Thank you sir for a great video. I've been using the Redhawk since the late 80's along with S&W 29, 329, 629 revolvers. I've probably shot the Redhawks more than the S&W revolvers and absolutely love the Redhawks (one is scoped, the other is open sited, both are 7.5" barrels). Both are as tight and accurate as the day I purchased them. When Colt introduced the Anaconda, I've been on the lookout for an 8" model and recently found one. Beautiful revolver. Looks and feels like a big Python. I can't say it is any more accurate than the Redhawk, but is most definitely a more gorgeous revolver. That vent rib and full barrel under-lug really make the revolver standout. Hickok45 calls the Python and Anaconda the supermodels of the revolver world.
The Ruger Redhawk is much more portable and no less effective, but the beauty of the Colt Anaconda and its reinforced 6" ventilated barrel is a beauty impossible to resist! Shoulder holster and the pleasure of carrying that beautiful baby!
Hello and what a great comparison video! I have a 4.2” Redhawk and agree with the “tank” analogy, but I don’t sell short the other major name 44 mag makers. That Anaconda looks so freakin sweet! Never would’ve guessed it’s beefier than the Ruger in those areas. I just ordered a 6.5” S&W Model 29 (long time wish list item, no other reason). Correct me if I’m wrong, but I hear the newer S&W’s can handle the occasional hot bear loads just fine. Thanks for sharing!
Well...it depends on what you mean by "bear load", and it may depend on frequency of use. I'd say that my 310-gr Lee (seated long in the bottom crimp groove) over 21.5 gr of H110/W296 handload should be pretty effective, even against a bear, in most encounters. I wouldn't hesitate to run them in the newer 29/629. The "+P and +P+" stuff from Buffalo Bore and Garrett appear to be a no-go for the Smith...according to their websites. BB says the Anaconda is good for +P+ and Garrett makes no mention of the Anaconda, so....go figure.
@@plowboysghost Yeah, I was meaning like some various 300-ish gr hardcast factory loads, nothing nuclear, and only once in a while. Plink with the standard stuff. I have Buffalo Bore for my Redhawk and read the warnings. But I’ve also seen people write that those warnings were pre-performance package era. Regardless, I’ll not take chances with it. Thanks!
@@gunsmackamigos1159 For what it's worth, Tim Sundels of Buffalo Bore has posted on Buffalo Bore's website that the Charter Arms Bulldog (1 piece frame w/no sideplate..similar to a Ruger) isn't strong enough for most of his .44 Special loads, even the heavy Keith bullet relatively standard pressure (Tier I -15,500 psi ) loads...and that's nonsense. Brian Pearce of Handloader Magazine has the Bulldog safe for Tier II loads..though admits that extended firing of 22,000 psi rounds may prematurely loosen the gun. I don't disagree with Brian. I load mine at the top of Tier I + a few tenths of a grain...so that I'm technically in the Tier II range, but at the low end of it. I ran my 310 gr loads through that Taurus Model 44 with no issue, and I would have ran it through my new 29-10 and 629s if I'd ever got around to shooting the last few. I'll probably never buy any of BB's "+P+".
Appreciate you taking the time to share with us about both of these fine revolvers. Interesting about the cylinder lengths. I wonder, because I know the cylinder length was part of the issue with RHO or Redhawk Only ammo by some manufacturers if the Colt should handle it just fine. Good discussion. That ribbed barrel and full underlug just looks very substantial and cool. As you pointed out the carry capability of the Ruger is its own bonus. Thanks again sir!
There aren't any loads the Redhawk can digest that the new Anaconda won't as well. The main difference will be longevity under numerous heavy firings. The Colt's lockup will wear significantly faster, endshake will develop sooner, parts will yokw tube faster, timing may find its way out which would put extra strain on the forcing cone.
I'd wager that since the new Anaconda generation is so...new, that no one has yet shot enough full throttle heavy magnum loads through one to know if it'll wear or loosen.
@@plowboysghost Bengal Bullets has an "Anaconda Only" cast bullet they offer, it's so long it takes advantage of the cylinder length. Check it out if you get a chance.
I appreciate your analysis of the Colt Anaconda. I would say Colt beefed it up and the 2021 version can handle 330 grain Garrett Cartridges of Texas and Buffalo Bore Dangerous Game and 340 grain +P+ load too because of the dimensions now. The old Anaconda could not.
@@plowboysghost but the new one has been tested to 10,000 rounds and 2000 additional with a scope attached. And with longer cylinder and thicker frame better able to handle even the Garrett Cartridges of Texas 330 grain Hammer Head which the old Anaconda was not cleared to handle. Go figure.
@@jeffreylocke8808 If Tim Sundles was right about the strength of the Old Anaconda and his 340 +P+ load, then I expect this new Anaconda will handle it at least just as well.
@@plowboysghost l do not dispute that. Ashley Emerson of Garrett Cartridges of Texas does not approve shooting his 330 grain Hammer Head loads in the original Anaconda. But the newest Anaconda I am sure he will.
Both are beautiful.When I bought a redhawk many years ago the Buffalo bore at the time said on the box for Ruger only.Thought that was interesting at the time.We are talking 20 years or more ago.Love them both.Best.
I been running the 4" Anaconda for 3 months with a steady diet of heavy hot loads from all the ammo folks. Filmed it super slow motion,no wiggle wobble wavy top strap like an older 29 Smith. No chewed cylinder notches, cylinder gap still exactly as new. Just plain tight and well built. Vaporize hogs, plenty of reach for the occasional deer, coyotes, field mice😂.I put my 480 Ruger Alaskan and my John Ross Smith Wesson 500 mag away for a while,ammo cost! In 2 years when I make it to Alaska the Anaconda will be in my chest rig. Won't feel a bit under gunned with the advancements in ammo. The new breed super calibers are awesome, but they ain't cheap too run reloading or not.My back up in Alaska for my hunt,Brown Bear,will be a Glock 40 mos-10mm and a couple extra magazines.It never ceases to amaze me . Again ammo advancements.Be good.👏👏👏
Thanks for the content. Best on RU-vid IMO. Had a Colt Diamondback. Let it go in a trade 25 years ago. Looking at what they go for now…..all I do is CRY. I’m an idiot. Lol. Enjoying my Tisas 1911 A1. Tell ya this, it’s a quality piece for the money.
Im a revolver conasour myself. When I fixing to buy another one my wife says you still have ones you haven't shot yet. I smile and say " that's right "
Colt did an incredible job with the redesigned Python and Anaconda. Ruger is a fantastic revolver. Different engineering philosophies and style. Need both!
Definitely agree about the finish but I am going to carry and use one as the tool it's intended to be. I think I would go with the Ruger. I couldn't stand to mess up the Anaconda. The Ruger is just rugged and a workhorse
Had a Redhawk before it was stolen. Fine piece of craftsmanship. Very accurate. It has a western look that is awesome. Going to get another one. Don't know if the price difference from the Anaconda is worth it. Ruger is tough.
Excellent video. The Anaconda is a beast in construction and price! I always thought that S&W 44’s were not nearly as strong as a Ruger so the info was surprising. I’m still leaning toward a Super Blackhawk though since it doesn’t hurt the wallet quite as bad.
Have a new redhawk..trigger/hammer is definitely clunky. What is the different spring you put in? Also have a red hawk made 40 years ago and it is much smoother.
It was the heaviest spring in a Wolff Springs "Shooters Pack". I used the heavy one, which is a good bit lighter than the factory spring, to reduce the chance of light primer strikes. www.midwayusa.com/product/1004164837?pid=139298
Hey Plowboy. Thanks for video. There’s another interesting thing about Colts that Smiths will do. Witch is when you fire a Smith, and your finger in holding the trigger back. the cylinder has a tiny amount of movement I found that Colts lock up solid. No movement at all. I’m wondering if your RedHawks has any play with the trigger held back?
An easy spot for the unfamiliar with the differences between old and new is to look at how the front sight is attached. If you see pins pinning the front sight in, it's an old model.
There is no comparison. If you want a gun to use for target practice and for shooting at paper targets, Colt is a very good pistol choice. Also, Colt makes beautiful pistols and look great in a glass display counter. However, if you want a gun to use for a gunfight, especially one where the other guy has a gun and is shooting at YOU, then you'll need the Ruger. Of your life depends on it, then choose the Ruger. I'll take the Ruger every day of the week. And twice on Sundays!
I got one (Colt anaconda 6 inch) for Christmas and I love it. I have two S&W 629 (4 inch & 3 inch) and find such a joy to shoot the Colt. Colt did a great job & I hope they come out w/a 4 inch.
@@plowboysghost watch ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6hp_OJgxHfc.html it's Bill Wilson talking about his collection and love of the Colt Python
Soooo, I'm curious. How does one get one, "...for Christmas..."? Given the stringent federal laws regarding handgun purchasing, does one buy it in their name, since they can't buy it in the name for which it is gift intended? Or, do you buy it in your name and someone else pay for it? Or, did you gift yourself one of these beautiful pieces of revolver wizardry? Just curious 🤔
The opposite with the python vs the gp100, the ruger cylinder is longer, found out while dropping some long 357’s into the python while at the range, cylinder wouldn’t close on rounds I normally use in the GP. To me the longer cylinder is a substantial benefit.
What is the barrel length of your RedHawk. I’m getting ready to purchase and I don’t know which barrel length to get 4.2” or 5.5”. I’m a small frame man 5’4” will be using it for hiking with a Henry big boy 20” .44 mag. Will have a chest rig when I decide which size and would like to carry on occasion concealed in a roto shoulder holster from Craft Holsters. I don’t have the opportunity currently to hold one due to my work schedule. Please respond. Thx
Saw your comment on my post, being European my measurements are in millimeters. So, we should complement each other, however I got a different measurement than you did on the cylinder. Mine had the Ruger being beefier than the colt, except on the length. I will have to double check this again.
Just bought My new Anaconda 6" (I'd rather have the 8"), and owned My Redhawk since 1983. Also own a 629-1 6" for a lot of years, though, for big game hunting, the Redhawk is superior. Holsters, btw, one can use the Ross G1S revolver holster for the Anaconda 6", though Ross seems to have closed down. I just bought a pair of black Ross G1S revolver holsters, and they are very close to the older Bianchi 10L holster. If someone looked around a bit for a new one, they may find one....that's what I did, and I bought a right & left, because I usually buy holsters in pairs whenever possible. DeSantis builds a holster that fits the Anaconda as well.....any holster that fits the S&W 629 Classic, with full underlug, should fit the new Anaconda. Thanks for the superb comparison, and I hope Your new Colt brings satisfaction of ownership and usage! ~DDZZ
I now own both, since my recent acquisition of the 2021 Anaconda. If you're (not "your") a certifiable gun-nut like me, the differences are insignificant. In both, you have the best of all possible worlds, when it comes to the venerable .44 Mag-Daddy.
The Colt and Ruger are both fine guns. They are both heavy duty, probably more so than my old school Smith model 29's. However if you want something to shoot insane 44 mag loads, just move up to the S&W 460 or 500 and get it over with.
smiths are the least reliable revolvers usually, the institution of their internal lock ruined the guns! now a pre lock smith 29 or 7 shot 357 is the bees knees, but today nothing touches a ruger except a freedom arms in terms of ruggedness reliability and accuracy
I expect a 4.25" at some point, since the first incarnation included a 4".....and they seem to have hit most of the bases with the new Python in replicating their older barrel length options.
My Wife shoots an Anaconda. The New Model. Its sweet. She is a little girl too. She shoots the .44 Spl. We have a Python too. Carried one for five years as a Lawman. Beautiful pieces of equipment.
Thanks for posting that! I have medium to small hands, and I've been reluctant about the Colt Anaconda because I didn't know if I could hold it properly. Sounds like it's a possibility after all.
@@bluyetiinc7553 Not yet. Life got in the way. Rented one once though! Shot like a dream, and fit my not-so-big hands just fine. It's definitely on my radar.
@@MyWillypilly It's the first Colt I've owned, but I've owned a lot of the other brands. I can't compare new Colt to old Colt from experience, but from everything I read and here, the new Anaconda is an improvement on the old Anaconda.
Welp, I think my 44 mag days are over unless I run into another mountain gun but I still like looking at em. The lead-in to the cylinder notches sure look long on the Colt. Reminds me of single action race guns.
There is NO comparison! I'll take the Ruger any day of the week. And twice on Sunday! The Colt is great if you're at the range and shooting at paper targets. But for a real gunfight, where your life is on the line, it's the Ruger that wins.
I shoot Underwood 340g +P+ out of my Super RedHawk frequently. Now those rounds are a handful compared to 240g +P Buffalo Bore loads. Would I want to shoot them heavy underwood rounds in a Colt? Definitely not, BUT not because I don’t believe the new Anaconda can’t handle it. In fact your video proves the Colt can certainly handle it. For me it’s a matter of battering that beautiful Colt loose. I don’t know, it’s a Colt and they’re more expensive and collectible. But I think it’s cool that you go out there and use your tool as it was meant to be used. Thanks for the video!
Thank you for watching and for the feedback! I'm not into "collectables" if they are the types than can only be looked at. If Colt continues to churn them out, maybe that'll encourage people to actually use them...like I'm going to. If it were an OLD Colt? I'd make money off it and sell it to buy a gun I could actually use without concern for collectability. Straight up.. I wanted the Redhawk for it's ability to eat the "+P+" loads that I'll probably never buy. Sounds goofy, I know. The strength to handle a bit more than I'm going to run through it is a cushion of strength/insurance, in my mind, that my stout 310-gr Lee/21.5-gr W296 handloads are going to never phase it. I'd lay good money that the Colt will handle it with equal ease. At the prices they command, I'd never (afford to) run enough of Buffalo Bore's 340 gr +P+ through either one to hurt it. In truth...I'll likely never run anything marked +P or +P+ through the Anaconda...though I may buy a box of them for the Redhawk since it will be carried in the woods, possibly in bear country, one day. .44 Magnum, to me, is a great hunting round for a handgun with the potential to be an excellent defense round, even effective against North American dangerous game when properly loaded. However, were I planning a trip anywhere near territory where I could expect an encounter with something bigger than the rare big cat or black bear, I would probably leave the .44's at home in favor of something in .480 Ruger or .475 Linebaugh. I would prefer 400+ grain .475" diameter bullets @1200-1400 fps for such work, any day.
I have owned both a Ruger Super Redhawk and the new 2021 Anaconda. I have shot the Buffalo Bore 340g +P+ for over 8 years. I can assure you from personal experience your wrist and hearing will be permanently damaged long before you batter or abuse the Colt loose. The new Anaconda is built heavier and stronger than the Ruger Super Redhawk for frame, cylinder and internals - and believe me, that is saying something! If you get the chance, I hope you can own the 2021 Anaconda and shoot the life out of it. The 2021 Anaconda is a phenomenal revolver.
Excellent comparison! The Anaconda is a beefy gun to be sure. That said, I still wouldn't fire a lot of really stout loads through it like you might do in a Redhawk/Super Redhawk. One thing to keep in mind with the Anaconda; the cylinder throats are tighter. That could be why they made the cylinder slightly longer. I am seriously thinking about buying one now!
@@plowboysghost Interesting. I know the original Anacondas were notoriously finicky when it came to bullet selection for handloaders. The new ones seem to be a big quality jump over the originals. It's a really intriguing gun, but a rather expensive one. I like them, but I am on the fence at this point. They are nice!
The redhawk is not the same gun as the super redhawk, I've been told that the Super Redhawk was more robust. It'd be interesting to see this comparison with that.
I own a Super Redhawk and it is a lot more beefier than the Redhawk. Mine is a 2016 Ruger Super Redhawk Hunter Edition and I love, love it! 7”1/2 barrel and mine allows me to shoot 454 cassulls! I, too noticed that no one compares the SRH. The Colt looks gorgeous, but the price is crazy! I would not trade mine for anything. Other than that, great video!
Love the review!! But I sure hate that everyone feels the need to show their viewers the firearms are unloaded in fear of retaliation. Anyone commenting on safety in regards to an obviously unloaded firearm is a Karen not worth your time anyhow!!!
If Ruger doesn’t get their act together with their QC regarding their revolvers (especially the standard redhawks), Colt might take a portion of the big bore market away from them. Prices in my are for pythons and anacondas are coming down. Saw at my local dealer three months ago one 8” for $2000. It was gone within a week. Two days ago I was in the same shop and they had four pythons at MSRP and both the 6” and 8” anacondas for $100 under MSRP. And according to the guy who runs it, they had more anacondas in the back and more on order. If colt can keep their nose clean they will clean house
This Redhawk was built in 2017, and it's well built...far as I can tell. Seems any QC issues didn't ride in on this particular gun...thankfully. The dealer I got this Anaconda from had sold the first two he got in last year for $2200+...quickly. He had put $1899 on this one a few weeks before I traded for it, but by the time I got to it, he had brought it down to $1699. I gave a little more but II can TRADE with my dealer and get good money for my trades... where I couldn't for any of those others I could've ordered/bought.
You obviously haven't kept up to date on the Colt revolvers. The Pythons were having tons of problems with crappy workmanship and function Look up all the videos on youtube.
@@BOOMER-rs5qn from my experience with my own python that’s a post CZ takeover made gun. I’ve had none of the issues. And that is fairly consistent with some other people at the same shop who have also bought colts since the CZ buy out. I know the first issue pythons and cobras had a LOT of teething issues but I feel that 90% of them were ironed out with the anaconda. If colt was still having serious issues I doubt they would financially gamble with the release of the diamond back.
@@BOOMER-rs5qn I've done a LOT of researching and study in a very short time...and I'm glad I didn't get an early Python. I don't many videos at all on the new Anaconda, and there sure aren't many videos with real problems with it...other than some ole boy upset about "machining marks" under the grip on one. This Anaconda was made on 3/24/22...near a year after CZ took over Colt...and near a year into the production of the new Anaconda.
I don’t think Colt forges their frames anymore. I know S&W no longer does, and if that new Colt has a larger frame than the old Colt, then I would say the sole reason for that is because the frame is definitely cast and not forged.
I see a whole lot of people online, here and there, calling for it in .45 Colt. I reckon it's my preference for .45 Colt in the original platform (single action revolvers) that limits my interest in that caliber in a DA revolver....but then I do have a couple of leverguns in .45 Colt in addition to several SA revolvers, and historically no levergun was chambered in .45 Colt. Of course, I get the strength of an Anaconda so chambered is a draw, and I know what feats .45 Colt can accomplish when loaded for incredibly strong actions. Different strokes, and whatnot. 😁
I really wish someone had the funds to do a total but down test on colt vs ruger vs smith 357 and 44 revolvers. Both number of full house rounds the frame can take before going out of spec, and max pressure the cylinders can handle before blowing up. Throw a manhurin in there for comparison too lol
Colts are lot stronger than people think . I once had a scuib load in my colt without realizing it and i shot again . I did get a face full of powder but the gun was fine. i still shoot it today.
@plowboysghost maybe from a private party tranfer You can get one... i saw one at a shop not too long ago .i got all excited credit card in hand only to realize ther was a sign that said LEO ...( law enforcement only)
I don't shot Buffalo Bore or the like in my Anaconda, Ruger has the Stronger lock up. My Smith 69 Combat Magnum Snub has the new Two peace Barrel, and the new lockup, I feel like it's pretty strong but regular 240 grain Remington slugs will literally make your hand hurt for days after just a few cylinders may need to change the grip I don't know shoot 44 special in it and actually carry it some
At this point I am of the opinion that the Smith 629 is the best size for strength and carry. The old 29 was a great gun but the 629 is much stronger. I would not say 'tank like' but then again I don't say that about any gun... Rugers included. Broke a few Rugers. For any reasonable load tho the 629 is gonna last a lifetime. I do have a Dan Wesson 44 mag.... that thing is huge. Almost too big for some peoples hands. I probly would not want to carry it all day in the field. The 629? wouldn't want a 44 mag much smaller and lighter but for sure am shying away from ones that are heavier and bulkier. I did buy a shoulder holster for the gun for the field and it swivels forward to get the gun out. even my 6" gun tucks in really well... wearing a leather coat one could..... use it for concealed carry LOL guys I was with did not even notice I was carrying it.
When I owned a 45 colt anaconda I was told by buffalo bore to use 325 grain plus p 45 co. Lt anaconda s Aringly. For the redhawk use as much as zi liked
Hope this comment finds someone who can answer, I just bought the anaconda the other day, still have yet to fire it. I did notice my cylinder does have a wiggle to it. If you give the gun a little shake you can feel/ hear the movement. Also if you spin the cylinder it sounds like its rubbing on something as it spins. Being a new unfired gun, is this something I should be concerned about?
Well...I wouldn't be happy with a new gun with a rubbing sound. Hopefully someone will chime in with an idea better than mine...which is to call Colt. Though I have never sent a gun back in my 40+ years of gun ownership, I would be seriously tempted to with how much my Anaconda cost...if it needed something.
I'd agree on the original Pythons being weaker. The original Anaconda was stronger than the Smith..and as far as I know the new Anacondas are still stronger than the Smith.
I got lucky with my anaconda and got it for just over 1400....damned python cost me 1600. I had to get one after buying a python. Even if they're hand me downs for my younger family members. They're collectors items in the end...even if I go out and shoot the shit out of them...which I certainly will.