The Viper is Colt's compact double-action revolver: six shots of .357 Magnum or .38 Special from a 3-inch barrel, 7.5 inches end to end and 26.9 ounces. The frame is forged stainless steel with a stainless and silver finish, and the barrel is one piece with a half-lug underneath to cut weight and a recessed target crown at the muzzle. Checkered American walnut grips give it a traditional look. Sights are a black ramp up front and a U-notch at the rear; there is no manual safety and no optic mount.

This is the Viper for carry. A 3-inch stainless .357 with a short lug rides lighter and conceals better than a full-lug gun, and the same revolver loaded with .38 Special becomes a soft-shooting range or home-defense piece. Shooters who prefer a revolver's simplicity over a semi-automatic will find the double-action trigger and six-round cylinder familiar.

Key features

• .357 Mag and .38 Special, six-shot cylinder
• 3-inch half-lug barrel, recessed target crown
• Forged stainless steel frame, 26.9 ounces
• Black ramp front, U-notch rear sight
• Checkered American walnut grips

Handguns ship to the licensed FFL dealer you choose at checkout, where you complete Form 4473 and the background check before pickup.