Wheelgun Wednesday: Colt Revolvers – The Sleeping Giant Reawakened

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:

• Wheelgun Wednesday: Smith & Wesson 36, The First J-Frame
• Wheelgun Wednesday: M.R. New System Arms Cucciolo – The World’s Largest Revolver
• Wheelgun Wednesday: Custer Revolver at Rock Island Auction’s Upcoming Sale
• Wheelgun Wednesday: Taylor’s & Company 963 MF Defense .357 Magnum
• Wheelgun Wednesday: Enduring Legacy of the Smith & Wesson Model 29

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).

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
• 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

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

“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.

Find Colt Revolvers

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.