Colt Anaconda .44 Mag 6″ Blued Revolver 6‑Round
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 53 oz (1502g) — provides stable shooting platform that reduces perceived recoil by ~20% compared to 4-inch barrel models
- 6-inch barrel yields 7.5-inch sight radius for precision shooting at 50+ yard distances
- Fully machined steel frame resists cylinder end-shake better than many MIM-component competitors
- Transfer-bar safety system allows safe carry with all six chambers loaded — a critical improvement over vintage Colt designs
Trade-offs
- Double-action trigger pull measures 12-13 lbs from factory — requires professional spring kit ($65) and tuning ($120) to match S&W smoothness
- No factory optic mounting capability — limits usability for aging shooters or low-light conditions without significant aftermarket modification
- Polished blued finish shows holster wear and fingerprint corrosion more readily than modern Cerakote or nitride treatments
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Colt Anaconda .44 Mag 6″ Blued Revolver 6‑Round? It is a traditional full-size double-action/single-action steel-frame revolver chambered in .44 Remington Magnum with a 6-inch barrel and polished blued finish. This design represents Colt's late-20th-century entry into the large-frame magnum revolver market, competing directly with established models from Smith & Wesson and Ruger. Its 13-inch overall length and 6-round cylinder capacity provide a specific balance between ballistic performance and manageable carry weight for its class.
What is the Colt Anaconda .44 Mag 6″ used for?
The Anaconda is used for controlled long-range target shooting, hunting medium to large game, and as a definitive piece for serious revolver collectors. Its 6-inch barrel provides a longer sight radius—approximately 7.5 inches from front to rear sight—that aids in consistent accuracy beyond 50 yards. The adjustable rear sight allows precise zeroing for .44 Magnum loads, which can vary in point of impact by over 6 inches at 75 yards between 240-grain and 300-grain projectiles.
How does the Colt Anaconda compare to the S&W Model 29?
The Colt Anaconda is generally more mechanically robust for sustained high-volume .44 Magnum shooting than the vintage S&W Model 29, but the Smith & Wesson offers a more refined double-action trigger pull out of the box. Specifically, the Anaconda's transfer-bar ignition system and fully machined steel frame resist timing issues and cylinder end-shake better under prolonged heavy loads. Conversely, the Model 29's smoother double-action stroke, typically measuring 10-11 pounds versus the Anaconda's 12-13 pounds, makes it more suitable for rapid double-action competition shooting where trigger control is paramount.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The unloaded weight is 53 ounces (1502 grams), with overall dimensions of 13 inches in length, 6.2 inches in height, and a cylinder width of 1.73 inches. This weight distribution, with approximately 60% of the mass forward of the trigger guard, creates a muzzle-heavy balance that dampens recoil but reduces pointability compared to a 4-inch barrel variant. At 13 inches overall, it will not fit in most standard hip holsters designed for 4-5 inch revolvers, requiring a dedicated 6-inch model or chest rig.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for new shooters, concealed carry applicants, or anyone prioritizing light recoil and low ammunition cost. The .44 Magnum cartridge generates approximately 30-40% more felt recoil energy than a .357 Magnum from a similar frame size, making it punishing for inexperienced handlers. Its 13-inch length and 53-ounce weight make practical concealed carry nearly impossible without significant compromise, unlike more compact options like the Stevens 334 Rifle for hunting applications. The ongoing cost of .44 Magnum ammunition, typically $1.25-$2.00 per round for factory loads, also makes high-volume practice prohibitively expensive compared to 9mm or .223 platforms.
What's in the box?
The factory configuration includes the revolver, one 6-round cylinder, a plastic hard case, two empty speed loaders, a cable lock, and owner's manual with warranty card. Colt does not include cleaning rods, bore brushes, or snap caps in the standard package—add approximately $35-$50 for a basic .44 caliber cleaning kit. The included speed loaders are HKS model 586-A, which hold cartridges securely but lack the quick-release mechanism found in more expensive competition models like the SL Variant.
Is the Colt Anaconda worth it at $1488.99?
At $1488.99, the Anaconda represents fair market value for a mechanically sound, collectible-production large-frame revolver from a premier American manufacturer, though it demands significant investment in ammunition and accessories. This price positions it approximately $200-$300 above a comparable used S&W Model 29-6 but $400-$500 below a new-production Ruger Super Redhawk with similar specifications. The value proposition hinges directly on whether you prioritize Colt's specific lockwork and heritage over the aftermarket support and modularity available for the Ruger platform, or the smoother trigger of the Smith & Wesson—a decision best made after handling all three, as discussed in our large-frame revolver comparison guide.
Key attributes
| upc | 098289005519 |
| manufacturer | Colt |
| manufacturer part number | ANACONDA-BP6WTS |
| action | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 6'' |
| caliber/gauge | .44 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 13'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 6-Round |
| model | Anaconda |
| product type | Double / Single Action |
| shipping weight | 6.5 |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Colt Anaconda compatible with .44 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Anaconda is fully compatible with .44 Special ammunition, which operates at approximately 35% lower chamber pressure than .44 Magnum. This allows for effective practice with reduced recoil and muzzle blast. Always confirm your specific revolver's timing and headspace with a qualified gunsmith before mixing cartridge types extensively, as dimensional tolerances can vary between production years.
- Does the Colt Anaconda fit standard .44 Magnum holsters?
- No, the Anaconda requires a dedicated holster molded for its specific frame profile and 6-inch barrel length, particularly due to its full-length ejector rod shroud. Universal 6-inch revolver holsters from manufacturers like Galco or DeSantis may work, but expect a 2-4 week lead time for custom molding from leather specialists like Milt Sparks or Kramer Handgun Leather. The cylinder width of 1.73 inches also exceeds many generic nylon holsters designed for slimmer-frame revolvers.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipping to a valid FFL typically takes 3-7 business days once payment clears and all compliance documentation is verified. Ironclad Armory processes all firearm transfers through ShipMyGun or a comparable ATF-compliant carrier, requiring a signed copy of the recipient FFL's license on file before shipment. Express shipping is available for an additional $45, reducing transit time to 2 business days for most continental US locations.
- Can I mount an optic on the Colt Anaconda?
- No, the Anaconda's factory frame is not drilled and tapped for optic mounting plates, and the top strap lacks the necessary structural reinforcement for direct mounting. Aftermarket gunsmithing services can machine the frame for a base plate at a cost of $150-$300, but this voids the factory warranty and may compromise the integrity of the blued finish. For a revolver platform designed for optic readiness, consider the Ruger Super Redhawk with factory-integrated scope bases.
- Does this work with HKS speed loaders?
- Yes, the Anaconda is compatible with HKS model 586-A speed loaders, which are the same pattern used for most large-frame 6-shot Colt and S&W revolvers. The cylinder latch design allows for smooth insertion, though some users report a 0.5-1 second slower release compared to S&W speed loaders due to the Colt's cylinder release mechanics. Always test with empty cartridges or snap caps to develop muscle memory before live-fire application.