New For 2024: Colt Viper

by
posted on June 2, 2024
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Left side of the stainless-steel Colt Viper revolver with a 3" barrel and wood grips.
Images courtesy of Colt's Mfg.

Colt has been steadily rebuilding its "snake gun" lineup over the past few years, and the new-for-2024 Viper is the latest new reintroduction. However, this Colt Viper is not like the first-generation Viper of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The changes incorporated into the new Viper design make it more versatile and durable than before.

To start with, the new Colt Viper is built on a stainless-steel frame rather than the aluminum frame of the first-generation Vipers. While this adds weight, it also improves durability, and given the strength of the steel frame, this Viper is chambered for .357 Magnum loads. Vipers from the 1970s were only capable of handling 38 Spl. cartridges.

Left side of the Colt Viper stainless-steel revolver with a 4.25 inch barrel and wood grips.

The Colt Viper is also available with a 4.25" barrel in addition to the 3" model shown at the top.

In terms of frame size and structure, the Viper shares the design of Colt's second-generation Python, but that's where many of the similarities end. This new Viper includes some streamlined features designed to reduce weight and improve concealability. Gone is the ventilated top rib included on the Python and Anaconda, as well as the fully adjustable target sight. The Viper includes a simple ramped front sight that's viewed through a trough in the top of the frame rib, just like other classic carry revolvers.

Additionally, Colt replicated the barrel profile of the old Vipers by incorporating a half-length underlug that still shrouds the ejector rod. The hammer spur has been narrowed compared to the wider thumb pad on Colt's target revolvers, further reducing the profile and snag points on the gun. A slim set of classic, square-butt walnut grips completes this carry-ready revolver.

To boot, the new Colt Viper includes the enlarged trigger guard, improved design and strengthened topstrap found on the second-generation Pythons. Two models of the Viper are available, one with a 3" barrel and the other with a 4.25" barrel. The suggested retail price on the new Viper is $999. For more information, visit colt.com.

Latest

Sellmark Ranch Entrance
Sellmark Ranch Entrance

Sellmark Ranch Opens, Offers Hunting & Shooting Opportunities To The Public

Sellmark Corporation, the parent company of several notable firearm industry brands, opened its 6,800-acre ranch to the public, which provides dedicated hunts, mile-long shooting ranges and more.

CZ Recalls All-American Trap Combo Shotguns

CZ-USA has identified a manufacturing defect affecting the barrel of certain CZ All-American Trap Combo shotguns.

I Have This Old Gun: Japanese Type 94 Pistol

Among the pantheon of World War II military sidearms, the Japanese Type 94 stands out for a number of undesirable reasons. Aside from its ungainly look, many regard it as one of the most dangerous firearms ever made.

New For 2025: GForce Arms 12Hammer

The latest option in the diverse lineup of GForce Arms shotguns is the 12Hammer, an AR-style platform chambered for 12-ga. shotshells that feeds from detachable box magazines.

Tips & Techniques: DIY Fire Bluing

Is there anything prettier than fire bluing? This bright, “peacock” blue color is one of the world’s oldest firearm finishes and can be found on guns dating back as early as the 16th century and is still used on some of today’s high-end custom arms.

Rifleman Q&A: Eddystone Bayonets

"I recently started collecting World War I U.S. military firearms. I want to obtain a Model 1917 rifle made by each contractor—Winchester, Remington and Eddystone—along with bayonets for each. However, I can only locate bayonets made by Winchester and Remington. Why are bayonets made by Eddystone so hard to find?"

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.