{"id":83335,"date":"2026-06-24T20:04:48","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T20:04:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/?p=83335"},"modified":"2026-04-29T16:45:56","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T16:45:56","slug":"colt-anaconda-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/colt-anaconda-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Colt Anaconda: Updating a Classic Snake Gun"},"content":{"rendered":"

Colt is leaning into what seems to be a burgeoning revolver Renaissance with new models and new variants that demand attention. The Anaconda, part of the revived Snake Gun lineup, fits that trend. Colt debuted the new Anaconda in 2024, but word is still getting out and the company kindly sent us a 4.25-inch-barreled example to test. We requested the .45 Colt chambering since everyone knows that .45 is God\u2019s caliber.<\/p>\n

Colt also makes the Anaconda<\/span><\/a> in .44 Magnum\/.44 Special, and shooters can choose between the 4.25, 6, or 8-inch barrel. Our test gun is stainless-steel, but Colt also offers a blued steel .44 Magnum variant<\/span><\/a>. This review will focus on our 4.25-inch barrel, .45 Colt Anaconda<\/span><\/a> test gun from this point forward.<\/p>\n

\"Shooter<\/p>\n

Colt Anaconda Features<\/b><\/h2>\n

The Anaconda is a big revolver. The all-steel construction means good weight and a solid feel. The semi-bright finish gleams and the gun looks really good. The full underlug and vented top rib add to that effect, reinforcing the barrel and aiding with muzzle flip. Honestly, the Anaconda looks and feels like a buffed up Python. Nothing wrong with that.<\/p>\n

The traditional Colt catch smoothly releases the beefy steel cylinder on an equally solid crane. The underlug shrouds the ejector rod, which includes a knurled, textured knob. The muzzle features a recessed target crown to protect the barrel\u2019s rifling.<\/p>\n

The single action trigger is very nice, breaking consistently at 5 lbs., with the longer double action pull coming in at just under 12 lbs. The wide trigger face is ridged for a positive purchase. The wide, serrated hammer is smooth and surprisingly light, whether you\u2019re cocking the gun for single action or lowering it manually.<\/p>\n

The rear sights are adjustable for windage and elevation and can be swapped out for others if you choose. The front sight includes a nice, visible orange insert that makes acquisition a breeze. The top strap is tapped for an optical plate, which can be purchased from Colt. We didn\u2019t have the plate, so we didn\u2019t run an optic, though I probably wouldn\u2019t have anyway. The Anaconda, in my opinion, is tall enough as it is. But you may feel differently, so I like that Colt provides that option.<\/p>\n

The Anaconda ships with a rubberized, Colt-branded Hogue grip, complete with finger grooves. It feels good in the hand and we like it. But Anacondas are compatible with Python grips, for which many choices exist, if you want to do something different.<\/p>\n

\"Colt<\/p>\n

The Colt Anaconda on the Range<\/b><\/b><\/h2>\n

Three extended range trips have given us a good handle on the Anaconda. We have 350 rounds through the gun, with a quick wipe down between outings. It\u2019s now due a more detailed cleaning, but we wanted to see how it performed dirty.<\/p>\n

My co-tester and I like the Hogue grips and the Anaconda comes on target easily. Recoil was very manageable across several loads of .45 Colt ammunition, thanks to those grips and the beefy construction. The sights are very nice, with the rear notch framing the orange front sight for easy target acquisition.<\/p>\n

Operation is smooth, and the cylinder releases cleanly and locks up tight. The only small issue I had was that two cartridge cases somehow got underneath the ejector star, requiring me to pull them out manually. It only happened those two times, but it\u2019s worth mentioning. It happened with two different ammo brands. The Anaconda performed flawlessly otherwise.<\/p>\n

I was surprised by how much I liked the trigger. I don\u2019t really know what I expected, but the single action is as good as any factory wheel gun trigger I\u2019ve run, and even the double action was smooth and consistent. We quickly learned to stage the trigger to the break, improving our accuracy. We shot the gun in single action a few times, but the majority of our work was in double action since we believe it reflects most real world scenarios.<\/p>\n

\"Shooter<\/p>\n

Accuracy<\/b><\/b><\/h2>\n

The Anaconda is accurate, though my revolver skills are still developing. Nevertheless, I consistently held two-inch groups with the occasional flyer at 10 yards in double action. My groups opened up to four inches at 25 yards. The groups also widened a bit as the gun heated up and got dirtier. I\u2019m convinced that the flyers were on me since the Anaconda\u2019s operation was consistent throughout. The groups will also shrink as my wheel gun skills increase.<\/p>\n

We used the following loads in our testing:<\/p>\n