Three revolvers with a glorious past, and a longer-barrel Python: Colt made some sensation with the new offers for summer 2024, re-releasing the Viper, Kodiak and Grizzly models which were discontinued several years ago. In addition, the manufacturer also unveiled a 8” version of its Python revolver.
Colt Viper
We start with the Viper, a carry revolver that was only produced for one year in 1977, with only about 4,000 units made. Based on the Colt Cobra lightweight double-action short-barrelled revolver manufactured from 1950 until 1981, the Viper had a 4" barrel with 1/2 lug barrel design and was chambered in .38 Special. The new Viper is a 6-round, DA/SA stainless steel revolver chambered in .357 Magnum. The one-piece barrel features a recessed target crown, while the trigger guard is more squared compared to the original Viper's design. Available barrel lengths are 3″ or 4.25″. Sights consist of a U-notch rear and black ramp front sight. Grips are traditional Walnut. Price in the US of the new Colt Viper .357 Magnum is $999.
Colt Kodiak
Originally introduced in 1993 as a special run of the Anaconda model and designed for big game hunting, the Kodiak was a stainless steel revolver in .44 Magnum with factory magna-ported barrel and unfluted cylinder. Only 2,000 were made. The 2024 Kodiak still has a stainless steel construction and an unfluted 6-round cylinder. It also boasts a one-piece full lug, ventilated rib stainless steel 4” barrel, which is ported to enhance muzzle control promoting shooting stability and follow-up accuracy. The Kodiak wears a red ramp front sight and a windage- and elevation-adjustable Target rear sight. Grips are recoil-absorbing Hogue over-molded rubber. Weight is 1,375 g. Price in the US is $1,599.
Colt Grizzly
Offered in 1994 as a limited-production .357 Magnum revolver, the Grizzly used a Python barrel and a Colt King Cobra frame. Engineered for portability, self-defense, and outdoor carry, featuring stainless-steel construction, a 6-round unfluted cylinder, and adjustable target sights, the new iteration of the Grizzly is described as the “the ultimate backcountry companion” by the manufacturer. It features a polished finish complemented by a matte surface on the top rib for optimal sight acquisition. The Hogue overmolded rubber grips help in taming felt recoil. The ported barrel is 4” long. Price for the 2024 Grizzly is $1,599 in the USA.
Colt 8" Python
Lastly, Colt added a 8” version to the to iconic Python lineup, which now counts seven revolvers, all chambered for .357 Magnum. The new 8” Python provides enhanced accuracy and sight radius for target shooting and is available in matte stainless or stainless steel finishes.
Company background: Colt CZ Group - brands and development
The iconic US-brand Colt is part of Colt CZ Group since May 2021. This new technical and financial environment of a strong group of firearms- and ammunition brands is obviouisly a good atmosphere for success and new products, as we can see in this article. Also ammo brands like Sellier & Bellot and swissAA are belonging to the same Colt CZ Group. Financial development is stunning. Colt CZ Group published the financial results of the first quarter of 2024 on May 22. A plus of 21,7 % compared to 2023 and the most succcessful start in a year of all times. A net value of 3,7 billion CSK has ben reported for Q1/2024. A big part of the additional income comes from "military sales", statet the press release. The expected total turnover in 2024 is 20-22 billion CZK (1 CSK 0 0,04 Euro - a perspective that would be a plus of 40-50 % compared to 2023. Chapeau!
