If we roll back the clock 30 some years ago, Colt was not known for making semi-automatic pistols (1911s, Mustang 380, etc); rather, in the eyes of many consumers they were known for being a revolver manufacturer (Python, Diamondback, Anaconda, and countless others to include both double-action and single-action). Yes, for many decades they have made both as well as AR-15s, but the average shooter knew Colt for being an iconic wheelgun manufacturer. After the conclusion of the NRA Annual Meetings (NRAAM) 2024, we got to see an avalanche of new revolvers announced from Colt, once again. It appears that the Colt CZ Group – the holding company for Česká zbrojovka, CZ-USA and Colt – is making a strong push to restore the old glory that Colt once had within the revolver market. Colt revolvers are on the rise, and with this latest spark of creativity and an adventurous spirit, there is no telling what Colt revolvers we might see next.
Wheelgun Wednesday @ TFB:
Colt Firearms ad copy from the 1920s
Before we postulate what might come next in Colt revolvers, let’s take a step back and revisit what were the 4 newest wheelguns announced at this year’s NRA Annual Meetings (NRAAM). But even before that, I need to toot my horn a bit and remind our readers that I predicted the return of both the Grizzly and Kodiak back in September of 2020 in THIS prior Wheelgun Wednesday article.
For the history buffs in the reading audience, the old Colt Viper was only manufactured for 1 year back in 1977. So, to see this wheelgun rise from the ashes and return to store shelves could become quite the collectible item. Initially, the Colt Viper is going to be offered in 3″ and 4.25″ barrel length options for the same MSRP of $999 (originally the Colt Viper was offered in a 4″ barrel).
- Capacity: 6 Rounds
- Frame Material: Stainless Steel
- Barrel: 3″ or 4.25″ w/ a 1 in 14” Left-Hand Twist & 6-Groove Rifling
- Sights: Black Ramp Front & U-Notch Rear
- Action: Double-Action/Single-Action
- Finish: Stainless Steel
- Grips: Traditional Walnut
- Trigger Pull (Double-Action): 7 – 9.5 Lb
- Unloaded Weight: 26.9 Oz
Colt Viper .357 Magnum | MSRP $999
The Colt Grizzly is another surprising offering because of its short duration in Colt’s company history. Historically, the Colt Grizzly was a model manufactured by the Colt Custom Shop using a King Cobra frame with a Python barrel and shipped in a blue box donning a 6″ barrel. This new iteration of the Colt Grizzly will now feature a 4″ barrel.
- Capacity: 6 Rounds
- Frame Material: Stainless Steel
- Barrel: 4″ w/ a 1 in 14” Left-Hand Twist & 6-Groove Rifling
- Sights: Red Ramp Front & Target Rear with Adjustment for Windage & Elevation
- Finish: Stainless Steel
- Action: Double-Action/Single-Action
- Grips: Hogue® OverMolded Rubber Grips
- Trigger Pull (Double-Action): 7 – 9.5 Lb
- Unloaded Weight: 41.1 Oz
The reintroduction of this revolver was predicted back on September 23rd, 2020 here on TFB.
Colt Grizzly .357 Magnum | MSRP $1,599
Again, we have a rare re-introduction with the Colt Kodiak making a resurgence in 2024. This revolver was previously made only during 1993 for a limited run of 2,000 handguns through Colt’s Custom Shop. Previously built on an Anaconda frame, they were chambered in .357 Magnum or .44 Magnum, but this go-around, they are only being crafted in .44 Magnum.
- Capacity: 6 Rounds
- Frame Material: Stainless Steel
- Finish: Stainless Steel
- Grips: Hogue® Over-Molded Rubber Grips
- Barrel: 4″ w/ a 1 in 20” Left-Hand Twist & 6-Groove Rifling
- Action: Double-Action/Single-Action
- Trigger Pull (Double-Action): 7 – 9.5 Lb
- Sights: Red Ramp Front & Target Rear with Adjustment for Windage & Elevation
- Unloaded Weight: 48.5 Oz
The reintroduction of this revolver was predicted back on September 23rd, 2020 here on TFB.
Colt Kodiak .44 Magnum | MSRP $1,599
Finally, we have a familiar offering in a Colt Python, but they are simply providing us with an even longer barrel length to play with. The Colt 8″ Python is made for shooters who really want to reach out and touch something. Whether that is with their .357 Magnum bullet or the muzzle itself is up to the owner.
- Frame Material & Construction: Stainless Steel
- Barrel: 8″ w/ a 1 in 14” Left-Hand Twist & 6-Groove Rifling
- Sights: Red Ramp Front & Target Rear with Adjustment for Windage & Elevation
- Action: Double-Action/Single-Action
- Finish: Bead Blast-Matte | Stainless Steel
- Grips: Hogue ® OverMolded Rubber | Walnut Target Grips with Colt Medallion
- Height: 5.5”
- Overall Length: 13.5”
- Width: 1.55”
- Weight: 51 Oz
- Capacity: 6 Rounds
Colt 8” Python .357 Magnum – MSRP: $1,299 Rubber Grips | MSRP: $1,499 Walnut Grips
“Snake Guns” and Colt revolvers in general will always hold a dear place in my heart because of their lore, price tag, and hype from men older than me that I have witnessed my entire life. To be able to say that you own a revolver from Samuel Colt’s namesake company is a bit of a big deal, even if that name has traded hands repeatedly over the years.
So, what do we think is going to come next from Colt revolvers?… I swung and missed on a prediction of the Whitetailer returning. So, maybe that model will make a resurgence. Or, potentially we could see a Trooper or a Police Positive? What do you guys and gals think is coming next in the way of Colt revolvers?… As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Colt in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
Five Points That Make the Colt Superior to All Other Revolvers (Matthew Moss).
Colt Social Media Channels
We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. Learn more about how this works.
