Yes, I know this is an S&W forum, but it is my main gun forum and I trust people here. I inherited a 1961 Colt Cobra 38 spl. Nice little 6-shot snub!

My father-in-law who was the original owner always carried it with the hammer on an empty chamber. Dumb question, do I need to do that? I wasn't sure when firing pin block safeties were introduced in production. Not sure I will ever carry it as I like my M60 and M642. But just in case.....I want to be sure. Thoughts?

You can carry it fully loaded safely

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The Cobra is the lightweight version of the Detective Special, which was created by shortening the barrel of the Police Positive Special. The "Positive" in the name referred to the positive hammer block safety which was introduced almost a hundred years ago. So any Detective Special or derivative such as the Cobra or Agent may safely be carried with six rounds loaded. The Cobra is a fine revolver, but I would limit myself to standard 38 special loads. I have eight of these "D" frame Colts, and they are all great little carry guns.

Here is my little Agent (same as the Cobra, but with a shorter butt). I carry this one on occasion:



Here is one of my Detective Specials, which gets carried from time to time:



The Diamondback is just the same gun as the Detective Special with some cosmetic enhancements, and adjustable sights, I have been know to carry this one now and then:



Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

smitty your FIL probably carried the Cobra like that because of history based on the Colt's SAA. Has long been suggested to carry hammer down on empty chamber for safety reasons. However, the Cobra doesn't​have the same configuration and is perfectly safe to carry 6 rounds.

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I think the Colt hammer block on DA guns dates from 1905.


S&W had sort of a block, but it coud become fou ed by dirt, old oil, etc. In 1944, a sailor droped a S&W Victory Model on a shi's deck. The gun discharged and the man was killed. T his led S&W to devise an iproved safety, a hammer block, and production was begun by late 1944. Thse guns have an S in the serial number.


When I was a cop in the USAF, we were tod to crry our .38's with an empty chamber uder the ammer. Isusoect that ths was due t some Victory models not having been fitted with that hammer block inernal safety. But the ode applied to new Combat Masterpiece guns, too. I gess they didn't trust the troops tp dstiguish between them.


R u ger DA gns have lways had a transfer bar safety in front of the hammer. As the hammer cockd, ot rses iternally and transmis the hammer's blw t the firig pin, mount e in the frame. So, DA R uers are safefr carry with six rounds.I have never hesitated to wear modern revolvers with all chambers loaded.

The above post was affected by board issues. I tried to correct spelling, but it didn't "take." Just figure out what I meant.

Sorry for your loss.

I was issued a 2" nickel Colt Cobra by my PD to use as a back up gun. It rode nicely in an ankle holster. I tried to buy it when I retired but no go.

I quickly bought a Colt Agent and it is my everyday carry. It rides in my right front trouser pocket, along with a speed loader in my cargo pocket. The only problem with aluminum framed handguns is that they show wear easily. It doesn't bother me, but does matter to some folks.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

well i have carried a Colt revolver now for a few years as my every day gun and now carry a 56 agent....they are very nice to carry and u get the added bonus of the extra round...i carry mine in either a Galco ankle glove holster or in a horsehide pocket protector...either way...u will love it...please share some pics when u have time...God Bless,John

When I posted the other day, I couldn't find a photo of my 1971 Cobra, so today I dug it out of the safe for a snapshot:



This is a great little gun, and makes a great concealed carry gun. When I carry it, I use one of the Tyler T grips that I have posted above, and carry in the same Galco horsehide pocket holster that I use for my J magnum Smiths. This holster is a little large for the Smiths, and just right for the slightly larger Colts. Sort of adjusts itself in the pocket. I carry the holster all day, every day, and it still looks and feels new after years of service. I have lots of holsters, but this pocket holster gets the most use. I have posted it several times here on the forum.

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

Thanks to all for the input. If I ever carry it, it will be with all six!

I really like my '57 Cobra. Still looking to buy the '17 Cobra if I can ever find one.

screenshot programcertificity.com

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

Here's the 1961 Cobra. Yes, those are +P FBI loads, but I don't think I'll shoot them in there. So far I've only shot 148gr wadcutters.


PS - thanks for the condolences, but my FIL is still alive. At 88 years old, he didn't think he should keep this around anymore. He has six kids, but gave it to me because he knows of my appreciation for firearms. Gave me the original box and sales slip too! Price was $74.95 and $80.81 out the door.