Starting with the Cobra model introduced in 1950, over the years the Colt “Snake Guns” ended up including seven revolver models in total – Cobra, Python, Diamondback, Viper, King Cobra, Anaconda and Boa. While the Python became the benchmark for premium production revolvers and is probably the most well-known of the group, the Colt Boa remains the rarest and one of the most intriguing.
Produced in extremely limited numbers in 1985 and chambered in .357 Magnum, the Boa was conceived as a more production-efficient alternative to the Python. Visually, it shared key Python-like features like the ventilated rib and full-length underlug barrel. Mechanically, however, it was based on the Colt Trooper Mk V frame, using machined components and doing without the extensive hand fitting associated with the Python.
The original Boa was produced in only two barrel lengths: 4 inches and 6 inches. Just 600 examples of each version were made, for a total of 1,200 revolvers.
Originally intended as a catalog item, the Boa instead became an instant collector’s piece. Now, for the first time since 1985, Colt is bringing back the Boa.
New Colt Boa, still a collectible firearm
The new Boa release is the result of a collaboration between Colt’s Manufacturing Company and Custom & Collectable Firearms, aka CNC Firearms, a Texas-based company specializing in premium limited-edition firearms. CNC Firearms secured the Boa trademark three years ago and has since worked with Colt to revive one of the most desirable names in the Snake Gun series.
First thing, it should be noted that this is a factory Colt Boa, not a custom-modified firearm. CNC Firearms is the exclusive distributor for the project, but the revolver itself is made by Colt. Secondly, true to the spirit of the original 1985 release, production will remain limited and focused on collectability: while Colt and CNC have not yet revealed how many will be produced, the clues suggest that there will be only 1,200 new revolvers made, as with the original release. And just like the originals, the new Boa will be offered in .357 Magnum with a six-shot cylinder, double-action/single-action operation, blued finish, brass-bead front sight, Santos rosewood grips, and barrel lengths of 4 (actually, 4.25) inches and 6 inches. Each revolver will ship in a special-edition custom Colt box created specifically for the Boa release. The listed retail price is $1,999 for both the 4” and the 6” versions.
The Boa's comeback marks a major moment for Colt enthusiasts and revolver collectors alike. Rare by history and limited by design, the new Colt Boa may well become one of the most significant Colt collector releases in years.
