Rifleman Review: Colt Viper

In recent years, Colt has revived its vaunted line of "snake guns," a collection of double-action revolvers with serpent-inspired nomenclature, such as the Cobra, the Python and the Anaconda. One of the latest additions to the second-generation line of snake guns is the Viper, which stands out in the lineup for several reasons. Watch our "American Rifleman Television" Rifleman Review segment above to see the details and watch it in action on the range.

"The original Vipers came out in 1977. They were an aluminum alloy-frame gun, and they were chambered in the .38 Special cartridge," former American Rifleman Editor in Chief Brian Sheetz said. "The new Viper, the Gen 2 Viper, is a steel-frame gun, stainless steel, and it's chambered in .357 Magnum. Now, this is the 3-inch model. There's also a 4.25-inch model, but for now, that's it in the Viper line."

Unlike many other second-generation snake guns, the Colt Viper has a minimized profile and a shortened barrel underlug, which makes it stand out within the company's collection of double-action revolvers. Additionally, the new generation of Vipers feature the enlarged trigger guard found on Colt's other recent relaunches.

"Think of the Viper not as a target gun, but as a carry gun," Sheetz said. "Everything has been done to to minimize its profile. And even though this viper is a stainless steel, all stainless steel gun capable of firing .357 Magnums and .38 Specials, this particular model weighs only 27.3 ounces."

Despite the changes, many elements of the Viper still retain classic Colt characteristics, such as the traditionally configured walnut stocks, as well as the Colt-style cylinder release, which must be pulled back to disengage the fluted six-round cylinder from the all-steel frame. Of course, it being a Colt, the cylinder rotates clockwise as the action cycles.

 "All in all, the Viper really reenergizes that name from back in the day when the original Viper was really a far less capable gun, albeit somewhat lighter," Sheetz said. "But at 27.3 ounces, I think the new Viper really has a place in Colt's selection of next-generation snake guns."

Colt Viper Specifications
Manufacturer: Colt (colt.com)
Action Type: double-action, centerfire revolver
Chambering: .357 Mag. (.38 Spl.)
Frame: stainless steel
Barrel: 3-inch stainless steel
Cylinder Capacity: six rounds
Sights: ramped front, fixed square-notch rear
Stocks: checkered walnut
Trigger: double-action, 9-lb., 12-oz. pull; single-action, 4-lb., 14-oz. pull
Overall Length: 8 inches
Height: 5 inches
Width: 1.4 inches
Weight: 26.9 ozs.
MSRP: $1,149

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/videos/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.