Wheelgun Wednesday: Davidson's Exclusive Snubnose Colt Snake Guns
Colt's snake guns have had no shortage of spotlight since their reintroduction, but Davidson's keeps finding new angles. This week, the distributor dropped two new exclusives built around a first for both the Python and the Anaconda lines: a round-butt grip frame paired with a 2.5-inch barrel. What do you think about the looks?
Wheelgun Wednesday Colts @ TFB:
This combination has never appeared in either production lineup before. For fans who have watched Davidson's roll out engraved variants, alternate barrel lengths, and custom sight packages on the Python and Anaconda since their respective comebacks, this one carries a bit more mechanical weight than the usual cosmetic twist.
Both revolvers share the same foundational spec sheet. The grips are walnut with finger grooves and gold Colt medallions, finished to match the semi-bright stainless steel of the frame and barrel. Trigger pull in single-action sits at 3.5 pounds on both guns. The round-butt frame geometry trims the profile compared to the square-butt configuration most Python and Anaconda buyers are used to, which makes these a more natural fit for concealed carry or strong-side holster carry where a shorter grip reduces printing.
Where the two models split is on caliber and sights. The Python (Item# PYTHON-RSP2TS) runs in .357 Magnum and gets an adjustable square notch rear sight with a red ramp up front, a practical pairing for a revolver that will likely see range time in addition to carry duty. The Anaconda (Item# ANACONDA-RSP2TS) steps up to .44 Magnum and swaps in a HiViz tritium front sight with an orange outline, which makes more sense on a harder-kicking gun where fast sight acquisition matters. If you’re waiting for a red dot for these beasts, you’re probably in for a long wait. Both carry an MSRP of $1,699.
The Python needs little introduction at this point. Since Colt brought it back in 2020, it has consistently been one of the more talked-about production revolvers on the market. The Anaconda followed, and both have benefited from Davidson's willingness to push Colt toward configurations that the standard catalog has not explored. The 2.5-inch barrel is the shortest either snake gun has worn in their modern production runs, and that alone makes these worth a close look for wheelgun enthusiasts who want something built for carry rather than just the safe.
Is 2.5 inches the sweet spot you have been waiting for, or do you still reach for the 4.25?
For your convenience, here are the direct links: https://www.davidsonsinc.com/clt-anaconda-44m-rev-2-5ss-rb and https://www.davidsonsinc.com/clt-python-357-da-rev-2-5b-rb
Would you carry a .44 Magnum Anaconda as a daily driver, or is that caliber too much gun for anything outside the woods?
Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6x6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.
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Decades ago, I carried a modified S&W mod 66. It was 2.5inch barrel but the hammer was bobbed. It was my off duty gun and I carried it everywhere. It wasn't that brutal to shoot either. Just as a purely personal preference, I usually like the looks of the S&W over the colts.
Why are the Korth revolvers held in higher esteem than these Colts?
At a SHOT Show too many decades ago, Freedom Arms exhibited their Model 83, in .454 Casull of course. There was a variant with a 3-inch barrel. Having fired a M83 with a longer tube, where the extra weight up front dampened some of the recoil, my first reaction was, "This has got to be a gag." Some people claim they're not recoil sensitive. I'm one of them. But nerves in the wrist and arm can take only so much pounding, and that damage is irreversible. Having never seen a bear other than in a zoo, I'd give this Anaconda a hard pass. No point in owning a gun I'm afraid to shoot.
Gary Paul Johnston 1*
Listen to "Fre" and hand this "Little Big" Python on the wall! "Natural Carry for either side?" If the hammer doesn't catch on the inside of your coat either sight probably will! A 2.5 inch .357 with a rounded back grip? Enjoy the hammer spur in the web of your hand unless someone comes up with a rubber wrap-around grip for it! Oh yes, this little beast also comes in 44 Mag! What are we drinking here? At best this gun needs to carry .38 Special ONLY!