Last year, when we tested the new Python, Colt fans were asking for the Anaconda to be resurrected. Colt listened, and this year we were able to test the new King of the Snakes! The new Anaconda is built on an oversized Python action that takes advantage of the improved design and modern manufacturing processes. It is void of any offending sharp edges and the finish is a bright polish that is outstanding. The sights on the Anaconda feature a black, adjustable rear, and a ramp front sight blade with a red insert. As with the Python, the front sight blade can be changed by the user. The double action was very smooth and some rated it better than the original Anaconda. The 6-inch barrel features the distinctive rib and full length underlug, resulting in a very well balanced pistol. One of the high marks, with the shooters, was the Hogue Monogrip grips.
The evaluators were impressed with the Anaconda’s ergonomics and trigger. In these two categories, the Anaconda had the highest score of the three pistols. The grips, combined with the overall weight, worked well to tame the recoil of the Hornady 220-grain FTX loads. Still, recoil was commensurate with the caliber and significantly more than the other two revolvers.
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The evaluators liked the sight combination of the black rear blade and the red ramp front sight. They were easy to pick up, even on the indoor range, and the red ramp was easy to track during recoil. The sights contributed to the Anaconda’s accuracy and recoil control scores. However, a close inspection found that there was substantial horizontal play in both the sight base and the sight blade. This was considered to be a serious issue, especially when shooting at extended distance. As such, the sights received the lowest average score of the categories. Overall, the evaluators thought the Anaconda was a well-constructed and finished revolver that reflects Colt’s commitment to their line of revolvers. Retail on the Anaconda is $1,499, which earned the highest score in the value price point category.
