#SundayGunday: Colt Viper

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the three-inch Colt Viper revolver, a perfect choice for backcountry hunters looking for Magnum-level protection. Perfectly sized for carry both in and out of the woods, the Viper boasts a hefty .357 Magnum chambering so hunters can hike easy in bear country. Its barrel, as mentioned, is just 3-inches long for ultimate portability, though its cylinder still holds a full complement of six rounds. Beneath the barrel runs a half lug, to keep the profile and weight of the revolver to a minimum, despite its stainless steel frame. That weight is just 26.9 ounces, empty, but perhaps more impressive is its width—just 1.4 inches at its widest—and height—a mere five inches. Combined with the gun’s 8-inch length, this really is a gun you can carry anywhere.

Walnut grips boast excellent checkering to keep the gun both comfortably and firmly in hand, while aligning the index finger perfectly for a smooth trigger pull. In double action, the revolver broke at 9 pounds 12 ounces, while in single action, it recorded a respectable 4-pound 14-ounce average. Sighting is achieved by lining up a black-ramp front sight with a U-notch rear—while not the most precision-minded system in the world, it sure can be lined up in a hurry when you need, which is really the point of the Viper.

Overall the Viper was fun to shoot, whether running light recoiling .38 Special or hard-charging .357 Magnums. Our sole complaint was—for those with larger hands—the narrow profile of the Viper’s undercut behind the trigger guard occasionally resulted in hard raps to the knuckle of the middle finger on the firing hand, but only with the absolute hardest-kicking loads. All in all, this is a revolver any hunter facing backwoods danger would be happy to have on his pack, or in his chest rig. For more information on the three-inch Viper, which retails for $999 and also has a 4.25-inch larger sibling for less discreet carry, visit colt.com. And for more #SundayGunday any day of the week, check out our playlist on YouTube, where all previous episodes are archived.