Comparison: Python vs Anaconda?

[coyotewillie]

I've got an 8" Colt Python, love the thing, but I've always wanted a .44 mag. Lately I've been considering selling/trading the Python for an Anaconda. How did the Anaconda compare to the Python for quality? The Python has always been considered as having the best fit/finish of any revolver made. Did Colt build the Anaconda similarly? Are the current prices comparable right now? Thanks. Greg

 

[rcmodel]

The best I can come with is:
Python = Python.
Anaconda = Ruger.

rc

 

[ColtPythonElite]

An Anaconda is superior to a Ruger in quality. Anaconda's have a forged frame unlike a cast Ruger.

Anancoda's basically are an overgrown King Cobra or MK V. They are stout. I have a couple. The fit and finish on them is top notch, IMO. They are among the most accurate wheelguns I have. Currently a nice 6" starts at about 900 bucks. You can add another 100 bucks if it has the box. 4" and 8" usually bring about 100 bucks more than the 6 inchers.

 

[rcmodel]

It was a joke alright!

Seriously, you have to admit they are closer to a Ruger design then a Python though, don't you?

rc

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I'd say an Anaconda is closer to a Smith than a Ruger in design.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Do not trade your Python for an Anaconda. The Anaconda is a Colt Trooper (with a S&W type lockwork action) on steroids. The Python is a late 19th Century design and the Anaconda is a 20th Century design. We're talking two entirely different types and class of Colt revolver with the Python requiring greater skill to assemble and time than the Anaconda.

The Anaconda is forged unlike the investment casted Ruger Red Eagle. However, the Anaconda will not outlive a Ruger. Ruger revolvers aren't noted for smooth triggers, but they are more durable and can take more neglect and abuse. I'd put the Anaconda on par with the S&W M-29 or M-629. Both are forged and have mimed parts (and I prefer investment casted over MIM).

 

[Gordon]

Anacondas are OK and I trust them even tho the action pieces are not forged , and yes I think like RC inferrance . I don't currently own an Anaconda but have turned a few after tasting for a modest profit after they were discontinued. I also last year sold my unfired 8 " Python to buy silver that has tripled. I also sold two NIB Peacekeepers that I paid $299 for for $700 this spring, they went quickly. I dumped early 20th century Colt small frame revolvers for solid profits recently I had to be realistic in $ to move the pretty devils quickly.
Think I'd go for an 8" S&W 629 if you like the 8" Python.

 

[Idano]

Love my Anaconda and wouldn't trade it for anything. I have had mine for 15 years and I've ran a lot of lot of max rounds through it without a single issue. The trigger on it out of the box was as good if not better then the the one on my Springfield match 1911. In MHO it's the only 44 worth owning.

 

[cochise]

Both revolvers represent quality and craftmanship. It is a crying shame that they are no longer made. I own 2 Pythons ( 4", 6" ), and an unfired Andaconda. I would buy more but not at todays inflated prices. I know they will never go down in price, but their price is out of line in my opinion.

 

[22-rimfire]

The Anaconda is no Python. Keep the Python. It is more of a King Cobra. Don't overlook the Smith 44's. They are very good and many feel they are better.

 

[918v]

The Anaconda is not as well finished as a Python, and the lockwork is cast, like the King Cobra.

The Python is no Officer's Model Target from the 1930's either, but it is way nicer than the above mentioned duo.

 

[Princi]

I was at Cabela's one day and they had an Anaconda for sale in their fine gun library. I asked the manager, who I have known for a long time, what it would cost me out the door. His response was: "It's not a Python, and you don't want it." (He sold me my two Pythons). To turn down a sale tells me two things: 1) He is an honest friend 2) he doesn't think much of the Anacondas.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I'd love to know why the guy said "You don't want it". True, it might not be a Python. Comparing them is really apples to oranges. An Anaconda's action is a stronger, more reliable design than a Python. As far as a .44DA revolver goes, they are great guns. Both of mine are as accurate as my Pythons.

 

[918v]

Fit, finish, appearance.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Odd....I have a couple of Anaconda's that have great fit and finish. I'd guess appearance is subjective. Personally, I find them attractive.

 

[Lucky Derby]

As others have said, An Anaconda is a fine revolver, but it is not a Python. It is an overgrown King Cobra, not an overgrown Python.
Now I wouldn't mind having an Anaconda, but I would not sacrafice a Python to do it.

 

[4thHorseman]

The python is a completely differnt gun than the anaconda. Different guts in her. The python has a "silver bead" run down the barrel, (I hope I got that right, it has been so long ago). The python is almost all hand assembled and fitted. The anaconda is a massive power house in which the 44mag bullets live in some huge size holes in the cylinders. The anaconda kills from end and wounds from the other.
Both revolvers are simply amazing revolvers but serve two different reasons for life!
The python is used for mean two legged creatures with teeth, maybe a horn or two, or maybe a knife it thinks maybe a horn. Either one would work reasonably well, but its best to gage the projectile with the critter.
Python usually cost more also because of there older style lock work requires more hand fitting lock work