Colt Viper Revolver .357 Magnum 6-Round Stainless Walnut

The Colt Viper revolver .357 Magnum 6-round stainless walnut is a compact double/single-action revolver built for concealed carry and general-purpose range use. Forged from a stainless-steel frame with an exposed hammer and checkered American walnut grips, it balances durability with traditional ergonomics. Chambered for .357 Magnum and compatible with .38 Special, the Viper uses a six-round cylinder and fixed sighting for straightforward handling. The design incorporates a half-lug barrel and a recessed target crown to reduce weight and support consistent accuracy.

Manufacturer	Colt
Model	Viper
Material	Forged stainless steel frame, American walnut grips (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.357 Magnum / .38 Special
Finish	Brushed stainless steel
Weight	Approximately 28 oz (empty, per Colt specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Forged Stainless Steel Frame — WHY IT MATTERS: This frame resists corrosion and handles the pressure of .357 Magnum loads without flexing, giving you a revolver that stays tight for thousands of rounds.
• Checkered American Walnut Grips — WHY IT MATTERS: The checkering locks your hand in place during recoil, and walnut absorbs vibration better than synthetic stocks, so you shoot longer without fatigue.
• Half-Lug Barrel with Recessed Target Crown — WHY IT MATTERS: The half-lug shaves ounces off the front end for easier carry, while the recessed crown protects the muzzle crown from dings that throw off accuracy.
• Exposed Hammer for Single-Action Precision — WHY IT MATTERS: You can thumb-cock the hammer for a crisp, light trigger pull when you need tight groups at the range, then drop back to double-action for defensive speed.

Who It’s For

This Colt Viper is for the collector who wants a modern-production revolver with old-school soul. It’s for the shooter who appreciates a fixed-sight .357 that doesn’t need batteries or optics. If you carry a revolver for backup duty or hike in bear country and want something lighter than a full-lug Python, this stainless Viper fits your holster.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: 28-ounce weight makes it one of the lightest .357 Magnum revolvers on the market for all-day carry.
• Pro: Fixed sights are snag-free and zeroed at 15 yards from the factory — perfect for defensive distances.
• Con: The fixed sights are not adjustable, so if you prefer a different point of aim or shoot heavy loads at 25+ yards, you’ll need a gunsmith to file the front blade.

Comparison: Colt Viper vs. Ruger SP101 vs. Smith & Wesson Model 686

Feature	Colt Viper	Ruger SP101 (2.25″)	Smith & Wesson Model 686 (4″)
Weight	28 oz	27 oz	38 oz
Frame Material	Stainless steel (forged)	Stainless steel (cast)	Stainless steel (forged)
Grips	Checkered walnut	Rubber	Rubber or wood
Sights	Fixed	Fixed	Adjustable
Cylinder Capacity	6 rounds	5 rounds	6 or 7 rounds
Barrel Length	4″ (half-lug)	2.25″	4″ (full-lug)
Estimated Street Price	$991	$700–$800	$850–$1,000

FAQ

Is the Colt Viper compatible with .38 Special ammunition?

Yes, the Viper is chambered in .357 Magnum and fully compatible with .38 Special rounds. You can shoot .38 Special for cheaper practice or lower recoil, and .357 Magnum for full-power defense loads.

What is the barrel length on the Colt Viper?

The Colt Viper has a 4-inch barrel with a half-lug profile. This length balances concealability with sight radius for accurate shooting.

Does the Colt Viper have an exposed hammer for single-action use?

Yes, the Viper features an exposed hammer that allows you to fire in double-action (trigger pull cocks and releases the hammer) or single-action (manually cock the hammer for a lighter trigger pull).

What is the weight of the Colt Viper revolver?

According to Colt specs, the Viper weighs approximately 28 ounces empty. This makes it lighter than many full-lug .357 revolvers, which helps with all-day concealed carry.

Are the grips on the Colt Viper made of real wood?

Yes, the Viper comes with checkered American walnut grips. These offer a classic look and a secure hold, even with sweaty hands or heavy recoil.

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Last updated: April 2026