Among Colt's many recent revolver introductions are two new guns designed to improve the shooting experience with some built-in recoil-mitigation elements. Colt's new Grizzly and Kodiak revolvers are chambered in .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum, respectively, and each features barrel porting and an unfluted cylinder while still being built on the company's already-popular Python and Anaconda frame sizes.
Each outfitted with 4.25" barrels, the Colt Grizzly and Kodiak revolvers include six circular ports near the muzzle, three on each side of the barrel rib, that allow propellant gases to escape upward, counteracting muzzle flip and recoil. According to Colt's testing, the addition of the ports reduced muzzle velocity less than 100 f.p.s. compared to rounds fired out of an unported Python or Anaconda.
Aside from the differences in frame size and chambering, the Colt Grizzly and Kodiak revolvers are similarly configured, featuring six ports on the upper portion of the barrel near the muzzle, as well as an unfluted cylinder and textured rubber grip.
Additionally, the guns are outfitted with unfluted cylinders, which provide more than just aesthetic value. The additional steel in the cylinder, combined with the guns' full barrel underlug, adds even more weight that helps to soften recoil when shooting magnum rounds. The addition of a rubber grip also softens the blow of heavy loads. Both guns still retain the full ventilated rib of their unported siblings, as well as adjustable target sights and all stainless-steel construction.
Over the last several years, Colt has quietly expanded its various "snake gun" offerings. To date, there are 17 different variations of Colt's revived Python revolver, including 8"-barreled models, a "Classic Python" offering, blued and matte finish options and even a specially configured "Combat Elite" version. Colt's .44 Mag. Anaconda line has also expanded, with eight different options featuring barrel lengths from 4.25" to 8".
The suggested retail price on the new Colt Grizzly and Kodiak revolvers is $1,599. For more information, visit colt.com.
