Colt Grizzly

If you’re searching for a Colt Grizzly for sale, you already know this is one of the most sought-after collectible pistols in the American firearms market. The Colt Grizzly is a rare, high-powered semi-automatic pistol chambered in 10mm Auto — a round known for serious stopping power and accuracy at distance.

Originally produced in limited numbers, the Colt Grizzly has become a prized find for collectors, hunters, and shooting enthusiasts across the United States. Whether you’re a seasoned gun collector or a first-time buyer looking for a powerful and historically significant firearm, this guide covers everything you need to know — from current prices and where to buy, to specs, features, and what to look for when shopping.

What Is the Colt Grizzly?

The Colt Grizzly is a stainless steel, double-action/single-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum. It is made by Colt Manufacturing — one of the most respected firearm brands in American history — and is built on the same proven platform as the iconic Colt Python.

The Grizzly is designed as an outdoor carry revolver. Whether you are hiking in bear country, hunting, or looking for a powerful self-defense firearm, the Colt Grizzly is built tough, shoots accurately, and handles hard-hitting magnum rounds with confidence.

History of the Colt Grizzly

The original Colt Grizzly was introduced in 1994 as a limited-production model from the Colt Custom Shop. It was built using a King Cobra frame fitted with a Python barrel — combining the best of two legendary Colt platforms.

Only 999 units were manufactured between 1994 and 1995, making the original Grizzly extremely rare and highly collectible. It shipped in a distinctive Colt blue box and featured Pachmayr Decelerator rubber grips with Colt medallions.

In 2024, Colt brought the Grizzly back. The revived model stays true to the spirit of the original but is updated for modern shooters, featuring Hogue Overmolded rubber grips, a ported barrel, and an unfluted cylinder for added strength.

What Makes the Colt Grizzly Special?

1. Ported Barrel for Better Control

The most noticeable feature of the Colt Grizzly is its ported barrel. Six circular ports sit near the muzzle — three on each side of the barrel rib. When you fire, propellant gases escape upward through these ports, pushing the muzzle down and reducing recoil. This means less muzzle flip and faster follow-up shots, which is a big deal when shooting powerful .357 Magnum loads.

2. Unfluted Cylinder for Extra Strength

Unlike most revolvers, the Grizzly’s cylinder is unfluted — meaning it has no grooves cut into the outside. This gives the cylinder extra metal and added strength, making it more durable when firing high-pressure magnum rounds.

3. Built on the Colt Python Platform

The Colt Python is widely considered one of the finest revolvers ever made. The Grizzly shares its platform, giving it the same smooth trigger action, tight tolerances, and premium fit and finish that Python owners love.

4. Dual Caliber Capability

The Colt Grizzly is chambered in .357 Magnum but can also fire .38 Special ammunition. This gives shooters more options — use .357 Magnum for hunting or self-defense, and .38 Special for lighter, more affordable range practice.

5. Adjustable Target Sights

The red ramp front sight and adjustable rear notch sight make it easy to aim precisely. The vented barrel rib also helps reduce heat mirage while aiming, which improves accuracy during extended shooting sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the Colt Grizzly still being manufactured?

A: No. The Colt Grizzly was a limited-production firearm and is no longer in active production. All available examples are pre-owned or new-old-stock.

Q: What makes the Colt Grizzly different from the Colt Delta Elite?

A: Both are 10mm Auto 1911-style pistols, but the Colt Grizzly was produced in significantly fewer numbers and is generally considered rarer and more collectible. The Grizzly also has distinct design features that set it apart from the Delta Elite.

Q: Can I find a Colt Grizzly for sale at a gun store?

A: Rarely. Due to its limited production, most Colt Grizzly pistols are found through online auctions, private sellers, or specialized gun shows.

Q: What ammo does the Colt Grizzly use?

A: The Colt Grizzly is chambered in 10mm Auto. Common brands include Federal, Hornady, Underwood, and Double Tap. Avoid using .40 S&W, which is a different cartridge.

Q: How do I know if a Colt Grizzly listing is legitimate?

A: Purchase only through reputable platforms (GunBroker, Rock Island Auction) or in person with an FFL dealer facilitating the transfer. Request documentation, photos of the serial number, and use an escrow service for high-value purchases.

Q: What is a fair price for a used Colt Grizzly?

A: Fair pricing depends heavily on condition. Expect to pay $800–$1,200 for a shooter-grade example and $2,500–$4,000+ for near-new or unfired examples with original packaging.

Know the Law Before You Buy a Colt Grizzly

The Colt Grizzly is a powerful and highly sought-after .357 Magnum revolver. Whether you are buying a brand-new 2024 model or hunting down an original 1994 collector’s piece, there are important legal steps you must follow before you can take one home.

The good news? For most Americans, buying a Colt Grizzly is a straightforward process. But gun laws in the USA vary by state, and missing a single legal step can turn an exciting purchase into a serious legal problem.

This guide explains every legal consideration you need to know — in plain, simple language — so you can buy your Colt Grizzly with complete confidence.

1. Federal Law: The Foundation of Every Gun Purchase

No matter which state you live in, federal law applies to every firearm purchase made through a licensed dealer in the USA. Here is what federal law requires:

You Must Be at Least 21 Years Old

The Colt Grizzly is a handgun. Federal law sets the minimum age to purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer at 21 years old. This is a hard requirement — no exceptions.

You Must Be a US Citizen or Legal Resident

Federal law requires that firearm buyers be either a US citizen or a legal resident alien. Non-immigrant visa holders, undocumented individuals, and certain visa categories are prohibited from purchasing firearms.

You Must Complete ATF Form 4473

Every firearm purchase from a licensed dealer requires you to complete ATF Form 4473, also known as the Firearms Transaction Record. This is a federal form that captures your personal information and certifies that you are legally eligible to buy a gun.

The form asks for:

• Your full legal name, address, and date of birth
• Government-issued photo ID details
• A series of yes/no eligibility questions

Be honest on this form. Providing false information on Form 4473 is a federal felony that can result in up to 10 years in prison.

You Must Pass the NICS Background Check

After you complete Form 4473, the dealer contacts the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) — run by the FBI. NICS checks your information against three federal databases:

• NCIC — for outstanding warrants and protective orders
• III — criminal history records
• NICS Index — federally prohibited persons

NICS returns one of three responses:

• Proceed — You are cleared. The sale can go through. Most checks come back in under two minutes.
• Delayed — More review is needed. The dealer can legally transfer the firearm after 3 business days if no denial is received.
• Denied — You are prohibited from buying the firearm. The dealer will not complete the sale.

Who Is Prohibited Under Federal Law?

Federal law prohibits the following people from buying or owning firearms:

• Anyone convicted of a felony
• Anyone convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor
• Anyone subject to a domestic violence restraining order
• Anyone who has been involuntarily committed to a mental institution or declared mentally defective
• Unlawful users of controlled substances
• Undocumented individuals and certain non-immigrant visa holders
• Anyone who has renounced US citizenship
• Anyone with a dishonorable military discharge
• Anyone who is a fugitive from justice

If any of these apply to you, you cannot legally purchase a Colt Grizzly or any other firearm.

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2. How the FFL Transfer Process Works

The Colt Grizzly is a handgun, and federal law prohibits the direct shipment of handguns to private individuals. This means that whether you buy in-store or online, you must go through a Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer — a licensed gun shop — to complete your purchase.

Here is the step-by-step legal process:

Step 1 — Purchase the firearm from a licensed retailer (online or in-store).

Step 2 — Choose a local FFL dealer to receive the firearm if purchased online. The seller ships the gun directly to your chosen FFL.

Step 3 — Go to the FFL dealer in person with a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID).

Step 4 — Complete ATF Form 4473 at the dealer’s counter.

Step 5 — Pass the NICS background check. Most checks take just a few minutes. The entire in-store process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Step 6 — Pay the FFL transfer fee (typically $20–$50) and take your Colt Grizzly home.

Important: FFL dealers are required to keep Form 4473 permanently on file. The ATF can access these records during criminal investigations.

3. State Laws: What Changes Depending on Where You Live

Federal law sets the minimum standard, but many states have additional requirements on top of federal law. Here is a breakdown of the key state-level legal considerations:

States with Waiting Periods

Some states require a waiting period between the time you purchase a firearm and when you can actually take it home — even if your background check comes back “Proceed” immediately. Examples include:

• California — 10-day waiting period for all firearms
• Hawaii — 14-day waiting period
• Illinois — 72-hour waiting period for handguns
• Florida — 3-day waiting period for handguns

If you live in one of these states, plan ahead — you will not be able to take your Colt Grizzly home the same day you purchase it.

States with Permit-to-Purchase Requirements

Some states require you to obtain a permit or license before you can buy a handgun, regardless of whether you pass the NICS check. These states include:

• Massachusetts — Requires a Firearm Identification Card (FID) or License to Carry (LTC), obtained through your local police department. The process includes fingerprinting, a background check, and can take weeks.
• New York — Requires a handgun purchase permit issued by local law enforcement.
• New Jersey — Requires a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (FPID) and a Permit to Purchase a Handgun for each handgun transaction.
• Hawaii — Requires a permit to purchase from the county chief of police.
• Connecticut — Requires a handgun eligibility certificate.

If you live in one of these states, start the permit process early — it can take several weeks or even months to obtain.

States with Safe Storage Laws

Several states require that firearms be stored safely, especially in households with children. States with safe storage requirements include California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Illinois, and Hawaii. Failure to store your Colt Grizzly safely in these states can result in legal penalties.

States with the Most Restrictive Gun Laws

The states with the most restrictive handgun purchase requirements are:

1. Hawaii — Strictest in the USA, with permit-to-purchase, 14-day waiting period, and registration requirements
2. Massachusetts — Permit required, plus local police discretion to deny licenses
3. California — 10-day waiting period, handgun roster restrictions, and safety requirements
4. New York — Handgun permit required, extensive documentation
5. Illinois — FOID card required before any firearm purchase
6. New Jersey — Permit required for each handgun purchase
7. Connecticut — Eligibility certificate required
8. Maryland — 7-day waiting period for handguns and training requirement

States with the Fewest Restrictions (Permitless/Constitutional Carry)

More than half of US states have adopted some form of permitless carry, meaning legal gun owners can carry a concealed handgun without a permit. These include Texas, Florida (as of 2023), Tennessee, Arizona, Montana, Alaska, and many others. In these states, buying a Colt Grizzly involves only the standard federal requirements (Form 4473 and NICS check).

4. Buying a Colt Grizzly Online: Special Legal Considerations

Buying a Colt Grizzly from an online retailer like Guns.com, GunBroker, or Buds Gun Shop is perfectly legal — but there are specific rules to follow:

• Firearms cannot be shipped directly to your home. Federal law requires all firearm transfers to go through an FFL dealer. The online retailer ships the gun to your local FFL.
• You must pick it up in person and complete Form 4473 and a background check at the FFL.
• FFL transfer fees apply — typically $20–$50 per firearm.
• State laws still apply — buying online does not bypass your state’s waiting period, permit requirements, or other restrictions.

5. Buying a Used Colt Grizzly: Private Sale Laws

If you are buying the original 1994 Colt Grizzly from a private seller — at a gun show, through an online listing, or from a fellow collector — the legal rules are different depending on your state.

Federal law does not require a background check for private party sales between residents of the same state. However, many states do require it.

States that require universal background checks for all firearm transfers (including private sales) include: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.

If you live in one of these states and buy a used Colt Grizzly from a private individual, the transfer must still go through a licensed FFL dealer so a background check can be conducted.

Buying across state lines from a private seller is also subject to federal law — the transfer must go through an FFL dealer in your state.

6. Transporting and Carrying Your Colt Grizzly Legally

Buying the gun is only the first step. Once you own a Colt Grizzly, you need to understand how to transport and carry it legally.

Transporting in a Vehicle

Under federal law (the Firearms Owners Protection Act), you may transport a firearm across state lines as long as:

• The firearm is unloaded
• It is in a locked container (not the glove box or console)
• You are traveling from a state where possession is legal to another state where possession is legal

Always research the laws of every state you will be driving through, not just your destination.

Concealed Carry

The Colt Grizzly is not a concealed carry firearm due to its size and weight, but if you intend to carry it concealed for any reason:

• Check whether your state requires a Concealed Carry Permit (CCP) or License to Carry (LTC)
• Check reciprocity — your state’s permit may not be recognized in another state
• As of 2025, more than half of US states allow permitless concealed carry

Open Carry

Open carry laws vary widely. Some states allow it freely, others require a permit, and a few (California, Illinois, Florida, and New York) largely prohibit it for handguns.

7. Red Flag Laws: Know If Your State Has One

As of 2026, 21 states plus Washington D.C. have Red Flag Laws (also called Extreme Risk Protection Orders or ERPOs). These laws allow courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who are determined to be a danger to themselves or others.

States with red flag laws include: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.

If you own a Colt Grizzly and a red flag order is issued against you, law enforcement can legally confiscate your firearm until the order is resolved in court.

8. Felons and Prohibited Persons: No Exceptions

It cannot be stated clearly enough — if you are a prohibited person under federal or state law, you cannot legally purchase, possess, or own a Colt Grizzly. Attempting to buy a firearm as a prohibited person is a serious federal crime.

If you are unsure whether you qualify to buy a firearm, consult a licensed attorney before attempting any purchase.