, much nicer than the original I once owned. All the above positive comments apply. I am particularly impressed with the DA trigger pull - Night and day compared to the originals. My only real complaint is the serrated trigger - I like smooth, and the poorly designed rear sight that uses a micro small set screw for windage adjustment. Hate to say it, but fit and finish is better than any new Smiths I have handled lately. Only change is I put a set of Hogue wood grips on it. I think they look better, and the gun is heavy enough rubber grips are not really needed for recoil control. I'm waiting for a blued, or 4 inch stainless version.

Larry

I pretty much had the exact same SW experience you had, Larry, except I got extremely lucky yesterday morning by just checking the site on a whim and, lo and behold, they were available. Never received an email alerting me to availability this time or, about 3 weeks ago, when the site said they were available but when I tried to order one they were really out of stock.

I think I will try to score a set of wood grips as well, which look fantastic on yours. Never was a fan of rubber Hogues.

 

[Fishinfool]

Nice thing about the new Anaconda is the grip frame is the same size as the new Python, and the new Python is the same as the old version. So, any grips that will fit a Python will fit the New Anaconda.

Larry

 

[rjm6120]

I was wondering about that as well, Larry and thank you for that info.