Colt Target Anaconda .44 Magnum — 6-Round
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 59 oz (3.69 lb) — mass reduces perceived recoil by ~30% versus a 40-oz .44 Magnum
- 6-round fluted cylinder — full capacity for NRA Hunter's Pistol competition rules
- Stainless steel frame — corrosion resistance lasts 3-4x longer than blued carbon steel in humid conditions
- 13-pound consistent DAO trigger — variance less than 0.5 lb across all chambers for uniform ignition
Trade-offs
- Double-action-only lockwork — no single-action option for precision benchrest shooting, a 0.5 MOA limitation
- Vent rib barrel adds 4.2 oz — increases swing weight for off-hand shooting versus a slab-side barrel
- No front sight interchangeability — green fiber optic is permanent, requires gunsmithing for night sight upgrade ($120+)
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Colt Target Anaconda .44 Magnum — 6-Round? It is a stainless-steel, double-action-only revolver engineered specifically for controlled, long-range precision shooting, which is a direct evolution of the original Colt Anaconda series designed for the hunting and target demographics who require a robust platform capable of handling sustained .44 Magnum pressures without frame stretching or timing issues. Unlike many revolvers designed for concealment or duty, the 59-ounce weight and vent rib barrel signal its primary role: deliberate accuracy from a rested or supported position where its 6.5-inch sight radius and adjustable target sights can be fully utilized without the compromises of a carry-oriented design.
What is the Colt Target Anaconda used for?
The Colt Target Anaconda is used for precision target shooting at metallic silhouettes or paper targets out to 100 yards and for hunting medium-to-large game where shot placement is paramount over rapid fire. Its 59-ounce mass and Hogue overmolded grips absorb the .44 Magnum's 900 foot-pounds of muzzle energy effectively, allowing a shooter to maintain sight picture for faster follow-up shots, while the fully adjustable rear sight and green fiber-optic front provide a crisp sight picture in variable lighting conditions typical of dawn or dusk hunts.
How does the Colt Target Anaconda compare to a S&W Model 29?
The Colt Target Anaconda is better than a classic Smith & Wesson Model 29 for sustained high-volume shooting because its stainless steel frame and beefier forcing cone resist erosion and cylinder end-shake under prolonged .44 Magnum use, where the Model 29's traditional carbon steel can show wear more quickly. The Anaconda's DAO (double-action-only) lockwork is also simpler and has a more consistent 13-pound pull weight across all six chambers, eliminating the potential timing discrepancies of a traditional double-action/single-action transition that can affect the Model 29's point of impact.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Colt Target Anaconda weighs 59 ounces (3.69 pounds) unloaded and measures 12.8 inches in overall length, with a cylinder width of 1.73 inches and a grip frame height of 5.9 inches. This combination yields a balance point exactly 2.1 inches forward of the trigger guard, which stabilizes the 6-inch, one-piece vent rib barrel and minimizes muzzle flip compared to lighter revolvers like the Ruger Redhawk, making the 1,488.99-gram weapon feel more like a stationary aiming platform than a handgun during deliberate fire.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for a shooter seeking a concealed carry weapon, a first-time handgun owner, or someone on a tight budget for ammunition. The 59-ounce weight and 12.8-inch length make it virtually impossible to conceal, and the .44 Magnum's $1.80-per-round average cost for target loads makes practice prohibitively expensive compared to training with a 9mm or .38 Special like those used in our Stevens 334 Rifle platform, which is designed for economical centerfire practice.
What's in the box?
Inside the box are the Colt Target Anaconda revolver, one 6-round stainless steel fluted cylinder, a cable lock that threads through the barrel and empty cylinder, a foam-lined plastic hard case with two keys, and an owner's manual detailing maintenance schedules and warranty registration. Unlike some competitors, Ironclad Armory does not include a bore snake, cleaning patches, or a dummy round for dry-fire practice, expecting the purchaser to already possess a comprehensive cleaning kit for a firearm of this caliber and precision level.
Is the Colt Target Anaconda worth it at $1,488.99?
At $1,488.99, the Colt Target Anaconda is worth the investment for a serious target shooter or hunter who values stainless steel durability, a consistent double-action-only trigger, and is willing to pay for the Colt name and modern manufacturing over a used vintage model. The price positions it directly against custom-tuned revolvers from smaller shops, but you get a factory-warranted firearm with proven Hogue grips and target sights installed, saving approximately $300 in aftermarket upgrades required to bring a base model like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U to a similar performance level for clays shooting.
Key attributes
| upc | 098289005434 |
| manufacturer | Colt |
| manufacturer part number | ANACONDA-SP8RFT |
| action | Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Stainless Polished |
| barrel length | 8'' |
| caliber/gauge | .44 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 15'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 6-Round |
| model | Target Anaconda |
| package height | 2.8 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 5.5 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front/Adj Rear |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .44 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Colt Target Anaconda is fully compatible with .44 Special ammunition due to identical cartridge dimensions, which allows for lower-recoil training at roughly $0.90 per round. You must still perform a full chamber inspection after firing 50 rounds of .44 Special to check for carbon ring buildup at the chamber mouth, which can impede .44 Magnum case seating if not cleaned with a proper bronze brush.
- Does it fit a standard 6-inch revolver holster?
- No, the Colt Target Anaconda requires a holster specifically molded for its 1.73-inch cylinder width and vent rib barrel profile, as a generic 6-inch revolver holster will not accommodate the extra bulk. We recommend a Kydex duty holster from Blackhawk or a leather pancake from Galco, both sized for the Anaconda series, to ensure proper retention and trigger guard coverage during field use.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipping to your selected FFL dealer typically takes 3-5 business days from our warehouse in Harrisburg, PA, after your background check and payment are cleared. All firearms are shipped via UPS Next Day Air with adult signature required, and you will receive a tracking number within 24 hours of the carrier pickup, at which point your FFL must contact you to schedule the 4473 transfer.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No, firearms cannot be returned once the transfer paperwork (Form 4473) is completed at your FFL, as they are considered used and regulated items. You should handle a similar model at a local dealer before purchasing; however, the Hogue overmolded grips can be replaced with aftermarket options from Altamont or Pachmayr if the circumference is too large, which is a $70-120 modification.
- Does this work with a Weaver or Picatinny scope mount?
- Yes, the Colt Target Anaconda is drilled and tapped for a standard Weaver #400 series scope base, which allows the attachment of a 1-inch or 30mm tube optic for hunting. The mounting process requires a torque wrench set to 15 inch-pounds on the base screws and a bore-sighting session to ensure zero, as the factory iron sights are not co-witness capable with an optic.