I've looked at these off and on for a while. It seems like the rear sight is a common complaint, but easy fix thanks to Wilson Combat. I only shoot paper and steel, so I'm looking at the 4 1/4" model.

Anything else I should look out for? I'll be 44 in a couple of months and I think a .44 Magnum would be a good present to myself.

I had the 6" which I then traded toward a 4" when they came out.I don't have the 4" anymore now but not because of the guns. I put about 200 rounds thru them. All 240 grain Fed Am Eagle. They were beautifully made, accurate guns. My issue was really with the caliber. I don't reload, and .44 special is real scarce so I kind of concluded that full power factory .44 mag was what I was going to be shooting out of these and it was really punishing. They were accurate and trouble free. I didn't even have an issue with the rear sight. I will say that I had Smith 629's over the years (a 4" and a 2.75") which I shot occasionally and the Anacondas were way less punishing especially the 6". The fun factor just wasn't there for me. But, if I wanted a .44 again I would not hesitate to get another.

Bought a new 4.25" Python last year. That rear sight must be common between the two models. Could never get it to lock in place and not wiggle loose. As OP noted, replacing it with the Wilson Combat rear sight solved my problem. Shame to have to drop more $ on a revolver that already cost well north of $1K.

I have a 4.25” Anaconda and have just over 300 rounds through it . No complaints.

Quick update...

As of now i haven't been able to find an Anaconda in person to look over. A local shop did have a 3" Python and a couple of S&W's. The Python looked better in every way, but the S&W fit my hand better. That has given me some pause knowing that the Python and Anaconda share grips.

I'm going to hold out until I can see an Anaconda in person before I decide either way.

Right now it appears that the Anaconda is between production runs, or at least with their production deliveries. I checked with several of our distributors and available inventory is either nonexistent or extremely low. We received our last batch of the .44s roughly two months ago (including the ridiculous-to-me 8") and probably won't see another run until after SHOT and the subsequent buying shows happen.