[Pics] 2017 Colt Cobra...finally arrived

Here it is...the 2017 Colt Cobra. I've been waiting for awhile to get my hands on one of these.

First, I am really pleased to see Colt getting back into the double action revolver game. Sort of afraid that it is too late for them, but we'll see long term. Mechanically, the gun feels solid. It locks up tight. Trigger pull is quite smooth all the way through. Impressive, in my view. Sweet single action for those who would shoot a snub that way (not me).

I am on the fence about the fiber-optic front sight. It is useful but sort of ugly. Fortunately, an ugly front sight isn't going to hurt this gun's overall aesthetics. It's a clean looking utilitarian design. The appearance and feel conveys modern CNC production quality but none of that old school hands-on craftsmanship. that sounds unduly critical. Not meant to be. The days of hand polished blued carbon steel are long gone on "production" revolvers. Colt delivered what it promised. A nice little revolver for concealed carry. Matte stainless is perfect for a sweaty waist band. [I understand that a tritium night sight will be available soon from Brownell's]

Hogue grips are great. One of my favorite companys. The Hogue Monogrip is predictably comfortable but, in my opinion, too damned long. We need a boot grip option. That will come soon enough. It appears that old Colt D frame grips DO NOT FIT. Some are close. Might even be able to tweak some to fit okay...but it's not a perfect match.

Going to the range tomorrow. Have not fired it yet. My initial impression is favorable. Only real gripe is the Rampant Colt stamp. It is not done well on any of the Cobra's that I have seen. Note, mine is the only one seen in person. All others were photos. Enough talk...here are some photos.

Here is one of my 1975 Cobras (year I was made) with my / my daughter's 2017 Cobra (year she was made):



A few more:








Just messing with the grips. It's close to the old Colt Cobra but not exact fit. You might be able to rig some of the older wood grips, not all. It's a "no go" unless you put in some effort.

Here it is stripped down next to an old Detective Special. See how close it is? Damn. Why couldn't they just keep the dimensions the same.









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Thanks for the detailed report. I'm sure that I'm not the only Colt lover (right after Smith and Weason, of course) that have been waiting to see a nice size by side comparison. I have two each of the Colt D. S., Cobras, and Agents, one each of the pre and post shrouded models. All are blue (or blue/anodized for the alloy frames). I had been thinking about whether I wanted to add one of these new offerings, and although it would be interesting to have, I think I'll wait a little longer.

Great post, thanks so much for sharing!!

Best Regards, Les

Following up on the Cobra pics...This is how they should have sold it. Old factory Pachmayrs seem to work just fine.






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Yes sir pachmayr's with medallions look much better.Hope you got a great gun.

Congratulations. Thanks for the detailed photos. Those Pachmayr's are certainly better looking and they appear to be a more appropriate length for a snubbie. Enjoy your trip to the range!

Thanks for the comparison....it looks like a Colt, probably smells like a Colt, your range report will tell if it "talks" like a Colt....so.....yep.....it just might be a Colt.

On the other hand what the H is that little square engraved with a bunch of squiggly marks on the right side of the frame below the crane?

I blew up the photo as best as I could and danged if that thing don't look exactly like the darned "squares" that the Company just put all over the young whippersnappers business cards (not for old goats like me).

Supposedly you just point your smart phone at these squares, and bingo somehow all your data and information is entered into somebody else's data base or up in some cloud.
'Question...........IF that's what that mark is does it link you the shooter to a satellite roving in space and then "automatically" adjust your hold and point of aim so that every single one of those six rounds lands exactly on top of the other?

Or...could it be a sales tool from Colt that tells them somehow what you shoot, where you shoot, etc.?

If that square does have a firearms related actual mechanical purpose, please let us know. It just doesn't seem like a "new and improved" Colt logo, but who knows with modern times.

Ya had me spooked there for a minute. If I buy one, my plan was to chuck those Hogues and put on a set of the Pachmayer Compacs. That's my favorite grip for a snubbie Colt D-frame.

Thanks for the report and pics. Its looking more and more like I'm gonna buy one of these.

BTW: does it fit the old Detective Special holsters?

Grayfox said:

Ya had me spooked there for a minute. If I buy one, my plan was to chuck those Hogues and put on a set of the Pachmayer Compacs. That's my favorite grip for a snubbie Colt D-frame.



Thanks for the report and pics. Its looking more and more like I'm gonna buy one of these.

Click to expand...

The Pachmayrs compacts are not an exact fit. The new frame is a bit wider. Will need to do a little cutting. Yes, the Hogue has to go. I really like Hogue grips, but not a long Monogrip on a deeper concealment snub.


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cmansguns said:

Thanks for the comparison....it looks like a Colt, probably smells like a Colt, your range report will tell if it "talks" like a Colt....so.....yep.....it just might be a Colt.



On the other hand what the H is that little square engraved with a bunch of squiggly marks on the right side of the frame below the crane?



I blew up the photo as best as I could and danged if that thing don't look exactly like the darned "squares" that the Company just put all over the young whippersnappers business cards (not for old goats like me).



Supposedly you just point your smart phone at these squares, and bingo somehow all your data and information is entered into somebody else's data base or up in some cloud.

'Question...........IF that's what that mark is does it link you the shooter to a satellite roving in space and then "automatically" adjust your hold and point of aim so that every single one of those six rounds lands exactly on top of the other?



Or...could it be a sales tool from Colt that tells them somehow what you shoot, where you shoot, etc.?



If that square does have a firearms related actual mechanical purpose, please let us know. It just doesn't seem like a "new and improved" Colt logo, but who knows with modern times.

Click to expand...

I think that little "square" it's just the serial number translated into code for scanning and inventory. It might not be the serial number, but it certainly has something to do with tracking.



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Too little, too late, from a failed company. That boy UGLY...

OP nice post! Enjoy your new blaster!

As I have a very pristine DS and a Cobra (both .38s 2'')I know the differences between those two names.

As far as the new 'Cobra" goes I fell that is a bit strange naming, the new offering is more of a DS that a light weight Cobra.

O well it will probably make things more interesting many years down the line with a "What Do I Have Here" question)

cmansguns said:

On the other hand what the H is that little square engraved with a bunch of squiggly marks on the right side of the frame below the crane?

I blew up the photo as best as I could and danged if that thing don't look exactly like the darned "squares" that the Company just put all over the young whippersnappers business cards (not for old goats like me).

Supposedly you just point your smart phone at these squares, and bingo somehow all your data and information is entered into somebody else's data base or up in some cloud.
'Question...........IF that's what that mark is does it link you the shooter to a satellite roving in space and then "automatically" adjust your hold and point of aim so that every single one of those six rounds lands exactly on top of the other?

Or...could it be a sales tool from Colt that tells them somehow what you shoot, where you shoot, etc.?

Click to expand...

Keep the revolver and your head wrapped in tinfoil and you'll be fine.

Thanks for the update. Nice to know they are finally showing up. My LGS still has no word when they will get one in but I remain #1 on the list. My '57 Cobra is getting anxious.

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Nice pictures and great post - Thanks! It looks pretty good to me - I'm especially pleezed that Colt is able to get a hairline yoke/frame gap - unlike the mothership lately ... . That said, the finish on the barrel makes it look like it's an investment casting ... ?

Edited to add: I didn't realize recent J-Frames have MIM barrels - they sure don't look like it! I didn't intend to be critical - I have a set-aside in my meager budget for a 6-shot snubbie - prolly this new Colt but possibly one of the Kimber's. I certainly don't want Colt to continue to fail - I hope this helps pull them back into the black!! Neither Colt nor Kimber have shown up in stores around here ...

I noticed that also but didn't want to sound critical. It's a completely different kind of finish,but that's not gonna change my mind about getting one! The buddy who got me hooked on revolvers and I are both talking about getting one and he's about as big a S&W revolver fan as there is. I have a couple of nice 64's that I thought I would never get rid of,but I might sell one to get a cobra! On the grip issue- I have seen press release type pictures of one with gray g-10 type synthetic grips that look great. I wonder if they are available?

MIM just like Smith J frames

My 1968 Colt Cobra likes being an only child.

My '68 Cobra was my first off duty gun purchased new for $85 and it still shoots great. I don't carry it much anymore but am anxious to shoot one of the new ones.

2017 Colt Cobra

Thank you so much for the Review of your
2017 Colt Cobra 38 Special.

The pictures provided are great and capture
what the Revolver is like.

Your Review and many others like yours is
why I go to this Site all the time.

Let us know when you shoot it and how it
works and handles.

Good job.

Nice looking revolver. I can't wait to get mine. Hopefully they make their way to central Iowa sometime soon. I'd prefer a plain black sight and will be replacing it once something basic comes out. I don't mind the grips. They look functional. On a revolver meant for shooting I prefer comfort and shootabilty over style.

I'm first in line at my LGS and every time my phone rings I'm hoping it is them.