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The Colt Grizzly revolver is a rare and highly sought-after firearm from Colt Manufacturing, a company known for producing high-quality revolvers, concealed carry pistols, and budget-friendly handguns. Introduced in 1994 as a limited-production model, the Colt Grizzly was designed to offer Python-level refinement with a factory Mag-Na-Ported barrel, making it an ideal choice for collectors and precision shooters.
With a 4.25-inch barrel, .357 Magnum caliber, and six-round cylinder, the Colt Grizzly specs highlight its accuracy, smooth trigger action, and stainless-steel durability. The Colt Grizzly performance is enhanced by its ported barrel, reducing muzzle flip and improving recoil control, making it a highly capable revolver for target shooting and hunting. Due to its limited availability, the Colt Grizzly price is significantly higher than standard production revolvers, typically ranging around $3,000 on the collector’s market.
Check out our comprehensive Colt Grizzly review, discussing the main specs, performance, and price of the Colt Grizzly revolver. Keep on reading and find out what makes the Colt Grizzly one of the best Colt revolvers for concealed carry.
Colt Grizzly: Background & First Impressions
The moment I first laid my hands on the Colt Grizzly, I knew this Colt revolver was something special—its compact 4.25-inch barrel balances just right, and the grip molds into the hand like it was built for instinctive control. The origin of the Colt Grizzly traces back to the 1990s, when Colt sought to create a revolver that combined powerful magnum performance with enhanced shootability. The Colt Grizzly release date was 1994, and this model was a limited-edition revolver designed to bring the capabilities of the legendary Colt Python into a more compact yet equally refined package.
Built as a .357 Magnum revolver, the Grizzly shares the same robust action and attention to detail as the Python, but with a stainless steel construction and a factory Mag-Na-Ported barrel for reduced recoil. My first impression was that this revolver is smooth, precise, and powerful—just what you’d expect from a premium Colt revolver with Python DNA.
Key Features of Colt Grizzly
The Colt Grizzly features a .357 Magnum caliber with a six-round cylinder capacity, delivering a balance of power and manageable recoil. Built from stainless steel, this revolver offers durability and a corrosion-resistant finish, making it well-suited for hunting, target shooting, and home defense. The Colt Grizzly size is compact yet powerful, with an overall length that makes it easier to handle than larger magnum revolvers while still packing serious firepower. The Colt Grizzly barrel length of 4.25 inches enhances accuracy while keeping the revolver maneuverable.
One of the key benefits of Colt Grizzly is its Mag-Na-Ported barrel, which significantly reduces muzzle flip and helps with follow-up shots. A common Colt Grizzly problem is its limited production run, making it a rare and often expensive collector’s item rather than a widely available shooting option. Despite this, its Python-inspired action and precision craftsmanship make it a standout in the world of Colt revolvers.
Main Specs of Colt Grizzly
The Colt Grizzly features a 4.25-inch barrel, striking a balance between accuracy and maneuverability, making it well-suited for hunting, target shooting, and home defense. Chambered in .357 Magnum, it delivers impressive stopping power with a six-round cylinder capacity. The stainless steel frame enhances durability while adding weight to help control recoil. With an overall length of approximately 9.5 inches, the Colt Grizzly size provides a steady shooting platform, though its limited availability makes it more of a collector’s revolver than a mainstream carry option.
| Colt Grizzly Specs | Colt Grizzly Spec Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Magnum |
| Cylinder Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Height | 5.5 inches |
| Width | 1.6 inches |
| Overall Length | 9.5 inches |
| Barrel Length | 4.25 inches |
| Front Sight | Ramp with red insert |
| Rear Sight | Fully adjustable |
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel |
| Frame Size | Medium |
| Frame Type | I-Frame (Python-based) |
| Action Type | Double-Action/Single-Action |
| Weight | 44 ounces |
| Price | Approximately $3,000 (collector's market) |
Colt Grizzly Pros and Cons
When evaluating the pros and cons of Colt Grizzly, one of its biggest advantages is its Python-based action, which delivers an exceptionally smooth trigger pull and precise lockup, resulting in outstanding accuracy and controllability. This makes it a top-tier revolver for target shooting and hunting. However, a key drawback is its limited production and collector’s status, which drives up its price and makes it difficult to find. As a result, the Colt Grizzly is more of a rare collector’s piece than a widely available option for regular shooters. Despite this, its premium build quality and performance solidify its place as a sought-after Colt revolver.
What are the main advantages of Colt Grizzly?
The Colt Grizzly benefits make it a highly sought-after revolver known for its smooth trigger, precision, and durable build. Designed as a limited-edition performance revolver, it offers a combination of Python-like quality and .357 Magnum power, making it a standout in the collector and shooting markets. The main Colt Grizzly advantages are outlined below.
- Exceptional Trigger & Accuracy: The Python-based action ensures a smooth, crisp trigger pull, enhancing precision for target shooting and hunting.
- Durable Stainless-Steel Build: The Colt Grizzly pros include its stainless steel construction, which provides longevity and resistance to wear and corrosion.
- Mag-Na-Ported Barrel: Factory ported barrel reduces muzzle flip, allowing for better recoil management and faster follow-up shots.
- Limited Collector’s Appeal: Its low production numbers and high-quality craftsmanship make it a valuable investment for collectors.
- Powerful .357 Magnum Performance: The .357 Magnum chambering offers strong stopping power, making it suitable for defense, hunting, and sport shooting.
These Colt Grizzly advantages make it a premium revolver, combining top-tier performance with rarity and collector appeal.
What are the main disadvantages of Colt Grizzly?
While the Colt Grizzly is a premium revolver with exceptional performance, it does have some drawbacks. Several Colt Grizzly problems have been noted by shooters, making it essential to consider its limitations. Below are the main Colt Grizzly disadvantages.
- Limited Availability: As a limited-production model, the Colt Grizzly is rare and difficult to find, making it expensive on the collector’s market.
- High Price: Due to its scarcity, the Colt Grizzly commands a premium price, often costing significantly more than similar revolvers.
- Heavy Weight: Weighing 44 ounces, the all-steel construction improves durability but can lead to fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
- Lack of Modern Features: Unlike newer revolvers, the Colt Grizzly cons include the absence of modern grip ergonomics and advanced recoil management systems.
- Collector’s Status Over Practicality: While highly functional, the Colt Grizzly is more of a collector’s piece, limiting its use as an everyday carry or field revolver.
Despite these Colt Grizzly disadvantages, its Python-based action, durability, and precision make it a highly valued revolver for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Best Upgrades for Colt Grizzly
Enhancing the Colt Grizzly with aftermarket accessories improves accuracy, recoil control, and overall performance, making it a more refined revolver for target shooting, hunting, or defense. Upgrading to Hogue rubber grips or custom wood grips enhances comfort and recoil management, while fiber optic or tritium sights improve low-light visibility for faster target acquisition. A polished and tuned trigger smooths out the action, providing a crisper, lighter pull for increased accuracy. Although the Grizzly already features Mag-Na-Porting, additional porting can further reduce recoil and improve follow-up shots. A well-fitted leather or Kydex holster ensures secure carry and quick access, making it a practical upgrade. These Colt Grizzly accessories enhance handling and shooting performance while preserving its collector value.
What are the best Colt Grizzly accessories?
Outfitting the Colt Grizzly with the right accessories enhances its accuracy, handling, and shooting performance, making it a more refined revolver for hunting, target shooting, and defense. Below are the top recommendations.
- Best Colt Grizzly sights: Trijicon Bright & Tough Night Sights and Dawson Precision Fiber Optic Sights improve target visibility in low-light conditions, ensuring quick and precise aiming.
- Best grip for Colt Grizzly: Hogue Monogrip rubber grips and Altamont custom wood grips provide a more secure, ergonomic hold, reducing recoil and improving control.
- Best Colt Grizzly gun belt: The Leather Gun Belt (1.5") offers superior support and stability, ensuring a secure and comfortable carry setup for the Colt Grizzly.
- Best Colt Grizzly speedloaders: HKS 10A Speedloader and Safariland Comp II allow for faster reloads, making them a practical addition for any Colt Grizzly owner.
- Best Colt Grizzly holsters: Finding a well-fitted holster is essential for secure carry and accessibility. Let’s now take a closer look at the best Colt Grizzly holsters.
These Colt Grizzly accessories optimize performance, control, and carrying comfort, making the revolver even more effective for various shooting applications.
Colt Grizzly Holsters: How to Choose the Best Holster for Colt Grizzly?
Colt Grizzly holsters are among the best accessories for this revolver, ensuring secure retention, quick access, and comfortable carry. Choosing the best Colt Grizzly holsters is essential for both protection and convenience, whether for open carry, range use, or hunting.
To select the best holster for Colt Grizzly, consider the following factors.
- Intended Use: Decide if the holster is for open carry, range shooting, or hunting. OWB holsters offer better accessibility, while chest holsters provide stability for outdoor use.
- Carry Style: Choose between strong-side OWB, cross-draw, or shoulder holsters, depending on your comfort and draw preference.
- Material: Leather holsters provide a custom fit over time, offering comfort and durability, while Kydex holsters ensure rigid retention and resistance to wear.
- Accessories: If carrying extra ammo pouches or speedloaders, ensure the holster setup allows for easy reloading and accessibility.
By considering these factors, you can find the best Colt Grizzly holster that matches your carry needs while maintaining security and quick access in any shooting scenario.
What are the best Colt Grizzly concealed carry holsters?
The best Colt Grizzly concealed carry holsters provide secure retention, comfort, and quick access, making it possible to discreetly carry this medium-frame revolver while ensuring effective draw capability. Below are the ideal holster styles for concealing the Colt Grizzly based on different carry preferences.
- Colt Grizzly IWB holsters: Inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters offer deep concealment, keeping the revolver close to the body for everyday carry. Due to the Colt Grizzly’s weight, pairing it with a sturdy gun belt improves stability.
- Colt Grizzly OWB holsters: Outside-the-waistband (OWB) holsters provide better comfort and faster access. While primarily used for open carry, some low-profile OWB designs can be concealed under a jacket or loose clothing.
- Colt Grizzly shoulder holsters: Ideal for seated positions or cold-weather carry, shoulder holsters distribute weight evenly, allowing for a smooth cross-draw while keeping the revolver accessible and secure.
- Colt Grizzly chest holsters: Best suited for hunting or outdoor use, chest holsters keep the revolver high and centered, ensuring quick access even with bulky clothing or gear.
Each of these Colt Grizzly concealed carry holsters caters to different carry styles, ensuring a balance of concealment, comfort, and practicality based on the shooter’s needs.
Best Colt Grizzly IWB Holster
The best IWB holster for Colt Grizzly is the Colt Grizzly IWB Holster w Steel Clip, an excellent choice for those seeking secure, comfortable, and discreet carry. This Colt Grizzly inside waistband holster is crafted from premium leather, offering a custom-molded fit that enhances both retention and smooth draw.
Designed for everyday concealed carry, this Colt Grizzly IWB holster features a reinforced steel clip, ensuring a firm and stable attachment to the belt, preventing unnecessary movement. Its low-profile design helps reduce printing, making it an ideal Colt Grizzly concealed holster for those prioritizing comfort and accessibility while carrying a medium-frame revolver.
Best Colt Grizzly OWB Holster
The best OWB holster for Colt Grizzly is the Colt Grizzly Comfortable Belt Holster, offering the perfect combination of security, comfort, and quick access. This Colt Grizzly OWB holster is crafted from premium leather, ensuring a custom-molded fit that enhances retention while allowing for a smooth, natural draw.
Designed for open carry or concealed carry under a jacket, this Colt Grizzly outside waistband holster sits snug against the body, minimizing printing while keeping the revolver easily accessible. The reinforced stitching and slight forward cant improve draw speed and durability, making this Colt Grizzly belt holster an excellent choice for those prioritizing stability, reliability, and long-term comfort.
Best Colt Grizzly Shoulder Holster
The best shoulder holster for Colt Grizzly is the Colt Grizzly Vertical Roto Shoulder Holster System, designed for secure, balanced, and comfortable all-day carry. This Colt Grizzly shoulder holster is crafted from premium leather, ensuring a custom-molded fit that enhances retention while allowing for a smooth, natural draw.
The vertical carry design evenly distributes the revolver’s weight across the shoulders, reducing fatigue and improving comfort during extended wear. The roto feature allows for a faster, more intuitive draw, making it superior to traditional shoulder rigs. With an integrated double cylinder pouch, this holster ensures quick reload access, making it an ideal choice for those prioritizing comfort, security, and efficiency in their Colt Grizzly carry setup.
Best Colt Grizzly Chest Holster
The best chest holster for Colt Grizzly is the Colt Grizzly Leather Chest Holster, designed for secure and accessible carry in rugged environments. This Colt Grizzly chest holster is crafted from premium leather, ensuring durability, retention, and all-day comfort, making it ideal for hunting, hiking, and outdoor use.
The cross-draw chest carry design keeps the revolver high and centered, allowing for quick access while keeping hands free. Its adjustable leather straps provide a stable, balanced fit, ensuring the holster stays securely in place even during active movement. Built for heavy-duty use, this holster is perfect for those who need quick-draw capability and superior firearm protection in demanding outdoor conditions.
Why Choose Colt Grizzly Over Other Handguns?
The Colt Grizzly stands out from other handguns due to its Python-based action, factory Mag-Na-Porting, and stainless-steel durability, making it an excellent choice for collectors, target shooters, and hunters. Its .357 Magnum caliber delivers strong stopping power, while the 4.25-inch barrel balances accuracy and maneuverability.
Compared to other medium-frame revolvers, the Colt Grizzly offers a smoother trigger pull and reduced muzzle flip, thanks to its ported barrel. Its limited production run makes it a highly sought-after collector’s item, adding to its exclusivity. With high-end craftsmanship, precise lockup, and a design inspired by the Colt Python, the Colt Grizzly remains one of the most refined and collectible revolvers ever produced.
How does Colt Grizzly differ from Colt Python?
The key difference between the Colt Grizzly and the Colt Python lies in their intended purpose, production, and barrel design. The Colt Grizzly is a limited-production revolver based on the Python’s I-frame, but it features a 4.25-inch factory Mag-Na-Ported barrel, which helps reduce muzzle flip and improve recoil control.
The Colt Grizzly vs Python debate highlights key differences between these two high-end revolvers. The Colt Python, in contrast, is a widely recognized production revolver known for its longer barrel options, deep blued or stainless-steel finish, and exceptionally smooth action. While both are .357 Magnum, six-shot revolvers built with premium craftsmanship, the Colt Grizzly’s rarity and ported barrel design make it a more unique collector’s item, whereas the Colt Python remains the gold standard for precision revolvers.
How does Colt Grizzly differ from Ruger GP100?
The Colt Grizzly and Ruger GP100 are both .357 Magnum revolvers, but they differ in construction, design philosophy, and intended use. The Colt Grizzly is a limited-production revolver, built on Colt’s I-frame with a 4.25-inch factory Mag-Na-Ported barrel, which reduces muzzle flip and recoil for improved shooting control.
The Ruger GP100 is a mass-produced, heavy-duty revolver designed for rugged durability, featuring a solid-frame construction with no side plates for extra strength. While the GP100 is built for longevity and everyday use, the Colt Grizzly offers Python-level refinement and collectibility, making it a rare, high-end option for collectors and precision shooters.
Frequently Asked Questions about Colt Grizzly
Now that we've been through everything you need to know about the Colt Grizzly, let's wrap it up by answering some of the Colt Grizzly frequently asked questions. From its key specifications and performance to its collectibility, holster options, and shooting characteristics, these final insights will give you a complete understanding of what makes the Colt Grizzly a standout revolver for shooters and collectors alike.
Yes, the Colt Grizzly is a good gun, especially for those who appreciate high-quality craftsmanship, smooth trigger action, and collectibility. Built on Colt’s I-frame and featuring a factory Mag-Na-Ported barrel, it offers excellent accuracy and reduced muzzle flip, making it ideal for target shooting and hunting. Its stainless-steel construction ensures durability and longevity, while its Python-based action delivers exceptional trigger control. Although its limited production run makes it harder to find and more expensive than other .357 Magnum revolvers, its performance, rarity, and precision engineering make it a top-tier choice for shooters and collectors alike.
No, the Colt Grizzly for concealed carry is not the most practical choice due to its medium-frame size, all-steel construction, and weight. With a 4.25-inch barrel and an overall weight of 44 ounces, it is bulkier and heavier than most revolvers designed for everyday carry. While it offers exceptional accuracy, smooth trigger action, and reduced recoil thanks to its ported barrel, concealing it requires loose clothing, a strong gun belt, and a well-fitted IWB or shoulder holster. For those prioritizing discretion and comfort, a smaller .357 Magnum revolver would be a more practical option.
The Colt Grizzly caliber is .357 Magnum, a high-powered revolver cartridge known for its strong stopping power and deep penetration. Designed for hunting, self-defense, and target shooting, the .357 Magnum delivers high velocity and energy, making it one of the most effective handgun calibers. While the Colt Grizzly is chambered exclusively in .357 Magnum, it can also safely fire .38 Special rounds, offering shooters a lower-recoil alternative for practice and training.
The Colt Grizzly cylinder capacity is 6 rounds, consistent with classic .357 Magnum revolvers. This six-shot configuration provides a balance between firepower and reliability, making it well-suited for target shooting, hunting, and self-defense. Unlike high-capacity semi-automatics, the Colt Grizzly’s six-round cylinder prioritizes precision and durability, ensuring a smooth and consistent action with each shot. While it does not offer the capacity of modern double-stack handguns, its Python-based action and accuracy make every round count.
The Colt Grizzly is built on Colt’s I-frame, the same frame used for the Colt Python. This medium-to-large frame provides exceptional durability and smooth action, making it well-suited for .357 Magnum power. The I-frame design allows for tight lockup and precise timing, contributing to the Colt Grizzly’s accuracy and reliability. While similar in size to other medium-frame revolvers, its Python-inspired engineering gives it a superior trigger pull and refined craftsmanship, setting it apart from standard production revolvers.
No, the Colt Grizzly is not necessarily better than the Colt Kodiak, as both revolvers cater to different needs and preferences. The Colt Grizzly, chambered in .357 Magnum, features a 4.25-inch factory Mag-Na-Ported barrel, making it more compact and balanced, ideal for target shooting and collection. Its Python-based action ensures a smooth trigger pull and tight lockup, enhancing accuracy.
No, the Colt Grizzly may not fit properly in a Colt Anaconda holster, as both revolvers have different frame sizes, barrel profiles, and dimensions. While both are Colt revolvers, the Colt Anaconda is a larger, .44 Magnum revolver, making its holsters too spacious for the medium-frame Colt Grizzly.
Conclusion: Is Colt Grizzly Worth It?
Through my own testing, the Colt Grizzly is absolutely worth it, especially for those who value precision, craftsmanship, and collector appeal. Its 4.25-inch factory Mag-Na-Ported barrel, Python-based action, and stainless-steel construction make it a standout revolver in terms of specifications, performance, and durability. The .357 Magnum caliber ensures strong stopping power, while its smooth trigger and reduced muzzle flip provide exceptional accuracy and control. Though its limited production makes it rare and expensive, its quality and performance justify its value.
This revolver is perfect for collectors, target shooters, and revolver enthusiasts who appreciate high-end craftsmanship. What I love most about the Colt Grizzly is how it balances power with shootability, offering a refined yet capable revolver experience. Paired with the right Colt Grizzly holster, it becomes an even better option, ensuring secure carry and quick access. If you're looking for a premium, precision-built revolver with collector status and real-world performance, the Colt Grizzly is a rare gem worth owning.
