New anaconda thoughts

[ericuda]

Lgs has a couple new colt anaconda's listed and I wondered if anyone had any thoughts here on grip size, weight, shoot ability, etc. One of them is listed as a blem. Not sure if I'd be interested in a blem or not. They are both listed at a little under 15 bill, both 6".

I watched hickok45 shoot one and he seemed to like it but he is waaaay more a shooter than me.

I know it is too low capacity for some here and I don't want to hear that.

 

[BBarn]

I know nothing about the current ones other than the design has changed. The original one I had didn't want to stay in time.

 

[Anchorite]

I know nothing about the current ones other than the design has changed. The original one I had didn't want to stay in time.

Can you elaborate? Was the revolver in time when you bought it? Amazing that it made it out the door from a major manufacturer if it was out of time or not in “factory specs,” right?
Did you shoot reloads or factory ammunition in it? At what point did it go “out of time? Did you send it back for warranty? Sell it to an unwary buyer?

It would be helpful if you could add some details. Thanks.

 

[BBarn]

I bought the Anaconda used from a friend, who later bought it back from me. I never sent it back to Colt, and I'm not sure he ever did either. The timing was off just enough that very slow cocking of the hammer would occasionally result in full cock being reached before the bolt would lock the cylinder. Cylinder lockup was fine if cocked at a normal cocking speed.

I didn't notice the problem right away, but it might have been there all along. All I ever shot through the gun were light to upper midrange handloads (240gr jacketed over W231 or #7 as I recall).

It wasn't an uncommon problem with the original Anaconda. A hand that was too short or narrow could cause the problem. The somewhat thin side plate in the hand window area seemed to aggravate the issue as well.

Perhaps the newer design has corrected that tendency. I loved both the feel and appearance of that gun (6" bbl.)

 

[Anchorite]

In my experience, the most common Colt mis-time situation is the hammer cocks before the bolt drops into the lock notch. (Hammer is cocked, but cylinder isn't locked). Sounds like your situation.

In this condition, with the hammer fully cocked, you can push the cylinder slightly, and you will hear a click as the bolt drops into lock.

Again- it’s been my experience - most Colt's (before they were acquired by CZ) left the factory with the bolt dropping a little late into the notch lead, but usually wear in to correct timing.

If the bolt drops onto the cylinder early, no real problem, but there will most likely be drag wear on the cylinder, or a pronounced cylinder ring going into the lead.

If the bolt drops late (closer to the lock notch) the cylinder may "throw by" or rotate *too* far in double action and this can cause off-center primer hits and firing while unlocked.

Perhaps this is what you experienced?

 

[Palladan44]

The new Anaconda is a great gun. Multiple technical improvements over the original. Lots of info out there on that aspect as to what those specs all are.
I think its better looking than the earlier model Anaconda, IMO. The new shinier but lightly bead blasted matte finish is very, very well done.... it's the best looking stainless steel finish I've ever seen on a production revolver, from an appeal standpoint IMO.
It shoots well, but I still need to get used it a bit more......I'm not in love with the way it shoots just yet. The trigger pull in SA isn't nearly as good as say an early N-Frame S&W, nor is it as smooth as an early day Python. I'd like to get some trigger work done to mine. If it had a trigger like a Model 27 or 29, this gun would be getting more toward your "Unicorn" revolver.
A unicorn revolver to me is:
1)Smith N-Frame- SA Trigger and accuracy
2)Ruger-Strength and durability w/ magnum ammo.
3)Colt, classic beauty and Python-like glass smoothness.


All in all, the new Colt Anaconda was a no-brainer for me to purchase

 

[Anchorite]

I have an original Anaconda in 45 Colt and a Bowen conversion Redhawk 45 Colt with an Anaconda barrel.

I think the “original” Anacondas are just fine. I’m not parting with mine.

 

[dfariswheel]

The new Anaconda has the same grip frame size as the Old and New Python....grips interchange between all three and all the older Colt "E&I" frame revolvers like the Official Police and original Trooper.

The New Anaconda frame and cylinder is larger then the New Python but the design is the same.
The New Anaconda and New Python are a combination of the original King Cobra and the original Python....... a transfer bar safety-ignition system, but with the old Python "Bank Vault" lock up and a very modified "Vee" mainspring.

Double action trigger is better then the original Anaconda and better then the original Python.
Single action trigger is not as good due to these new guns having to pass the California drop test...... when the SA trigger is pulled the hammer is cammed backward slightly, which dirties up the SA trigger.

Accuracy is generally better then the original Anaconda.
Many buyers are ordering the new Wilson Combat rear sight that's much better liked then the Colt stock sight. The new Wilson is equivalent to the old Colt Ellison Target sight.

For a much better trigger many people are sending the New Python and New Anaconda to Heffron Precision for a trigger job. These come back with a better DA and SA pull then the old Python.

 

[unspellable]

I have both an old and a new Anaconda. The new one has a better looking finish. in SA the trigger pull is too heavy, has me considering a rigger job.

 

[cfullgraf]

I have both a new production 8” Anaconda and a new production 6” Anaconda. I like them but each only have about 100 rounds through them.

I do not shoot much double action but the single action trigger pull is acceptable to me, maybe not quite as good as some of my vintage N-frames.

The extra weight of the Anaconda makes for a bit less felt recoil than an equivalent barrel length 629. Of course, the extra weight has its disadvantages as well.

 

[Palladan44]

Some pics, not great lighting.
I'm highly interested in getting some Checkered Walnut grips for it, if there are any suggestions out there. I believe they interchange with the 2020 Python grips as well.

 

[Palladan44]

One more comment about the new Anaconda..... the rear sight seems to be a tiny bit "janky". It's loose in its fitting to the top strap, so it moves all the time. It seems a bit cheaply made. I'd like to see traditional 2-screw micrometer-click settings for both Windage and elevation with decisive detents. This doesn't have that. I especially don't like the windage, where a set-screw is loosened or tightened before applying adjustment. This clearly wasn't engineered to be an improvement, but rather to be less expensive to manufacture....... someone correct me if I'm wrong. If there were a high quality replacement or aftermarket rear sight for the new Anaconda, I'd likely buy it.

 

[ericuda]

Got me an anaconda a bit ago. I tell ya it is very very smooth. The cylinder will spin like a top and it closes with such little effort it makes me wonder if closed ok. Trigger pull is appropriate and single action cocks smooth. Wished my gp100 would cock half as smooth. Sight look good and fits my med sized hands well. Need to get me some dies and bullets to properly test but I am happy.

 

[dfariswheel]

"If there were a high quality replacement or aftermarket rear sight for the new Anaconda, I'd likely buy it."

There is.
Wilson Combat is making a new sight to fit the New Python and New Anaconda.
This is equivalent to the old Colt Ellison Target sight.

 

[dfariswheel]

There are a number of grip makers who make checkered wood grips for the New Anaconda.
The New Python and the New Anaconda grips are interchangeable, and interchangeable with any Colt medium frame grip from the Army Special of 1908 to the Original Trooper (NOT the Mark III or mark V), Official Police, 357 Model, original Python, Officer's Models, etc.

Among makers are......
Eagle. Hogue, Altamont who make them for Colt), Herrett's, Deer Hollow who make exact replicas of the older Colt Target grip models, and more.

 

[ericuda]

I am happy with the way it is. Only thing for me is maybe a wider rear sight. I am by no means a bullseye shooter. Got for fun to ring steel. Grips are good for me. Not too big or too small.

 

[ericuda]

Finally shot my anaconda today. All I got is fiocchi defense ammo as I'm awaiting delivery from good folks to reload as 44 ammo isn't cheap for sure.

Shot a cylinder full and recoil was kinda pleasant. Not sure if this is hot ammo or not, box says 1330 fps. Folks on youtube have to be exaggerating recoil as their hands fly straight up. Rang my steel at 15 and 25 yards easily. Left me smiling, this is going to be a fun round to play with. I am already planning some h110 loads to see and of course 2400 and unique loads.

 

[CraigC]

I really like them and was planning on getting a 6" to hunt with. The old factory Python grips are among the most comfortable I've ever handled and that was my plan.

 

[Shivahasagun]

Based on how much I love my new model King Cobra I'll be getting an Anaconda.

Would have already but was hoping for something closer to a 4 inch barrel, which they are going to have available soon.

But now I'm having second thoughts. 6 inch vs 4.? A 6-inch I could have in days! A 4-inch who knows? If I mount an optic on it I don't need the longer barrel. Nor would I ever carry the 6 inch barrel. I could carry the 4 inch, potentially. Would I ever? 6 inch would burn powder better. 4 inch more resistant to a "takeway" should it be used in a home defense application.

I plan to shoot cowboy to "standard" .44 mag reloads, nothing hot.

It's out of stock, but put yourself on the email list for a Wilson Combat rear sight for new Anaconda's!

REAR SIGHT | COLT PYTHON/ANACONDA | BATTLESIGHT | ADJUSTABLE (shopwilsoncombat.com)

Or, mount an optic (red dot type or ?) on your Anaconda since it's drilled & tapped for it.

I felt the trigger on a new 6 inch Anaconda and it was like that on my new King Cobra. Butter! 95% of my revolver shooting is DA so that is what's important to me.

 

[ericuda]

Yes da trigger is nice. Good debate you are having. I debated between 6 and 8 and honestly if I had shot them both on same day I may have leaned towards the 8. Both are heavy so the 6 or 7 more ounces of the 8 is nothing.

I will end up with a mrd on it so the 6 kinda made more sense.

Nice looking sights there but my eyes are not good enough for irons anymore and the factory irons are pretty good with my readers. I wouldn't even consider an aftermarket. I just enjoy shooting steel and ole pbr's.

 

[Shivahasagun]

I don't know if the new Anaconda 4 inch will be drilled & tapped for an optic like the 6 and 8 inch models.

That would make it a no-buy for me. It'll probably be optic-ready though.

 

[ericuda]

Guarantee it will be. Everything coming out is drilled and tapped or milled for mrd.