How well built are Colt Anacondas?

[el Godfather]

Dear THR:
I have a Colt Anaconda and had a few questions that I think some revolver expert here may be able to answer:

1. How accurate is Anaconda out of the box?
2. How tough is it built to handle hot loads?
3. Best place online to buy holster and wooden grip for it?

Thank you

 

[pendennis]

I own a 6", .44 Magnum model, and it's very accurate. I've managed to hold 2" groups at 25 yard, using sandbags with factory ammo. I imagine I could tighten that if I worked harder at reloading for it.

It is stronger than the S&W Models 29/629, and I'd put it in the same strength category of the Ruger Red Hawk.

As to holsters and grips, you should check out the major holster makers (DeSantis, Bianchi, etc.) for models and compatibility. The more "custom" makers like El Paso Saddlery can also make a fine holster, but the wait time can be a bit long. Wooden grips are available from Hogue, and others. You can also find them on eBay. I prefer the standard Pachmayr's which come on the gun. I also have a set of Hogue's, but the Pachmayrs fit my hand a bit better.

Good luck.

 

[horsemen61]

Pics please

 

[PistolPete45]

Well I have one .. was buying some ammo on line from Underwood .. there was a warning on the heavier loads .. Colt Anacondas & Ruger Black hawks were fine but not S&W ,, I did not know about the warnings until then .. Colts got a pass and Smith didn't What a surprise

 

[Dframe]

1. Extremely Accurate
2. Tough? Like a TANK!
3. Don't know. I don't have a holster for mine.

 

[jad0110]

On 1 and 2, they are probably capable of more accuracy than most of us can harness. And they are at least as durable as the Ruger Redhawk. That said, I'm not sure I'd hammer an Anaconda with a steady stream of atomic loads because compared with Rugers and S&WS, finding gunsmiths to work on them is more difficult and repairs are thus more costly.

 

[Havok7416]

Accurate and well-built. I own one and love it. Wooden grips might be tricky, but I'm sure it can be done.

 

[Gordon]

Well built and robust, finish more like a Ruger Security Six than a Python tho...............

 

[Jim K]

Reportedly, the Anaconda is quite strong, but they are rare and valuable, so I wouldn't work at trying to blow one up. I don't know what it is about some gun owners, but I have known a couple of guys who insisted that "it is impossible to blow up a Ruger", then deliberately proved themselves wrong.

Jim

 

[Rio Laxas]

I'd look at Herretts for the grips.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I have a new of Badger laminate wood grips that I will make someone a deal on.

 

[22-rimfire]

The Colt Anaconda is a very strong revolver. Since they are becoming collectors items, I would suggest using mostly factory ammo or average reloads versus what you might whip up for a Ruger Redhawk or Super Redhawk. However, it is your gun and do with it what you like.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

this thread needs a picture...

Built Tuff

I put a set of Hogue wood grips on this one and they split on the first shot.

 

[Nathan Detroit]

When the Anacondas first came out in .44 Mag, they had a reputation for going out of time pretty easily. Bud Brown, who ran the Warranty Repair station at Cherry Corners in Ohio, said that he saw a lot of them, but that they were easy to get back up and running. Colt probably toughened up the ratchets on the later models.

My Anaconda in .45 Colt spit the nose on the firing pin out the barrel before a round of live ammo was ever fired just from extensive dry firing when I first got it. I would recommend not dry firing the guns without snap caps just to be careful since they are not in production any longer.

 

[snapshot762]

I have an Anaconda and it is built sturdy and has proven to be very accurate from what little I have shot it, but I honestly think the S&W model 29 I used to have shot a lot nicer. It was just as accurate but much softer shooting, the Anaconda has a bit of a bite to it!

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I shoot mine as much as I like and haven't busted one, yet.

 

[rswartsell]

Beginning in 1969 when Colt introduced the .357 Mk III series in the J frame, (The Anaconda is a larger frame designated MM, but still an offspring of this newer Colt philosophy) their hallmark has been brute strength. When the .357 Mk V was introduced introduced in 1982 (V frame), some refinement in action was also achieved.

In 1990 both the improved action and the brutishly strong frame design and execution were applied to .44 mag "MM" frame Anaconda. In much the same way that the Python came to represent the pinnacle of .357 revolvers for refinement, Colt tried to duplicate this dominance in .44 mag with the Anaconda. There was no going back to the craftsman/ hand fitted philosophy, but they didn't miss by much in refinement and not at all for durability, accuracy and strength.

Ruger is always mentioned in these categories (durability and strength) and whether by marketing effort or loyal fans the impression that they sit alone at the top of this heap has never been quite accurate for not at least admitting they share it with the Mk III, Mk V and MM Colts. IMHO there is not a finer .44 mag on the planet, I would entertain arguments only about the single action Freedom Arms.