Return of the Colt Viper In .357 Magnum
Colt has brought back the Viper, this time in .357 Magnum, based on what is perhaps the rarest Colt D-frame double-action revolver ever made. This wheelgun was only produced for one year, which may be why you’re scratching your head wondering where it came from in the first place. Let’s take a short trip down memory lane and look at the origins of the Colt Viper.
History
If you’re unfamiliar with the Colt Viper, it might be due to its rarity, as the revolver was only produced in 1977. Back then the 4” wheelgun was intended as an aluminum frame update to the Police Positive Special and bore resemblance to the post-1972 Detective Special. Available in blue or nickel finish, the 6-shooter was chambered in .38 Special.
Having remained dormant for some time in the concealed revolver arena, Colt returned in 2017 releasing the stainless steel Cobra chambered in .38 Special with a 2” barrel. The company followed shortly after with the King Cobra in .357 Magnum, which offered 2” and 3” full-lug barrel options and came later in target variants of the 4.25” variety.
The Comeback
The resurrected Colt Viper steps forward as a stainless-steel 6-shot .357 Magnum with fixed sights and a 3” or 4.25” heavy barrel. The barrel features 6-groove rifling, a recessed muzzle crown, and a 1:14 LH twist. Under the barrel, a half-lug protects the Viper’s full-length ejector rod which is checkered at the tip. A more substantial top strap on the new Viper increases durability, bearing the stopping power that comes with a steady diet of .357 Magnum.
The Viper’s sights feature a black serrated ramp up front and a square-notch sight in the rear. Colt’s short grip frame, similar to those found on D-frame Agent revolvers, extends around 1” below the frame. Like the original, the new .357 Magnum features traditional nicely checkered walnut grips.
The Colt Viper, being constructed of solid steel, weighs in at 26.9 ounces and has an MSRP of $999. In either 3” or 4.25” models.
Were you familiar with the rare predecessor to this release? Sound off if you conceal carry a revolver and let me know what you think of the .357 Magnum Colt Viper in the comments below.
For more information on Colt firearms, visit www.colt.com
2A enthusiast. If it shoots, I get behind it, from cameras to firearms. | DTOE = Darwin's Theory on Everything | Instagram, YouTube, X: @dtoe_official
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Hot gat
Why call it a Viper if it has a steel frame? Well, the original Cobra had an alloy frame, so the new Cobra is really a Detective Special. But Colt owns the names and they can put them on anything they want.
And you're right about the only differences between the new Viper and the new KC being the barrel underlug and the grip. Some people like the balance of a revolver with an underlug barrel and some don't. Choice is good.