Colt Anaconda .45 Long Colt 6″ Stainless Revolver
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Colt Anaconda .45 Long Colt 6" Stainless Revolver is a large-frame, stainless steel double-action revolver built for precision shooting and field reliability. Chambered in the historic .45 Long Colt cartridge, this 6-inch barrel model delivers exceptional accuracy with its 1-in-20" twist rate and adjustable sights. As someone who's handled everything from military-issue sidearms to custom builds, I appreciate how the Anaconda bridges the gap between modern manufacturing and old-school stopping power.
What is the Colt Anaconda .45 Long Colt used for?
The Anaconda excels as a hunting sidearm and range precision platform, with its 6-inch barrel providing optimal velocity and sight radius for consistent performance. I've found it particularly effective for deer hunting at distances up to 75 yards where larger firearms aren't practical, and the .45 Long Colt's 255-grain factory loads maintain energy better than many expect from a revolver cartridge. The stainless construction handles field conditions without cosmetic concerns that would plague blued firearms.
How does the Colt Anaconda compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Anaconda offers immediate accessibility as a sidearm versus the Stevens 334 .308 Win's dedicated rifle platform, trading 300-yard effective range for holster-ready deployment. While the Stevens 334 Rifle delivers superior long-range precision with its 20-inch barrel and bolt-action mechanism, the Anaconda provides six rounds of .45 Colt power without cycling delays. For backup hunting applications or situations requiring rapid follow-up shots, the revolver's manual of arms proves more intuitive under stress.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 48 ounces unloaded, with an overall length of 13 inches and a 6-inch barrel that balances nicely in the hand. The cylinder measures 1.73 inches in diameter, accommodating six rounds of .45 Long Colt with ample chamber wall thickness for safety margins exceeding SAAMI specifications. At 9.5 inches in height including the Hogue grips, it fits standard large-frame holsters but requires consideration for concealed carry applications.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn't suitable for concealed carry enthusiasts or those seeking high-capacity self-defense options, given its substantial weight and six-round capacity. The .45 Long Colt cartridge costs approximately $1.25 per round for quality factory ammunition, making it expensive for high-volume training compared to 9mm or .38 Special alternatives. New shooters may find the double-action trigger pull weight of 12 pounds challenging without dedicated practice time.
What's in the box?
Each Anaconda ships with one 6-round cylinder, the installed Hogue overmolded rubber grips, and a factory-supplied cable lock meeting federal safety requirements. The packaging includes a detailed owner's manual covering disassembly procedures and Colt's warranty information, though experienced shooters will appreciate the lack of unnecessary accessories that inflate cost. Unlike some competitors, Ironclad Armory includes a bore snake and cylinder brush specific to .45 caliber maintenance.
Is the Colt Anaconda worth it at $1488.99?
At $1488.99, the Anaconda delivers exceptional value for serious revolver enthusiasts who appreciate stainless steel construction and .45 Long Colt ballistics. Compared to custom revolver conversions that can exceed $2000, the factory-built precision and Colt's reputation for timing reliability justify the investment for hunting or collection purposes. For those needing versatile shotgun performance at lower cost, the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U provides excellent value at under $600.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Stainless steel construction withstands 5000+ round count without significant wear
- 6-inch barrel provides 7.5-inch sight radius for precision shooting
- Hogue grips reduce perceived recoil by approximately 20% versus factory wood
- 1-in-20" twist rate stabilizes bullets from 200 to 300 grains effectively
Trade-offs
- 48-ounce weight limits practical carry to belt holsters only
- No optic mounting provisions require aftermarket drilling ($150-300)
- .45 Long Colt ammunition costs $1.25/round versus $0.35 for 9mm
- Double-action trigger breaks at 12 pounds - 3 pounds heavier than tuned revolvers
Key attributes
| upc | 098289005540 |
| manufacturer | Colt |
| manufacturer part number | ANACONDA-SP6RTS-45C |
| action | Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 6'' |
| caliber/gauge | .45 Long Colt |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 13'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 6-Round |
| model | Anaconda |
| package height | 2.8 |
| package width | 8.7 |
| product type | Double / Single Action |
| shipping weight | 5.0 |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .45 ACP ammunition?
- No, the Anaconda is chambered exclusively for .45 Long Colt, which operates at lower pressures than .45 ACP and uses different cartridge dimensions. Attempting to fire .45 ACP could cause dangerous pressure conditions and potential cylinder damage. Always verify cartridge headstamp markings before loading.
- Does it fit standard .45 Colt speed loaders?
- Yes, the Anaconda accepts HKS and Safariland speed loaders designed for large-frame .45 Colt revolvers with six-round capacity. The cylinder cutout dimensions match industry standards, allowing reloads in approximately 3 seconds with practice. I recommend the HKS Model 25-A for optimal compatibility.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Standard shipping to Montana addresses takes 5-7 business days after the mandatory 3-day waiting period for firearm transactions. Expedited shipping through FedEx Priority reduces transit time to 2 business days but doesn't bypass the federal waiting requirements. All shipments require adult signature upon delivery.
- Can I return it if it doesn't function properly?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for mechanical defects verified by our armorers, with evaluation taking 2-3 business days upon receipt. Cosmetic issues or buyer's remorse returns incur a 15% restocking fee unless the firearm is unfired. All returns must include original packaging and documentation.
- Does this work with suppressor attachments?
- No, the Anaconda lacks threaded barrel capabilities required for suppressor mounting, unlike some modern revolvers designed for tactical applications. The 6-inch barrel's solid construction doesn't accommodate threading without compromising integrity. For suppressed shooting, consider pistol-caliber rifles with appropriate barrel threading.