.45LC Anaconda

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Nightcrawler

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Anybody have a Colt Anaconda revolver chambered for the .45 Colt round? I've got a hankering for a 6" example of one of these (and a 4" if any were made) something fierce.

How's it shoot? How durable is it? I've heard the Anacondas are stronger than pre-endurance package S&W M25s, but are less strong than Redhawks. Is this about right?

Thanks!
 
Just looking through my new Blue Book of Gun Values a couple days ago. They claim there were only a half dozen or so of the Anacondas made in 4" .45 Colt variant. If true you may have to hunt REAL HARD to find one, eh?:p
 
I've ran a few Ruger only loads thru mine with no problem. Some have posted of pins shearing in theirs. They are tough revolvers though.

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I hagve a 6 inch Anaconda in .45 Colt. I dearly love it!!! It's an extremely strong revolver, and I've been able to run a few "Ruger only" loads through it without any harm.

Normally, though, I use it as a .45 Colt. 250 gr cast or plated bullet over 9.0 unique for about 900 FPS. A nice, pleasant, soft recoiling, but powerful load.

I wouldn't trade mine for anything made.
 
I had one (6" barrel) darn fine gun. Sold it to my best friend in a fit of weakness. I shot alot of heavy stuff in it, didn't seem to affect it in a negative way. With standard 45 Colt loadings it was a pussycat.
 
I paid about $600 for a mint, used model with very tight lock-up. SHot some Blazer 45JHP200gr, some Silvertips in 225gr, and some 250gr hardcast rhough the gun. No problems. QUite accurate. I carry it more than a 44 mag. Mine is 6in. I have never come across a 4in 45LC ANaconda in my travels, to date. You will find 44 mags in 4in more frequently. They used to sell for $450 or so new. Oh well. I like the recessed crown muzzle, and the ribs. I like the Colt medallion with the horse on the rubber grips. Nicely balanced and accurate revolver for 45 Colt. Many people gripe about diameter of throat or bore on 45 Colt on Rugers. The Anaconda I have has been fine. Ilike it with 225gr Silvertips best.
 
Personal preference leads me to the 5 1/2" Redhawks. I have one in .44 and .45. Very nice, but I won't quibble with someone who prefers the Colt.
 
I too really like the anaconda in 45Colt. I have seen 2 6"ers in my area recently- both were right around $800. I have certainly seem them priced higher.
A few months ago, I did see one of the 4" models. I believe I could have picked that up for about $1200.00 Should have done it, because they are very rare- but I was already financing a couple other purchases.
However, considering the design of the anaconda, the 4" just doesn't really seem... right to me- it is just a bit blocky. The 6" definitely looks, feels, and balances better.

Of course there is a lot of Colt bashing that goes on, but John Taffin has an Anaconda 45Colt, and he gave it very high praise in his book, "Big Bore Sixguns".
 
Sorry, I can't speak to the .45LC version, but my .44 mag 8" Anaconda is simply awesome. Bought it brand new a year ago, and boy am I glad I did!

Shot it today as a matter of fact.

It handles top-end handloads like a champ, and with the factory porting (8" version only) it has extremely managable recoil.

Colt.png

It cost a pretty penny, and in my mind, was worth every penny. I don't know if you'll ever find a nicer trigger out of the box.
 
I also saw this little honey on GA (not a bad price):
Click to expand...
Actually that is a very good price. I only had lint left in my pocket after I bought my 4 incher. :(
Just my luck though. I searched for years not even seeing a pic of one except in magazines and after I finally got mine earlier this year this is the second one I've seen.
 
I'd have to agree with the poster who prefers the S&W M25. I examined an Anaconda 6-inch on Saturday and was not impressed. The casting lines on small parts, and the poor finishing of the frame casting showed poor quality on the example I saw. The basic Python form is there, but when you examine one close, it is like looking at a n FM Hi-Power -- close but no cigar.
 
My M25-5 does have a nicer finish than my Anacondas as they have a brushed finish. There are some Ultimate Anacondas that are polished to a mirror finish. I can't see how any frame casting lines are seen as the frames are forged. The hammer and trigger are cast though.
All told though the Anaconda is a much stronger revolver than the Smith M25.
 
Well, I guess I misspoke regarding the source of the roughness and lines, but they looked like they came from a casting process. I am talking about the breech face area. It was just ... rough. Give me a Smith any day.
Now the pythons and the colt agent and cobra snubbies are great.
 
Breech or recoil shield? The breech would have had the B/C gap cut. The recoil shield would have machining marks and no one polishes those marks out. I have several 1950s S&W N-frames with the same amount of machining marks.
 
I have a 6" I got for around $400 new. Shoots great, far stronger than the Smith - easily in the "Ruger only" load class. A bit larger/heavier than N frames.
 
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