Range Report: E4.5F/C vs. G17L, 8/14/25

[Stepvenlau]

The classic “snake guns” really are in a league of their own. A Python is probably the most versatile starting point if you’re set on Colt—.357 gives you flexibility with lighter .38s for practice and magnums for serious work. An Anaconda is a beast, but definitely more of a hunting/field revolver with that 6–8” barrel and .44 mag chambering.

It depends what your intended use is. For a conceal and carry weapon I’m definitely not the right guy to answer that, though I hear the term J frame thrown around a lot. I have one Colt revolver and it fell into my lap so it isn’t something I would have picked, though it is a snake gun. If I were looking for a Colt revolver I would be looking at a Python or an Anaconda. .44 mag or larger, probably with an 8” barrel. Minimum 6”.

If you’re thinking more about carry or just general range use, a Python 4.25” or 6” is a sweet spot. For pure fun or hunting, then yeah, the big Anaconda is hard to beat.
Curious are you leaning toward something you’d actually carry, or more of a range/hunting revolver to enjoy alongside your optic-equipped setups?

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Is this directed to me or @Bassbob?

The classic “snake guns” really are in a league of their own. A Python is probably the most versatile starting point if you’re set on Colt—.357 gives you flexibility with lighter .38s for practice and magnums for serious work. An Anaconda is a beast, but definitely more of a hunting/field revolver with that 6–8” barrel and .44 mag chambering.


If you’re thinking more about carry or just general range use, a Python 4.25” or 6” is a sweet spot. For pure fun or hunting, then yeah, the big Anaconda is hard to beat.
Curious are you leaning toward something you’d actually carry, or more of a range/hunting revolver to enjoy alongside your optic-equipped setups?

I'm keeping my eye out for a big revolver and a lever rifle in .357/.38 for recreational/fun use at the range. I keep telling myself that I need to take part in three-gun or cowboy shooting or at least steel challenge. One of these days. Maybe.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[Bassbob]

Hi,

Is this directed to me or @Bassbob?



I'm keeping my eye out for a big revolver and a lever rifle in .357/.38 for recreational/fun use at the range. I keep telling myself that I need to take part in three-gun or cowboy shooting or at least steel challenge. One of these days. Maybe.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

Cowboy action shooting you'll want a specific type of revolver. Ruger has cowboy guns. Colt probably does too. Can't think of any Smiths off the top of my head. Three gun I think is usually a shotgun, AR and handgun.

 

[KillerFord1977]

Cowboy action shooting you'll want a specific type of revolver. Ruger has cowboy guns. Colt probably does too. Can't think of any Smiths off the top of my head. Three gun I think is usually a shotgun, AR and handgun.

Hi,

Is this directed to me or @Bassbob?



I'm keeping my eye out for a big revolver and a lever rifle in .357/.38 for recreational/fun use at the range. I keep telling myself that I need to take part in three-gun or cowboy shooting or at least steel challenge. One of these days. Maybe.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

Gonna need to work on accuracy, then speed

 

[Belt Fed]

Do you Agents have a double naught spy competition? like you would win extra ammo......ok wait a minute, that's how you gettin all these new guns. yer winnin em you ole dog you. Man i tell ya, you secret agent fellers are somethin else.

 

[SimonRL]

Hi,



I can't tell you how many times the first shot will be right in the middle of the middle, then the next shot will be off the target low and left. Gah!


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

This is because your brain and muscles are unencumbered with any prior input and everything is fresh. After that first shot, muscle memory takes over, your nervous system starts to anticipate and you start to flinch, hence the gradual march low and left. You have to channel that fist shot, how it felt and repeat it over and over. Know that you can make that shot.

Those ragged targets you see me post every know and then are not just the cumulative effect of pouring enough lead in a given area. I like to work my way round the target picking very specific, very small bits away until most of the target is gone. It’s all zen. Being one with the gun willing the bullet to a bullet size space. Wax on. Wax off.