.44 magnum help me decide

[hq]

Good luck, I tried bending the tip of the hand over to compensate the slack to the rachet. Which is what I assume you mean by easy fix. If it does work, it won't last long, most likely it won't work just like it didn't for me. The stock hand is a soft almost aluminum feeling material, not very sturdy.

That's not what I ment. Here's a link to a discussion I found some time ago and, after some research, the machining issue described in message #11 seems to be a fairly common one with Anacondas. Some were indeed produced in a hurry.

http://pistolsmith.com/colt-revolvers/22555-anaconda-timing.html

I'll be first to admit that Anaconda is definitely not a gun you need but one you want, and when you do, there will be some detective work to be done to have all the quirks ironed out. As a non-US-resident I don't even have an option to ship the gun back to Colt for adjustment, but fortunately there are quite a few competent revolver gunsmiths around and many of them are used to manufacturing custom parts when spares aren't available.

Still, if I was limited to having just one .44, I'd probably get the S&W.

EDIT: I just spent half an hour working on the Anaconda. There WAS a slight bend in the sideplate just like described in the link. Four-five careful taps with a small punch, checking the timing after each one and now the timing is textbook perfect. Lockup happens exactly at the point when DA trigger pull releases the hammer. Probably the easiest timing fix ever.

 

[beeenbag]

I'm glad it worked for you, mine was too far gone for that I guess. Like I said they replaced all of the major timing components. The side plate is untouched on mine with timing perfect. Hope it stays like that for you. Is your hand the soft light colored material?

 

[hq]

Thanks.

Getting a bit off topic here... the hand is noticeably darker metal than the frame or hammer disconnector. I can't really say if it's soft or not, the gun hasn't been shot much and there are no wear marks on it where it contacts the star. I'm _extremely_ happy with the gun now; finding out that the timing was off was a temporary and minor disappointment, after all.

 

[bikemutt]

Dan Wesson

Considering Dan Wesson revolvers, what model would I set about searching for?

I did a couple of searches on gunbroker.com but came up empty.

 

[Nutbustd]

I have both the Redhawk Hunter and Dan Wesson. No S&W yet but maybe. Fired many Colts and All are outstanding in their own way. If you want strength go Redhawk. I reload a few 44's hot and the Redhawk just shines. Had to change the grips to control flip though. Dan is very nice looking, very deep blue and feels great!. Colts also very good looking and great quality. I like my Redhawk Hunter yea it is heavy and strong. Very accurate I just like'em. Great position to be in to choose from all these fine fine wheel guns good luck

 

[philoe]

You mentioned that you are more of a bird hunter, and this is a "mood" purchase. All will satisfy target/ hunting needs depending on barrel length. Each has strengths (Smith DA trigger/Ruger strength, etc...) I have owned two of the three (Ruger & Colt) and have shot the Smith and the Dan Wesson quite a few times. Any shooter is proud to own the models listed.
I am guessing that money is not an issue, so I would buy them in the following order for collectibility and resale value in the future. 1. Colt. 2. Smith 3. Dan Wesson 4. Ruger.

 

[bikemutt]

Good advice philoe, thanks.