Feeling like Dirty Harry but prefer a Colt over a Smith & Wesson?
Well, here you go: a Colt Anaconda revolver chambered in the .44 magnum cartridge but with a 6 inch barrel rather than the more commonly encountered 8 inch (but we also have one of those for you if you prefer!)
This example of Colt’s heavy duty snake gun was manufactured in 1991, or during the second year of production (offered between 1990 and 2003). This revolver is solid stainless steel with a soft luster finish. The revolver has a dual pinned, ramped front sight with HI-VIS orange insert and an adjustable white outline notch rear sight.
It features light floral scroll engraving on both sides of the barrel near the muzzle and at the breech.
Colt equipped this Anaconda with a serrated trigger and a wide serrated hammer and fitted it with checkered walnut grips with gold Colt 150th Anniversary medallions. Complete with blue plastic Colt factory hardcase, blue Colt factory box, hang tag and owner’s manual.
The trigger actions on the Anacondas are rated as very high-quality, and the heavy-duty solid construction and weight tends to absorb recoil, making the Anaconda relatively easy to shoot with heavy loads
We believe this Anaconda to be new. It is in Excellent condition with 99% of the original stainless steel finish with slight handling marks, some light handling scratches near the Rampant Colt and a light cylinder drag line. No powder rings at chamber faces or indications of firing at barrel breech or muzzle or around firing pin.
The engravings and stampings are crisp and clear. The grips are excellent with sharp checkering. The case and box are excellent. Mechanically, this revolver is excellent.
SN: MM75800
Jump to navigationJump to searchColt Python | |
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Colt Pythons with 6-inch (15 cm) and 4-inch (10 cm) barrels and nickel finish | |
Type | Revolver |
Place of origin | United States |
Production history | |
Manufacturer | Colt's Manufacturing Company |
Produced | 1955–2005 |
Variants | 2.5-inch (6.4 cm), 3-inch (7.6 cm), 4-inch (10 cm), 6-inch (15 cm) and 8-inch (20 cm) barrel |
Specifications | |
Mass | 38 ounces (1.1 kg) to 48 ounces (1.4 kg) |
Cartridge | .357 Magnum |
Action | Double-action |
Maximum firing range | 200+ yards |
Feed system | Six-roundcylinder |
Sights | Rear adj.; front ramp |
The Colt Python is a .357 Magnum caliber revolver formerly manufactured by Colt's Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut. It is sometimes referred to as a 'Combat Magnum'.[1] It was first introduced in 1955, the same year as Smith & Wesson's M29 .44 Magnum. Now discontinued, the Colt Python was intended for the premium revolver market segment. Some firearm collectors and writers such as Jeff Cooper, Ian V. Hogg, Chuck Hawks, Leroy Thompson, Scott Wolber, Renee Smeets and Martin Dougherty have described the Python as the finest production revolver ever made.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]
- 2History
Description[edit]
The Colt Python is a double action handgun chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge, built on Colt's large I-frame. Pythons have a reputation for accuracy, smooth trigger pull, and a tight cylinder lock-up.[2] They are similar in size and function to the Colt Trooper and Colt Lawman revolvers.[8]
History[edit]
The Colt Python was first introduced in 1955 as Colt's top-of-the-line model and was originally intended to be a large-frame .38 Special target revolver.[3] As a result, it features precision adjustable sights, a smooth trigger, solid construction, and extra metal. Pythons have a distinct appearance due to a full barrel underlug, ventilated rib and adjustable sights.[3] Colt originally manufactured Pythons with hollow underlugs but left them solid to work as a stabilizing barrel weight. When the revolver is at full cock, just as the trigger is pressed, the cylinder locks up for the duration of the hammer strike. Other revolvers have a hint of looseness even at full-cock. The gap between the cylinder and forcing cone is very tight, further aiding accuracy and velocity.[2] From the 1970s each Python revolver was boresighted at the factory with a laser; the first mass-produced revolver for which this was done.[3]
End of production[edit]
In October 1999, Colt Manufacturing Co. announced that it was ceasing production of Python revolvers. In a 2000 follow-up letter to distributors, the company cited changing market conditions and the costs of defending lawsuits as the reasons for the discontinuation of the Python line, as well as a number of other models.[9] The Colt Custom Gun Shop continued making a limited number of Pythons on special order until 2005, when even this limited production ceased.[2][10]
Models and variants[edit]
The Python was originally available in two finishes: Royal Blue and Bright Nickel. The Bright Nickel model was discontinued with the introduction of the more durable satin stainless and mirror-polished Ultimate Stainless models.[2] The stainless steel and Royal Blue finishes were offered until 2003 by Colt on the Python 'Elite' model.[8]
Pythons were available with 2.5-inch (6.4 cm), 3-inch (7.6 cm), 4-inch (10 cm), 6-inch (15 cm) and 8-inch (20 cm) barrels.[2] The six-inch model was the most popular generally, and the 8-inch model was intended for hunting. A 3-inch barrel version is very collectible, although not rare.[3]
The Python Hunter model, with 8-inch barrel and factory-installed 2X Leupold scope, was made in 1980.[11] The Python Hunter was the first field-ready handgun hunting package made by a major handgun manufacturer.[11] The scope was mounted on the barrel using Redfield mounts and the gun was packaged in a Haliburton case.[11] It was discontinued by 1990 and briefly offered as a 'Custom Shop' model afterward.[11] A Python Target model was made for several years in .38 Special only, in blue and nickel finishes.[8]
Two variants of the Python were made in small numbers by Colt. The first was the Colt Boa of 1985, a limited production .357 Magnum revolver, made for the Lew Horton Distributing Company in Massachusetts. It used a Python barrel mated to a Trooper Mk V frame. Six hundred 6-inch revolvers and 600 4-inch revolvers were made, of which 100 were matched sets. Though it resembles a Python visually, it is substantially different internally. The second was the stainless steel Colt Grizzly of 1994, another limited production .357 Magnum revolver. It used a Python barrel mated to a Colt King Cobra frame. 500 of these revolvers were manufactured, with 6-inch Magna-Ported barrels and smooth, unfluted cylinders. The ported barrel includes a bear footprint. Similar to the Grizzly was the Colt Kodiak, which was a Colt Anaconda with a Magna-Ported Barrel and an unfluted cylinder. Approximately 2000 Kodiaks were manufactured.[8]
According to Colt historian, R.L. Wilson, Colt Pythons have been collected by Elvis Presley and various kings in the traditional sense: 'H.M. (His Majesty) Hussein I of Jordan ordered a limited number of Pythons with 4-inch and 6-inch barrels, as gifts to his selected friends. Casing and barrel were embossed with His Majesty's crest. The Python for King Juan Carlos of Spain bore his name in flush gold on the sideplate. Among other celebrated recipients: King Khalid and Prince Fahd (Saudi Arabia), King Hassan (Morocco), Sheik Zayed (United Arab Emirates), President Anwar Sadat (Egypt) and President Hafez Assad (Syria).'[4]
Usage[edit]
The Python immediately made inroads into the law enforcement market when introduced, with the 6-inch barrel being popular with uniformed officers and the 4-inch barrel considered optimum for plainclothes use.[3] However, it has since fallen out of common use (along with all other revolvers) due to changing law enforcement needs that favor semi-automatic pistols. When law-enforcement agencies realized that the 9 mm semi-automatic pistols fire a round with similar characteristics to the .38 Special with higher capacity, they began a migration to these, and other, semi-automatic pistol cartridges.[12][13] The move away from the Python is also being driven by the increasing number of law enforcement agencies which require officers to carry department-issue weapons (as a way to reduce liability).
The Colorado State Patrol issued 4-inch blue Pythons until their switch to the S&W .40 caliber autoloader.[14]Georgia State Patrol and Florida Highway Patrol issued Pythons to their officers.[14]
Free download mp4 video songs of hum dil de chuke sanam. A Python, loaded with .357 Magnumsemiwadcutter bullets, was used to murder Irish crime reporter Veronica Guerin in 1996, an act which resulted in the creation of the Criminal Assets Bureau.[15][16]
Colt's Python revolvers are still popular on the used market and command high prices.[17]
Criticisms[edit]
Official Colt historian R.L. Wilson described the Colt Python as 'the Rolls-Royce of Colt revolvers',[4] and firearms historian Ian V. Hogg referred to it as the 'best revolver in the world'.[7] However, the revolver is not without its detractors. The downside to the Colt Python's precision is its tendency to go 'out of time' with continued heavy shooting.[18] This is a condition in which the cylinder does not turn in exact alignment with the forcing cone, so a shooter may be sprayed with burning propellant when the gun is fired, or the gun may not fire when used as a double-action.[18] When this happens, the lockwork needs to be re-timed.[18]
Author Martin Dougherty notes the weight of the Python as a drawback, as it is quite heavy for a handgun of its caliber, ranging from 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) to 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg). This makes the Python comparable to Smith and Wesson's premier .357, the M27 which weighs 2.6 lbs. (42 ounces) with a 4-inch barrel. Both revolvers are 6 to 9 ounces lighter than Smith & Wesson's more powerful M29 .44 Magnum, which weighs 3.0 lbs in 6½-inch barrel configuration (1.36 kg).[1]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ abcDougherty, Martin Small Arms: From the Civil War to the Present Day, New York City: Fall River Press, 2005, page 48. ISBN978-0-7607-6329-2
- ^ abcdefThe Colt Python .357 Magnum Revolver by Chuck Hawks at www.chuckhawks.com accessed April 27, 2009
- ^ abcdefThompson, Leroy; Rene Smeets (October 1, 1993). Great Combat Handguns: A Guide to Using, Collecting and Training With Handguns. London: Arms & Armour Publication. p. 256. ISBN978-1-85409-168-0.
- ^ abcWilson, R.L., The Colt Heritage, New York City: Simon & Schuster, 1987, P. 272.
- ^Wilson, R.L., Colt: An American Legend, New York City: Abbeville Press, 1985, P 272.
- ^Cooper, Jeff, 'Cooper on Handguns,' Los Angeles, Petersen Publishing Co., 1974, P. 189.
- ^ abHogg, Ian V. (1994)Military Small Arms: 300 Years of Soldiers' Firearms, Salamander Publishing
- ^ abcdTarr, James (November 18, 2013). Standard Catalog of Colt Firearms. Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. pp. 120–121. ISBN978-1-4402-3747-8.
- ^For several years before that, however, the mighty Python's days were numbered, and some collectors believe the sterling quality of these guns were not the same during the 'strike years,' which began on January 24, 1986, when more than 1,000 workers struck the Colt Firearms division of Colt Industries and Colt hired replacement workers. Update from Colt's Manufacturing Company, Inc.Archived February 20, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
- ^The New York Times, October 22, 1986, 'After 8 Months, U.A.W. Sees Shift in Colt Strike.'
- ^ abcdMetcalf, Dick (1994). 'Top 10 Hunt Guns'. HandGunning. PJS Publications. 8 (5): 52–58.
- ^Bailey, William G (1995). The Encyclopedia of Police Science. Taylor & Francis. p. 309. ISBN0-8153-1331-4.
- ^New York City Police to Replace Revolvers With Semiautomatics The New York Times, By CRAIG WOLFF, Saturday, August 21, 1993, Accessed April 27, 2009.
- ^ abAyoob, Massad(2003)The Colt Python, The Accurate Rifle Magazine, November 2003
- ^Corcoran, Jody (March 2, 2014). 'Veronica led virtual one-woman crusade to bring down gangs'. Independent.ie. Retrieved December 23, 2014.
- ^Cusack, Jim (October 13, 2013). 'Gilligan returns, now just a trivial figure in a very changed landscape'. Independent.ie. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
- ^Fjestad, S.P. (August 18, 2015). 'Colt's Snake Guns'. American Rifleman.
- ^ abcRich Grassi (May 2005). 'C&S Python .357MAG'. Combat Handguns. Retrieved April 27, 2009.
External links[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: |
- Official Safety and Instruction Manual (.pdf)
Colt Anaconda | |
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Type | Revolver |
Place of origin | United States |
Production history | |
Manufacturer | Colt's Manufacturing Company |
Produced | 1990—2003 |
Variants | Kodiak |
Specifications | |
Mass |
|
Length |
|
Barrel length |
|
Cartridge | |
Action | Double-action |
Feed system | Six round cylinder |
Sights | Adjustable open iron sights |
Introduced in 1990, the Colt Anaconda is a large framedouble-actionrevolver featuring a full length under-barrel ejection-rod lug and six roundcylinder, designed and produced by the Colt's Manufacturing Company. Chambered for the powerful .44 Magnum and .45 Coltcenterfireammunitioncartridges, the Anaconda marked the Hartford, Connecticut firm’s first foray into the popular large-bore Magnum pistolmarket.[1]
- 2Features
Development[edit]
Built on a new and heavier ‘MM’ frame, the Anaconda was brought out to compete with .44 Magnum contemporaries such as the Smith & Wesson Model 29, the Sturm, Ruger & Co.Redhawk and Blackhawk, and the Dan Wesson Firearms Model 44. Considering that many of these models had been marketed and sold for fully 35 years upon its introduction, the Anaconda was a very late entry into the large-bore handgun market.[2] Unlike most other pistols introduced in the 1980s and 1990s, the Anaconda was never offered with a carbon steelblued finish, but was available only in stainless steel.[1] When originally introduced Anacondas were plagued with poor accuracy, but changes to the barrels quickly corrected the problems to the point that Colt billed its new pistol as among the most accurate .44 Magnum revolvers in production.[2][3] Anaconda revolvers were primarily marketed for sport enthusiast shooters and hunters, as they are too large for law enforcement general duty use or concealed-carry, although made-to-order limited production versions of the gun continued to be available from the Colt custom gun shop until approximately 2003.[1]
Features[edit]
Originally chambered for the .44 Magnum cartridge, in 1993 the Anaconda began to be offered in .45 Colt cartridge as well. Its fit and finish resembled an upsized King Cobra married to a ventilated-rib barrel reminiscent of the Python's.[2] Initially marketed with a satin brushed stainless finish, a highly polished mirror-like option known as 'Ultimate Stainless' was cataloged for a time through the Colt Custom Shop. Anacondas came equipped with four, six, or eight inch barrels, neoprenesyntheticrubber finger-grooved combat-stylegrips with nickel colored 'Rampant Colt' medallions, large target type hammers and triggers, as well as open iron sights with a red insert front and fully adjustable white outline rear.[2][3] Some models were factory drilled and tapped for telescopic sight mounting, while others shipped with recoil reducing Mag-na-ported barrels.[3] The trigger actions on these guns are rated as very high-quality, and the heavy-duty solid construction and weight tends to absorb recoil, making the Anaconda relatively easy to shoot with heavy loads.[2][3]
Kodiak[edit]
Introduced in 1993, the Kodiak was similar to the Anaconda in that it was constructed entirely of stainless steel, but offered the additional features of a recoil-reducing factory magna-ported barrel and unfluted cylinder.[4]
There were 2000 Kodiaks made as a special run of Anacondas, breaking away from their long history of naming revolvers after snakes.[4] A special run of 1000 King Cobras was made about the same time, having the same Magna-Ported barrel and unfluted cylinder and were called the Grizzly.[4] There was an uncataloged 5' barrel version of the Anaconda, with reportedly less than 150 made. These 5' versions command very high prices when they are encountered. Additionally, Colt made an extremely low number of 4' barrel Anacondas chambered in .45 Colt. This ultra-rare variation commands a premium price when encountered as well.
Colt Serial Numbers Years Of Manufacture
See also[edit]
Colt Anaconda Serial Numbers
References[edit]
- ^ abc“Colt mk. V revolvers: Trooper, KingCobra, Anaconda (USA)” World Guns Web site. Accessed November 26, 2008.
- ^ abcdeTaffin, John. 'Colt's Biggest Snake, the Anaconda'. Sixguns.com. Retrieved November 26, 2008.
- ^ abcd'Anaconda'. Colts Mfg. Archived from the original on January 13, 2007. Retrieved November 26, 2008.
- ^ abcSapp, Rick (2007). Standard Catalog of Colt Firearms. F+W Media, Inc. p. 125. ISBN978-0-89689-534-8.
External links[edit]
- Video of operation on YouTube(in Japanese)
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