Which Colt Anaconda?

[cyclopsshooter]

I have been given the opportunity by a friend to buy his two Colt Anacondas. I can only afford one, though I'm still trying to make the second one happen too... I have about a week to figure it out.

But if I can only buy one I am having a hard time deciding which.

Weighing the variables, price, practicality, and collectability.. What would you Colt snake gun experts choose?

Both revolvers are easily over 95%

Earlier 6" with factory plastic case but no outer paper box or label, $850

Later 8" ported with factory case and matching label (I'm told its custom shop) tapped for scope mount. $1030

the 8" was much more accurate than the 6"

What say you gentlemen?

 

[captain awesome]

what are your plans for them? Carry? Range fun? Or just to have? For carrying I would go with the 6", for anything else I would go for the 8"

 

[cyclopsshooter]

At the heart of the matter is the collectability- I'm not a .44mag fan so I wont be shooting them... however, I do like to have guns that WOULD have a practical use to me. I think the hunting niche would take the emphasis over carry (.357, .45ACP preferred) so the 8" makes more sense in that regard.

I'm curious which is more desirable on the open market, which would sell the quickest, and what one would command more of a premium due to rarity.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

The price is great on each of them and what I consider a tad low. As far as colletablility goes, I'd invest my money in the 8". There are plenty of 6" guns floating around, but the 8" guns appear more rare.

If you don't want the 8", I'd be interested in it for a silhouette gun.

 

[cyclopsshooter]

Thanks for the input Elite, I have seen you post and trust your judgment. Unfortunately it means that I'm probably going to buy the 8" - it has been whispering at me anyway, the muzzle crown, the complete box, the porting, tapped, and the accuracy... The action really buttered up with some RIG too..
Though neither revolver seems to have the clean, crisp trigger of a Smith 27,29. Do you know why that is? (they are not bad, but not as good)

 

[Guillermo]

CPE is unquestionably a Colt expert, with his focus on later guns.

Were I you I would try to buy both. Tell the guy you will make payments.

You will NOT be disappointed.

Anaconda is an amazing revolver.

Two is even better.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Though neither revolver seems to have the clean, crisp trigger of a Smith 27,29. Do you know why that is? (they are not bad, but not as good)

I can't give you a good technical answer, but can say that the actions coil spring guns like the MK III, MK V, King Cobra and Anaconda often get better with use. I have several of the "new" style action guns. Most of them have not been shot all that much and have o.k. actions. However, I have one King Cobra that has had at least 25k rounds thru it. It is nearly as smooth as a run of the mill Python.

 

[cyclopsshooter]

What can you tell me about the 8" are all 8" ported from the custom shop and if so, what else did they do to the revolver?

 

[Guillermo]

neither revolver seems to have the clean, crisp trigger of a Smith 27,29. Do you know why that is?

The Colt action is a totally different design than the Smith.

The Colt "stacks" slightly.

The Smith is harder at the beginning of the trigger stroke.

Once upon a time I thought that the Smith design was better.

Now that I have used a firearm under stress, I prefer the Colt design.

Not trying to start a war. I own both. My K22 is a treasured revolver. The old Hand Ejector (3rd change) is a sweetheart.

But I carry a Colt most every day.

YMMV

 

[Standing Wolf]

Were I you I would try to buy both.

Guillermo has nailed it. Buy both; see which you actually prefer to shoot, and if necessary, sell the other.

By the way, cyclopsshooter, it seems a trifle odd you didn't mention the caliber.

 

[bannockburn]

cyclopsshooter

The earlier 6" Anaconda may have been built between 1990 to 1999; later production was from 2002 to 2006. The later years models were offered only through the Custom Shop.

The 8" Anaconda was much more limited in terms of its production: 1992 to 1993, 1995 to 1996, and from 2002 to 2003. I believe these particular guns were done at the Custom Shop due to all the features that they offered (Mag-na-ported barrel, Colt-Elliason rear sight, specially contoured smooth trigger, and a custom tuned action). A request for a factory letter from Colt will show its production build date and if the work was done by the Custom Shop.

I think with its original case and limited production numbers, the 8" Anaconda has the greater collectors value to it. The asking price for both guns is below what similar Anacondas have sold for recently on Gunbroker.

 

[bannockburn]

Standing Wolf

Yes he did. See Post #3.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Standing Wolf
Yes he did. See Post #3.

Ooops! You're right. I stand corrected.

 

[cyclopsshooter]

Thank you all for the assistance, I have chosen the 8" but passed on the 6" due to finances, I wouldn't feel right buying from my friend just to turn a quick profit on his misfortune, fortunately finding a higher paying person for him was not difficult.

 

[bannockburn]

cyclopsshooter

Congrats then on the fine aquisition of the 8" Anaconda. I think you made the right choice with that selection and glad to hear that he found another buyer for the 6" model. Enjoy.