"BAD" ANACONDA BARRELS ON 44'S

[WL44]

Hopefully those much wiser than I know the answer.

Rumours were (and it was in print too and referred to in tests by John Taffin) that some of the early .44 Mag Anacondas had "bad" barrels and that shipping was interrupted at one point and then recommenced once the "problem" was resolved. Is there a way to tell whether an Anaconda may be from the suspect barrel batch by serial number or any other way?

Thanks for any help.

WL44
South Africa

[KN]

I don't know quite what you mean by "bad" barrels. I have had mine for a long time, I think it is one from the first couple of years production. It shoots fantastic. The most accurate double action pistol I own right out of the box. Trigger is one of the nicest I've ever gotten. Now the barrel did loosen and turn when I was shooting some full house loads in it. A trip back to Colt and it was fixed up good as new no charge. Other than that it's a great gun.    KN

[WL44]

KN, take a look at this - it's also mentioned in the book "Big Bore Sixguns" if I recall correctly.

http://www.sixguns.com/range/anaconda.htm - "I'm not sure what the normal gestation period of snakes are but surely this one was a long time coming. Even after the birth announcements were sent out to one and all, the new snake refused to arrive. And when it did, something was radically wrong. After thirty-five years, the Colt .44 Magnum arrived and it would not shoot. Remember those early articles and how some gunwriters tried to make it sound like everything was O.K. " So what if it doesn't shoot at least we have a .44 Magnum marked COLT." Even Colt knew they had real problems and they stopped shipping Anacondas . Talking to John Nassif of Colt in early 1991, I learned the problem was barrels. The .44 barrels just would not perform. "

Anyone know anything?

[KN]

Mine must be later than I think. It's way more accurate than I am, and I don't think I'm too big a slouch when it comes to big bores.   KN

[Ken ONeill]

I've posted this info before. I had a very early one. It was the least accurate .44 I ever owned, of several dozen. Returned it to Colt. They did nothing, in typical Colt fashion. Wouldn't own another if you gave it to me. Unfortunately, I can't supply info on a serial number break where they "improved" the problem, but reports from others do indicate that later production guns had good accuracy.
It's anyone's guess as to how many early and inaccurate ones there are floating around out there, but mine was certainly not the only one they didn't correct.

[WL44]

Thanks guys.

I asked Colt's customer service 2 questions, as there's a collector here unwinding his collection and I figured I may try to pick up a few at the "right" price:

1. Was a Python 38spl ever made in 4" - all I've ever encountered is reference to the 8" 38spl "Target" model.
2. What is the serial no. cut-off for the Anaconda "problems".

The reply was:  "We did make a python in just 38 special not sure what year it was manufactured, not sure what barrel length also. If you get the serial number it can be researched by our archive dept. They do have fees to research the gun."

I knew that already (in fact I know a little more about the 8" model than Colt it seems)! No, I'm not spending $75 for something I may not buy. No reference was made to the Anaconda query. Probably avoiding "liability". Anyhow, to their credit there was at least a speedy reply.

From the Taffin article I assume post 1991/2 the "problem" was likely resolved and I could try to establish that on serial number. Being out of the US and with these probably slow sellers here there's probably more chance you'll find the "bad" ones over here.

Alternatively I can buy a Mod29, of which there are a couple too, probably for less money. But then it's also not as robust as an Anaconda. I was just thinking of starting a (tiny) Colt collection. I have a SBH in .44 Mag already, but I don't like buying things that won't live up to expectations, even as "collectibles".

[Messer]

The only info I can offer is on my early 8" Anaconda, SN MM120XX - it's amazingly accurate. 25 yards, 6 shots from a bench, one ragged hole with factory 240 JHP's. The double action pull is "OK", but the single action pull is light and crisp.

Maybe folks can offer info on their Colt Anaconda's with SN and we can get some idea if/when the problem was?

Take care,
Bob S.
 

[Ken ONeill]

WL44,
With 29's and 629's, if you get one with the full "Endurance Package" upgrades that were phased in between '89 and '91, they are plenty robust. A 629-3 has all the upgrades. I don't remember the "dash" for 29's where the full package was incorporated, but if it was made in  '91 or later it will have it all. I'll bet Broomrider or Hammerdown knows the "dash" number on 29's.??

[WL44]

Ken,

From "Big Bore Sixguns": The 29-3 was introduced 1983. Endurance package started from 1988 in 29-4. I think it was completed only in 29-5's, but I've got that detail in the book somewhere, thanks.

Now my question is whether the "dash number" differs for 629's and 29's - i.e. will a 629-3 have the upgrades and a 29-4 be the equivalent, with a 29-3 not having them?

I should probably move this to the S&W forum. This thread has drifted a way....

Thanks for all the input guys.

WL44

[Ken ONeill]

That is correct. The stainless and blued guns have different dash numbers for the full package. I just don't remember the blued number.

[tony212]

I bought my 4" Colt Anaconda in 1995 and have never regretted it.  I've carried it bear hunting since 1995, killed a couple bears with it and shot thousands of rounds through it without a hick-up.  Everytime I check Gunbroker or Auctionarms the price just keeps going up.  If I were you I would buy it in a second.  Not only are thry great guns they are great investments.
Tony212

[KN]

I agree with tony212, Prices keep going up. Especially if you can find one in 45 colt. They bring a premium. I picked up a 4" to compliment my 6". It's just as good a shooter as the 6" but not as controllable. KN

[WL44]

Thanks for all the replies. I'll let you know what I do and manage to get picked up at the auction.

Thanks Ken, that's very useful for me to know and is not mentioned in the book (which is not intended as a reference, but is all I have on the subject!).

WL