New For 2024: Colt Viper

by
posted on June 2, 2024
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

KelTec PR57
KelTec PR57

KelTec’s PR57: Thinking Outside The (Detachable) Box

KelTec has brought the stripper clip back with the thoroughly unconventional PR57—a carry pistol with an uncommon chambering, an unusual action and no box magazine.

The Armed Citizen® June 9, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

More Western States Opening Large Shooting Ranges

A number of states in the western U.S. have opened or are planning to open large, versatile ranges to serve the growing need for publicly accessible shooting spaces.

Preview: Sneaky Pete Distressed Leather Perfect Holster

More than just a fresh look made using handcrafted leather, the Sneaky Pete Distressed Leather Perfect Holster has been redesigned to accommodate extra ammunition in addition to a concealed firearm.

New For 2025: Rost Martin RM1S & RM1C Comped

Two new models joined the Rost Martin handgun lineup in 2025, one with subcompact dimensions and another with a built-in compensator that promises to reduce recoil substantially.

CMP Resumes M1911 Pistol Sales

As of January 2025, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) had resumed sales of surplus U.S. Army M1911/M1911A1 pistols to qualified U.S. citizens.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.