Anaconda?

H

Henry Baker

New member
Dang I love the Colt Anoconda. What I am looking for is a Colt Anoconda, with a 6" barrel, Preferably in 45LC, but I understand that 44mag is more prevailent. How much do you think this would cost? Where could I find one? Are they still in production? Colt's web site doesn't include civilian, are they not producing for the public anymore? Does anyone have one, or used to? If so how did you like it? (how was the kick, did it feel good, any likes or dislikes, how accurate was it?)

Thanks,
Henry Baker
 
AFAIK, Colt still produces the Anaconda...but I believe it's a Custom Shop gun now, as is the Python. Anacondas in 44 magnum are supremely accurate, but are finicky about some handloads...they have pretty tight throats, which means you have to be selective about your choice of bullet if you handload. And they are pricey!!
 
Ahhhhh! I see the good stough is under www.coltsmfg.com It's not out of business it just split. How do I get to the custom shop on the internet? Or can I? Do I have to call or what? Thanks S&W junkie. I to love the S&W's.
 
Colt has the Aanaconda out of production untill the new machinery is up and running supposedly by early next year. If you want to pay the price and they have all the parts on hand you can probably get the factory to custom build one for you. Search the online auction sites for both new and used models that are for sale. Since they were made Custom Shop models the price has gone up on them (even some of those that weren't Custom shop models).
My 6 incher chambered in .45 Colt has been a very good revolver. The throats are a little big (typical on a Colt), but it doesn't shoot .454" cast bullets to bad. I've shot some Ruger level loads in it from time to time and it handles those rather well. It is a pretty good size revolver, but that helps with recoil making it a good shooter.
I have had a few chances to shoot a .44 magnum model owned by a range buddy. His Anaconda is a tack driver. I have heard that the .44 models can be extremely accurate. If I ever find a .44 model at a reasonable price I would probably get it myself.
It has the same grip frame as the King Cobra so stocks/grips for one will fit the other, but there aren't a lot of choices. You won't find a lot of holster for it, but it will fit in a holster made for a N-frame S&W with a full lug.
 
A used Anaconda in .44 Mag in less than excellent condition will cost $800.00 and up on the major gun auctions. I don't see a .45lc listed anywhere. :rolleyes:
 
What ammo is more expencive, 44mag or 45 colt? Why is the 44mag model more accurate than the 45colt model, is it just velocity? Can the 45LC model also take 45 auto?

Thanks alot,
Henry Baker
 
Get a 44 mag. You won't be sorry.

colt25so.jpg
 
Ammo price will vary with the power level you decide to shoot. full power .44 loads are common and will be cheaper than full power .45 loads (which will be custom loads). On the average the .44 will have the cheaper price.
The .45 model will be just as accurate as the .44 model once you match the bullets to the throats (in cast bullet shooting). While it doesn't affect jacketed bullets as much it is enough of a difference to show a difference in the .44 and .45 models.
The bottom line on a .45 Colt model is to handload the cartridge or it will be an expensive adventure if you want to shoot the high performance loads.
No, a .45 Colt model cannot shoot .45 acp ammo.
 
Thanks guys,
DROOL!!!!! Snub357 is that yours?
How does the colt anaconda compare to a S&W model 29 from the 70's?
People who have used one what barrel length do you think is best?
 
Henry, yes, it is.

As someone with a few M29's, I can tell you that my Anaconda compares very favorably. It's my latest 44 Magnum, and if my first outing is an indication of how well it will shoot, my Smiths might be getting jealous.

There have been reports of some lemons out there, so be sure to inspect before you buy. When Colt laid off a bunch of Millworkers, some of the machinery got out of alignment, and a few left the factory with the barrels bored two degrees off. If you see a used gun with the rear sight cranked all the way to one side, it's probably one of them. Another way to tell is to insert a 3 foot wooded dowel into the barrel. If the barrel is crooked, the dowel will show it. Also, check the timing. Like I said, there was a time period where they rushed a few "out the door".

Mine is a first year gun, and I am very impressed with the quality and the accuracy. I've shot it with 240 gr. JHP's and some 300gr JSP hunting ammo, and recoil was very managable. But is DOES kick with the 300 grainers!


This might be a bit extreme for some people, but I've been know to carry LARGE revolvers on a pretty regular basis.

Check it out, it CAN be concealed:

ka44lw.jpg


ka35xx.jpg


The holster is a Thomas Perfectionist, made by Kramer. It is for an N frame Smith, but the Colt fits like it was made for it. Perfectly.
 
I like the way you think snub. If you carry an anaconda concealed you're a bad a**. Imagine the look on some glock totin' home boys face whene he sais "give me your wallet" and you give him a 300 grainer! Would you suggest I get an anaconda or a Smith29? Which one's more expensive?

Thanks,
Henry Baker
 
Snub357,
Ouch. I think I'd pop my shoulder out of socket just trying to get a grip on that thing. Is the butt of the grip that close to your pit, or just a funky camera angle shot?
 
I won't be carrying it around town with 300 grainers though. Probably Cor-Bon 180 44 Specials instead!

I think you need one of each. The Smith is a true Classic in every sense of the word. But the Anaconda has lots of charm, and eye appeal, as well as having a reputation for superb accuracy. I've never owned or shot a bad Model 29. This is my first Anaconda. But I definitely wouldn't mind having another one with a four inch barrel!

If you go Smith, I would recommend an older 29, one of the "pinned and recessed" ones. The 29's made during that era are superior in quality, IMHO, and tend to have the best triggers.

If you are new to 44 magnums, I would suggest a six inch barrel, as they tend to be more "managable", so to speak, in terms of recoil, and have a longer sight radius.

Generally speaking, you can find 29's cheaper. But if you aren't in a hurry, and "shop around" you can find an Anaconda for less than $800. I did :D
 
Is that how you wear it? I'de wear it cross draw, at 9 to 10 o'clock. But my pants would probably fall right down. How much does that thing weigh? Do you think I could find one at a shop or gun show, or is the anaconda to rare now? Thanks for all your advice and knowledge.

I just remembered Mr. Whitting, a fishing buddy, told me once he bought a 29 in the early 70's and never shot it, not even once. He still has it as far as I know. I might have to inquire some more! How much do you think it's worth?

Sorry about all the boring questions,
Henry Baker
 
Snub357,
Ouch. I think I'd pop my shoulder out of socket just trying to get a grip on that thing. Is the butt of the grip that close to your pit, or just a funky camera angle shot?
Click to expand...

The camera angle exaggerates it a little.....

The grip comes to within 8,9 inches or so, of my armpit. That's one of the keys to this holster "working". Not so much of the barrel is in my pants. The holster is worn just behind the "point" of my hip.
 
I'de wear it cross draw, at 9 to 10 o'clock. But my pants would probably fall right down. How much does that thing weigh?
Click to expand...

It wouldn't work crossdraw. The angle is way too severe. The grip would be too far around to the off side.

It weighs 52 ounces.
 
No, it doesn't. I'm a firm believer in the right holster for the right gun. With a proper gun belt, like the Gunners Alley I have, and a high quality holster, I can carry all day and night with no discomfort. It doesn't even pull my pants down....... ;)
 
That's good to hear :D . Does it tier out your arms to shoot a gun that big for long periods of time?
Snub357 Reread post 15, I edited it.
 
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