Return of the Colt Viper In .357 Magnum

By Darwin N.

Colt has brought back the Viper, this time in .357 Magnum, based on what is perhaps the rarest Colt D-frame double-action revolver ever made. This wheelgun was only produced for one year, which may be why you’re scratching your head wondering where it came from in the first place. Let’s take a short trip down memory lane and look at the origins of the Colt Viper.HistoryIf you’re unfamiliar with the Colt Viper, it might be due to its rarity, as the revolver was only produced in 1977. Back then the 4” wheelgun was intended as an aluminum frame update to the Police Positive Special and bore resemblance to the post-1972 Detective Special. Available in blue or nickel finish, the 6-shooter was chambered in .38 Special.Having remained dormant for some time in the concealed revolver arena, Colt returned in 2017 releasing the stainless steel Cobra chambered in .38 Special with a 2” barrel. The company followed shortly after with the King Cobra in .357 Magnum, which offered 2” and 3” full-lug barrel options and came later in target variants of the 4.25” variety.

Source: The Firearm Blog