I went to pick up a Mountain Gun Thursday, and they had a Colt Viper laying there as well. It's the same caliber, 4 inch barrel and 6 shots vs 7 for the S&W.
Anyone have any experience with one of the Colts? I'm pretty set on the Mountain Gun but I admit I like the Colt.

One thing I noticed about the Viper is that it has no rear adjustable sight and only has the grooved sight and the front sight is plain. The 686 Mountain Gun Plus has a nicer sighting system with a gold bead front sight and adjustable rear, well at least the Lipsey's edition.

My Python has an excellent trigger and functions very smoothly, as I assume the Viper would have. The downside is getting used to the cylinder release on the Python, which is not a big deal but I personally prefer those by S&W and Ruger more as they can be loaded quicker, at least for me.

I only have experience with the standard 686, Python and Ruger Match Champion. I've had a couple Performance Center guns and kick myself for selling those. I like them all but lately I have a preference for shooting the Ruger MC as it sits a little better in my hands and I like the standard fiber optic front sight. I actually got this one not long ago, used, for less than $500 in excellent condition. Trigger pull, I feel is pretty close between the Ruger and Python believe it or not.

Price wise the Viper and M.G., are about the same but the S&W has my vote due to the comfort of the grips-(my local shop had one and the salesman knows my weakness for wheelie guns), sighting system and proven track record.

For me its S&W based on the direction the cylinder release is pushed to open the cylinder.

Years ago I bought an Anaconda in 45LC and a chiefs special in 38spec but had owned a Lew Horton S&W 686 and a S&W 37-2 in 38spec and could never get used to the Colt cylinder releases.

Kinda like my first pump shotgun being a Winchester 1200/12ga and while I always admired the better finishes on the buddies Remingtons growing up I just cannot get used to any other brands safeties. I do own quite a few other brands of really nice shotguns the Winchesters get used for hunting and self defense.

Adjustable sights alone would be enough to do it for me. The fact that the Colt cylinder release and cylinder rotation are both backwards puts the nail in the coffin. I've got no desire to muddle things up with a different manual of arms. But I've always been a Ruger/S&W guy, so ymmv.

The new Vipers are great guns but, as others have mentioned, are fixed sighted six shooters with a classic Colt look. Great guns for sure.

That said, the S&W is far superior for a working gun. 7 rounds, a bit more heft, adjustable sights....even cooler if you get the original Mountain Gun from the late 90's, although the new one is likely ok...just be sure to give it a thorough going over before leaving the shop. Lately, Smith has had a few quality control issues.

If you want practicality, a better range gun, etc, go with the MG. If you want a tuxedo worthy Bond gun, with panache, a classic look and something that will bring a smile, try the Colt.

So I ended up with the .357 Mountain Gun. I've wanted one for years and when it came down to it I would still be wanting the S&W if I bought the Colt, but I don't see it the other way around.
Now if I can just find a 22 Mountain Gun.....

If you get the Viper, you have to also buy a Cobra, an Anaconda, a Diamondback, and a Python. It is a legal requirement, codified in 1994 in the Republic of Tajikistan and made part of the US Code through inference and obfuscation in the Omnibus spending bill of that year. The ATF will be monitoring your purchases closely, as a result. Any deviation and you're looking at 15 to life, depending on the judge.

quote:

Originally posted by 4MUL8R:
If you get the Viper, you have to also buy a Cobra, an Anaconda, a Diamondback, and a Python. It is a legal requirement, codified in 1994 in the Republic of Tajikistan and made part of the US Code through inference and obfuscation in the Omnibus spending bill of that year. The ATF will be monitoring your purchases closely, as a result. Any deviation and you're looking at 15 to life, depending on the judge.

I’ve got a Python and a Diamondback. And a few single action Colts, so I’m halfway there already. But I do prefer S&W.