Colt Boa
Colt's Manufacturing Company · Revolver · Discontinued · 1985
Also known as: Lew Horton Boa
Overview
The Colt Boa is a limited-production double-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, produced by Colt in 1985 exclusively for the Lew Horton Distributing Company. One of Colt's rare 'Snake Gun' series, the Boa combined a Colt Python vent-rib, full-underlug barrel with the improved lockwork of the Trooper Mk V frame, yielding a smoother trigger and shorter lock-time. Only 1,200 were made: 600 with 4.25-inch barrels and 600 with 6-inch barrels, including 100 numbered matched sets pairing one of each. Finished in high-polish blue with Santos rosewood grips, the Boa is the scarcest of Colt's snake revolvers and is highly sought after by collectors.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1247 g (44.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 292 mm (11.50") |
| Barrel Length | 152 mm (5.98") |
| Action Type | Revolving |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 440 m/s (1444 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 784 J (578 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Left Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .357 Magnum · primary — also known as .357 Mag, .357 S&W Magnum, 9x33mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Swing Out Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Transfer Bar, Rebounding Hammer
- Features: Vented Rib Barrel, Full Underlug, Adjustable Rear Sight, Rosewood Grips, Trooper Mk V Lockwork
Variants
- Colt Boa 4-inch — Barrel Length
- Colt Boa 6-inch — Barrel Length
Production
Estimated total produced: 1,200 · Production years: 1985
600 with 4.25-inch barrels and 600 with 6-inch barrels; 100 numbered matched sets (one 4-inch + one 6-inch) were also produced. Built exclusively for Lew Horton Distributing Company.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 1985
Notes
Often listed with a 4.25-inch barrel rather than a true 4-inch. Specifications shown reflect the 6-inch variant; the 4.25-inch model is shorter and slightly lighter (approx. 1190 g). Marked 'BOA' on the barrel with a coiled-snake roll mark.
Background
The Boa belongs to Colt's celebrated 'Snake Gun' lineage alongside the Python, Cobra, Anaconda, Diamondback, King Cobra and Viper. Made in a single 1985 run for distributor Lew Horton, it is the rarest of them all and commands premium prices at auction among Colt collectors.