Colt Cobra-good revolver or not?

[CAJUNLAWYER]

seeing a lot about these recently and am wondering if these are any good.
Might have a chance to buy an early one that doesn't appear to be shot much if at all. Has a few dings on it, like someone threw it into a dumpster but other than that appears to be in good shape. Serial # is RA551363 which indicates an early manufacture. I missed out on Jack Ruby's old Colt Cobra, but I'd like to pick this one up as it seems to have an interesting provenance.
Thoughts???

[petepeterson]

Make sure you lick the grips first, if you don't get randomly drug-tested.

[Ameshawki]

Decent guns. Avoid plus p or use it sparingly. The finish Colt used on the alloy guns doesn't hold up well, finding a pristine Cobra can be a challenge. Colt lockwork is a different creature. Switching between Colt and Smith can flummox some people. I own multiples of both. The closest thing to a Cobra I have is a third gen Agent with the rough parkerized finish. I like it, nice and light, surprisingly accurate.

[rockquarry]

I've had Agents and a Cobra, all earlier guns with exposed ejector rods. These are alloy frame guns as you know. One of my Agents suffered a crack in the usual place, the frame right under where the barrel screws in. Notice how thin the alloy frame is in this area.

I bought the gun used. It was tight and worked properly but I did not know the gun's history. Many may shoot +P ammo in these guns which is fine for them and I won't argue the point. However, I would never use anything but standard pressure ammo in older alloy-framed Colts and S&Ws.

[Greyman50]

From what postings I read on all forums only Buy OLDER S&Ws or Colt revolvers.

[LoboGunLeather]

Originally Posted by rockquarry

I've had Agents and a Cobra, all earlier guns with exposed ejector rods. These are alloy frame guns as you know. One of my Agents suffered a crack in the usual place, the frame right under where the barrel screws in. Notice how thin the alloy frame is in this area.

I bought the gun used. It was tight and worked properly but I did not know the gun's history. Many may shoot +P ammo in these guns which is fine for them and I won't argue the point. However, I would never use anything but standard pressure ammo in older alloy-framed Colts and S&Ws.

^^^^This^^^^

The Cobras (alloy D-frames) suffer from frame cracking with some frequency. I saw this several times before +P ammo appeared on the market, so in my opinion this indicates a critical design weakness rather than a problem purely associated with ammunition.

Of course, most ammo manufacturers were offering "high velocity" and "super speed" ammo long before +P came along.

[reddog81]

Make sure you fill out 4473 accurately.

I have RA539096... It's been a good gun and my girlfriend hasn't thrown it away yet, so that's always a good thing.

[canoeguy]

I've had a later model Cobra, like 1972 or so, for several years now. Has the shrouded ejector rod, which I like better than the early models with no shroud. It shoots good, fairly accurate for a 2" revolver, sights are dead on. I'd buy another if they weren't asking crazy money like most folks do for "Snake Guns"....

[swagmeister]

Be sure and check the timing and endshake. Despite some saying they have shot thousands and thousands of rounds thru earlier Cobras and Pythons without any timing problems, I don't believe it. I agree with the frame cracking problem with them also. Good luck.

[rockquarry]

Originally Posted by swagmeister

Be sure and check the timing and endshake. Despite some saying they have shot thousands and thousands of rounds thru earlier Cobras and Pythons without any timing problems, I don't believe it. I agree with the frame cracking problem with them also. Good luck.

I'm in agreement on the "thousands and thousands of rounds". Possible but quite unlikely. Extremely few shooter know how many rounds have been fired through their guns. Vague guesses are about the best most of us can do and they're probably grossly overestimated much of the time.

[ACORN]

I found one in a dumpster so……..

[326MOD10]

You might post a WTB ad.

Not sure the one you have your eyes on will be on the market for the next 5 to 20 years.

[Bruceboy]

Some like them and some don't. I carried a Cobra for a couple of months as a duty weapon. Got rid of it ASAP and went to a model 10, 2" and later a model 15, 2". Most that liked them liked them because of the reduced weight, not because of their performance.

Al

[.38SuperMan]

I believe the OP is talking about a new model from 2017 since the serial number starts with RA.

I have one and really love it. Absolutely no issues. It’s all stainless, not alloy, and should take +P with no problem. It’s the same size as my vintage Cobra but heavier. Great smooth action that is every bit as good as my Pythons.

I’m not sure why Colt didn’t call it a Detective Special. The Cobra, Detective and the new Cobra are the same size and since the new Co ra is all stainless I think Detective Special would have been more appropriate. But I guess they were trying to keep with the snake names.

It’s actually one of my favorite carry guns.

By the way, here’s my 1953 Cobra. Picked it up in Dallas and the story goes it was only fired once and belonged to a nightclub owner who went to prison😁

[CH4]

Buy the gun, not the story. Hose off the lettuce and white powdery substance and head to the range. Oh, make sure you truthfully mark the boxes on the 4473 and don’t forget your laptop at the local computer repair place.

[Empe]

Originally Posted by CH4

Buy the gun, not the story. Hose off the lettuce and white powdery substance and head to the range. Oh, make sure you truthfully mark the boxes on the 4473 and don’t forget your laptop at the local computer repair place.

Now this is funny !!

[ken158]

Originally Posted by LoboGunLeather

^^^^This^^^^

The Cobras (alloy D-frames) suffer from frame cracking with some frequency. I saw this several times before +P ammo appeared on the market, so in my opinion this indicates a critical design weakness rather than a problem purely associated with ammunition.

Of course, most ammo manufacturers were offering "high velocity" and "super speed" ammo long before +P came along.

+1 on frame cracking… I blew the top strap off a Cobra with Speer factory ammo. No surprise that neither Colt or Speer offered any compensation.

[ggibson511960]

Beware the reported carry up problem. My old Dick Special(same lock work) has marginal carry up. It will fire out of index by slowly single action cocking. I believe they do this by wearing down internal camming surfaces that push the hand up. Solution is to lengthen hand by peening. I ignore the problem as mine is a range toy.

[shawn mccarver]

Colt Cobra is a fine revolver. The biggest reason I will not make it anything other than a "safe queen" is because of the lack of revolversmiths who know how to work on Colt revolvers and the lack of spare parts. If those two issues do not bother you, then go for it!

[.38SuperMan]

Interesting how quickly folks are ready to comment without thoroughly reading the original post and knowing much about Colts.

The specific gun he’s asking about is an RAxxxxxx serial number which indicates it is a CURRENT MODEL made of stainless and is NOT the original alloy model most of you are referencing. The only similarities with the current model and the original is in caliber and appearance. The RAxxxxxx number is from the 2017 series of guns, not the 1950 series. The metallurgy is different as is the action.

First image is an original 1953 and the second is a current stainless production with RAxxxxxx serial number.

[inspcalahan]

Originally Posted by .38SuperMan

Interesting how quickly folks are ready to comment without thoroughly reading the original post and knowing much about Colts.

The specific gun he’s asking about is an RAxxxxxx serial number which indicates it is a CURRENT MODEL made of stainless and is NOT the original alloy model most of you are referencing. The only similarities with the current model and the original is in caliber and appearance. The RAxxxxxx number is from the 2017 series of guns, not the 1950 series. The metallurgy is different as is the action.

First image is an original 1953 and the second is a current stainless production with RAxxxxxx serial number.

Beat me to it..the RA was the indication it's a new Colt. Unless someone's really messed it up, it would be an excellent carry gun and a shooter with whatever ammo you wanted to stuff in it.

[45Smashemflat]

Not only is it the newer all steel model, this PARTICULAR one has made it into the news. Hunter filled out a 4473 incorrectly, similar to Prince Harry incorrectly filling out his visa application.

Hmm, maybe they are right. You shouldn’t try to explain a joke.

[Old cop]

Got my Cobra new in 1968 for off-duty, still have it but don’t shoot or carry it anymore. I did carry it working plain clothes years ago and still appreciate the classic look of the blued finish & unshrouded ejector rod.

[Bumpus13]

Originally Posted by Greyman50

From what postings I read on all forums only Buy OLDER S&Ws or Colt revolvers.

*shrug*

To each their own, but all 3 examples of my new Colt revolvers (Python, King Cobra, Cobra) are spectacular.


ETA: OP - You’re not likely to regret owning that Cobra. Mine was my carry piece today.

(Cobra - bottom)

[Onomea]

To answer the original question, as an old buddy used to put it, “Does 100 lbs of flour make a big biscuit?”

I didn’t realize Colt had made an all steel new version. That sounds like an excellent idea. How much they asking, Caje?

[Model19man]

Originally Posted by .38SuperMan

I believe the OP is talking about a new model from 2017 since the serial number starts with RA.

Never had one but I had a Detective Special and loved it. 6 shots versus 5 if you have a J frame Smith. If yours has an alloy frame I would only use standard 38 Special. Stainless I would use anything that fits.

[.38SuperMan]

Originally Posted by Model19man

Never had one but I had a Detective Special and loved it. 6 shots versus 5 if you have a J frame Smith. If yours has an alloy frame I would only use standard 38 Special. Stainless I would use anything that fits.

My 1953 Cobra that I posted the photo of is a 32 caliber so no worries about loads. I reload for it and push a 77 grain polymer coated bullet st 700 fps so I’m not in any danger.

I have a 1974 Detective Special that I really like and would say the new 2017 stainless Cobra is just as good. They’re internally different but Colt did a fantastic job with their new revolvers. I bought the cheap one and it has a sort of satin finish. Looks great and I believe you can get a high polished one too. I can’t remember the price exactly but bought it a few years ago at Sportsmans Warehouse and think it was in the mid $600’s.

I’ve put quite a few rounds through it and never had a hiccup. Fit and finish are excellent anda functions are smooth and precise.

I own about 10 new and old Colts and the new ones haven’t disappointed.

[petepeterson]

Originally Posted by Onomea

THow much they asking, Caje?

Probably a few years, but he'll likely get probation. And a pardon.

[lowriderfxr]

I’m not sure how good the new ones are. Hunter bought one and his sister in law / girlfriend at the time , threw it in the trash.

[45Smashemflat]

Carefully inspect that particular one for crack…

(No S…)

[CH4]

Originally Posted by 45Smashemflat

Carefully inspect that particular one for crack…

(No S…)

Inspect for “crack” or a crack?

[ISCS Yoda]

Whew! I was wondering if I am making a mistake giving this to my twin bro! Now I know that I am not.

After he gets his NJ permit, of course.........



I have the original grips, too. I hate them but it's going to be his problem.

[SnidelyWhiplash]

The new Cobra is an excellent revolver but there are a lot of excellent similar revolvers in its class. The difference is the sixth round compared to five for a very small increase in size. While Colt couldn’t make enough of them for the first year it two the market seems to have shifted towards Colt’s new .357 small frame revolvers.

[HOUSTON RICK]

Would you rather have a S&W 357 J Frame?

[SnidelyWhiplash]

To be honest…I don’t see much utility in a small frame .357. The blast, flash and recoil are excessive for such a small frame revolver. I’d rather have two quicker shots on target with a .38 Special than have to pull the same gun out of recoil for a follow up shot. Of course…if you get a solid hit with one round of .357 that’s great but you can’t count on that.

I’ve never owned a S&W J-frame and have only some occasional shooting experience with them. Those I have tried didn’t shoot to point of aim and had very heavy trigger pulls which could certainly be why shooting to point of aim was off.

[robvious]

nor sure why anyone would throw one away in a dumpster, must not be in their right mind... you would think a longer barrel would at least make it a worthless hunter?

[Bald1]

Let’s see, a lawyer has access to a Colt with interesting provenance that may or may not have been thrown in a dumpster ?????? If you don’t want it I’ll take it. And I’ll pay extra for the story over a couple beers.

[BillyMagg]

Originally Posted by .38SuperMan

I believe the OP is talking about a new model from 2017 since the serial number starts with RA.

I have one and really love it. Absolutely no issues. It’s all stainless, not alloy, and should take +P with no problem. It’s the same size as my vintage Cobra but heavier. Great smooth action that is every bit as good as my Pythons.

I’m not sure why Colt didn’t call it a Detective Special. The Cobra, Detective and the new Cobra are the same size and since the new Co ra is all stainless I think Detective Special would have been more appropriate. But I guess they were trying to keep with the snake names.

It’s actually one of my favorite carry guns.

By the way, here’s my 1953 Cobra. Picked it up in Dallas and the story goes it was only fired once and belonged to a nightclub owner who went to prison😁

I bought one for my Dad who wanted a Colt Cobra.. He carried a Cobra and and an M2 for his trips out to the country, "Tan San Nhat"

[BillyMagg]

Originally Posted by Old cop

Got my Cobra new in 1968 for off-duty, still have it but don’t shoot or carry it anymore. I did carry it working plain clothes years ago and still appreciate the classic look of the blued finish & unshrouded ejector rod.

Yep, the one I bought my Dad, belonged to the Chief of Police in Pekin, Illinois, a night stand gun,, my Dad had carried one in Viet Nam, and wanted one for a keep sake.. he was very tickled to get it, and I also bought myself a 1968 Browning Hi Power, after hearing my Dad tell the story of a couple of SOG grunts with a case of FN High Powers on an MC-130E.. My Dad had picked one up and was admiring it, "Take a couple of those Major Maggart! we'll figure out how to help you get those home, but grab a couple, hell, we just use em, drop em, and run like hell!"