A New .357 Magnum Double Action Revolver for Outdoorsmen
Interestingly, the latest version of the Colt Python has been given an Ursine rather than an Ophidian moniker. I’d say that this is a play for the hunter/outdoorsmen market-share. This newest rendition of the 2020 “Snake Gun” makes the 18th model built on this platform, in the Colt catalog. Most differ in barrel length, finish, sights and/or grips. This particular variation is all polished stainless-steel, with a 4.25-inch ported barrel, an unfluted cylinder for added strength, and Hogue Overmolded black rubber grips. It comes in a Colt Blue plastic carrying case, which also contains an owner’s manual, and safety padlock.
The most distinctive features of the Grizzly are the 4.25-inch ported barrel and the unfluted cylinder
Specifics
My test revolver when examined, displayed the quality of fit and finish that I would expect from Colt. The only “Delta” might be the Hogue grips that exposed a tiny portion of the side of the frames backstrap. Polishing on the stainless-steel was flawless and the upper surfaces of the top-strap and barrel rib were matte finished to reduce glare. The front sight on this model is a red ramp, which is held in place on the rib by a set screw, making it interchangeable. The rear sight is fully adjustable for windage and elevation. Three round ports are located on either side of the barrel, just below the rib and front sight. Factory specs show the double action (DA) trigger pull is 7-9.5 lbs. My trigger gauge indicated the average pull-weight for the test gun was 9 lbs., 8.5 oz. This is attributable to the leaf-spring action. Single action (SA) pull on the test gun averaged 5 lbs., 11 oz. and there was a touch of creep. The trigger has a 0.25-inch-wide face, which is grooved, and the hammer spur finely serrated. My medium-sized right hand took to the Hogue grips, and they provide a comfortable hold.
Fabricated from stainless-steel, the Grizzly has a polished finish, while the frame top-strap and rib have a matte surface to reduce glare
The unfluted cylinder provides extra strength and like all Colt revolvers, it rotates clock-wise; the cylinder release latch is pulled to the rear to unlock the cylinder.
Why the Grizzly?
While human/bear encounters in the USA are rare, they do occur with enough regularity to be of concern; especially in places like Alaska, that have populations of Black Bear, Grizzly, Brown, and Polar Bears. Records show that from 2000-2017 some 68 known hospitalizations, and 10 fatalities were due to bear attacks in the 49th State. In the Lower 48, Grizzly and Brown bear range is limited to a small part of several Northwestern states. Black Bears are most common and can be found in some 36 states. They stick to mostly mountainous or heavily wooded areas, but do tend to wander, and sometimes are encountered out of their normal range. Left alone, they are usually harmless, but bears can become dangerous when they feel their cubs are being threatened or there’s an intrusion on their kill/food source. This is usually accidental, and makes for attacks at distances too close for comfort.
Three ports are located on each side of the barrel; the red insert in the front sight is serrated.
Standard equipment is a fully adjustable rear sight; also note the wide hammer spur, which is finely serrated for more positive thumb-cocking.
So, the “Grizzly” label is appropriate for a handgun that is both portable and powerful. A 6-inch barrel might offer better ballistics for the .357 Magnum cartridge, but a 4.25-inch barrel makes this revolver much handier and quicker to get into action. As the focus on my article is defense in the wilds, mostly against charging bruins, I wanted test ammunition that would be appropriate for the task. A round that combines velocity with a bullet design that both penetrates and imparts maximum energy transfer is the Honey Badger from Black Hills Ammunition. Its 127 gr. solid copper bullet has an X-shaped nose and flutes, to inflict maximum damage to tissues. Next, I chose Buffalo Bore’s Heavy Outdoorsman load. It has a 180 gr. hard cast, lead flat-point (HC-LFP) bullet, with a copper gas-check (GC). Then there’s the Doubletap cartridge; it has a 200 gr. HC-LFP bullet. For a lighter, but effective load, I picked Federal’s American Eagle, with a 158 gr. JSP bullet. The final selection was the “Bear Load” from Hunting Shack Munitions (HSM), with a 180 gr. HC LFP GC bullet.
Here are the five .357 Magnum cartridges used in the evaluation of the Colt Grizzly; three have heavy, hard-cast, flat-pointed lead bullets.
To pack the Grizzly in the great outdoors, which during hunting season, will likely mean cooler weather; I wanted a holster that allowed wearing a coat or jacket, but didn’t impede access to the sixgun. Galco’s Big Iron Belt Holster filled the bill. Made of premium steer hide, with a smooth leather lining, it has a half-flap that both secures and protects the gun. The flap has a glove-friendly polymer tab for security and easy release. It comes with a polymer belt slot, but I got the optional Belt Drop, that lowers the holster below the beltline. It accommodates belts up to 1.75-inches, and can be used with the holsters leg thong. For a handy reload, I went with Galco’s Pick Six Ammo Carrier. It holds six revolver rounds for easy access and 2x2x2 loading. It uses four adjustable tension units to keep the ammo secure, and fits belts up to 1.75-inches wide. To support the leather gear, I went with their SB2 Casual Gun Belt. It is 1.5-inches wide, made of premium steer hide, and like the holster and ammo carrier is tan in color.
Galco’s Big Iron Holster, Ammo Carrier, and SB2 Gun Belt Fit the Bill
Grizzly Performance
I wanted to see what kind of bullet velocities I’d get from the 4.25-inch ported barrel, using the heavy Magnum loads. I set up my Oehler Model 35P chronograph and after a couple of shots, had to back off the Sky Screens more so than I usually must do with lesser handgun cartridges. You can see the data in the performance table. Then, I put up a double bullseye target at 20 yards to see where the sights were with my test gun. A couple of elevation adjustments were necessary, and was then I was ready to check accuracy potential. At a distance of 20 yards, three 5-shot groups were shot with each test load. Shooting was done single action, from the bench, using a sandbag rest. Group averages measured from 2.11 to 2.53-inches. There Magnum loads pack a wallop, so usually my first group was the best. My tightest 5-shot cluster measured 1.54-inches, and was shot using the Buffalo Bore Heavy Outdoorsman 180 gr. load. Federal’s American Eagle 158 gr. JSP took second place at 1.85-inches. Point of aim was 6 o’clock of the orange bullseye center, and I found that point of impact was generally a bit low and left of center.
Accuracy potential was tested by shooting the Grizzly single action, from the bench, using a sandbag rest; distance was 20 yards.
As enraged and charging Grizzly Bears are kinda scarce in North-Central Kentucky, I had to resort to realistic paper targets for a good practical shooting exercise for the Colt Grizzly. I obtained full-color, slightly undersized, Grizzly Bear targets from Target Vendors, a small outfit based in Montana. I attached a bear target to the target backer, and sent it down to the 20-yard line. The target return switch was then activated, at which point, I had to unlimber my .357 Magnum revolver, quickly acquire the sights, and engage the rampaging bruin with six rounds before it was upon me. I repeated this exercise with each of the six test loads. Reloads were made using the Pick Six Ammo Carrier.
This 5-shot group measured 1.54-inches and was shot using the Buffalo Bore ammunition; it had a 3-group average of 2.22-inches.
I was able to avoid getting “mauled” during this final test session and placed between 1 to 4 shots into the optical triangle/brain pan of each ursine target. My best performance was with the Federal 158 gr. JSP’s, which were more controllable in rapid fire, making it quicker to get back on target. Shooting the loads with the big 180-200 gr. slugs was more of a challenge, but still gave some good hits. The Hogue grips soaked up a lot of recoil and helped me get back on my sights as quickly as possible. I can’t really quantify the effectiveness of the barrel ports, but the upward jets of hot gasses do tend to dirty-up the red ramp front sight after several shots, plus mark-up the barrel rib. A stainless-steel brush and Lead Removal/Polishing Cloth is the cure for that.
Here, the author is engaging the charging Grizzly bear; he is wearing the Galco Big Iron Belt Holster, Pick-Six Ammo Carrier, and SB2 Casual Gun Belt.
I had no issues with the Galco leather or with any of the ammunition. The length of the Grizzlys ejector rod meant empty cases ejected easily. The sights worked out well and it was a fun and successful evaluation. I found a Bear Habitat map on the Internet, did some research, and though I’ve never thought of my area as Bear Country, confirmed sightings of Black Bears have been made in a bordering county! In certain under-populated, wooded, and hilly sections it could be possible to encounter a bear. A dependable and powerful six-shooter like the new Colt Grizzly might just make the perfect outdoors companion.
Using the Federal American Eagle .357 Magnum loads, the author was able to make 5 of 6 head shots on the enraged bear.
Additional Information
Colt Manufacturing LLC www.colt.com
Galco Gunleather www.galcogunleather.com
Target Vendor www.targetvendor.com
Colt Grizzly Specifications
MECHANISM: Traditional double action revolver
CALIBER: .357 Magnum
CAPACITY: 6 cartridges
BARREL: 4.25”
OA LENGTH: 9.75”
EMPTY WEIGHT: 41.4 oz.
SIGHTS: Fully adjustable rear sight, red ramp front sight
FINISH: Stainless steel
STOCKS: Hogue OverMolded black rubber
MSRP: $1599.00
Colt Grizzly .357 Magnum Performance
| Cartridge | Ave. Velocity | Best Grp. | Ave. Grp. | Ft-Pounds Muzzle Energy |
| Black Hills 127 gr. SC Honey Badger | 1,572 FPS | 1.90” | 2.47” | 697 FPE |
| Buffalo Bore Heavy Outdoorsman 180 gr. HC LFP GC | 1,271 FPS | 1.54” | 2.22” | 645 FPE |
| Doubletap 200 gr. HC LFP | 1,307 FPS | 1.94” | 2.53” | 758 FPE |
| Federal American Eagle 158 gr. JSP | 1,154 FPS | 1.85” | 2.11” | 467 FPE |
| Hunting Shack Munitions Bear Load 180 gr. HC LFP GC | 1,148 FPS | 1.94” | 2.23” | 527 FPE |
NOTE: Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in feet per second 10 ft. from the muzzle by an Oehler Model 35P chronograph, and accuracy in inches for three 5-shot groups at 20 yards. HC LFP (Hard Cast Lead Flat Point), GC (Gas Check), FPE based on bullet weight and velocity.
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