Colt King Cobra vs. 686

Lou_NC · Jul 15, 2011

I bought a pristine Colt King Cobra 4" (with box) for a great price from a co-worker a few years back, he was selling it because his new girlfriend "didn't like guns"! (Man, I wish I had more friends whose new girlfriends didn't like guns). The gun has been shot but is in excellent condition. I went over it with flitz to remove the burn rings and it looks like it just rolled off the factory floor.

Anyway, I also have a 686 with a 6" barrel and have been considering selling the Colt to fund the purchase of a S&W 686 (pre-lock of course) 4" to be the "mate" to my 6".

I haven't done much looking (yet) but the King Cobras seem to have a pretty high resale value, so it's tempting to sell this "lone" Colt and replace it with a S&W to compliment my more extensive collection of Smiths. And while it's a nit to some folks, I'm not a big fan of the "backwards" latch on the Colts.....meaning you have to "pull" rather than "push" the thumb latch to get the cylinder to open. Also, I was wondering whether the King Cobra design is truly a "match" for my 686 in terms of overall frame strength, to digest a diet of .357's?

So what's the verdict, am I nuts to want to sell a pristine Colt King Cobra to purchase a S&W 686?

Thanks,
Lou

john4970 · Jul 15, 2011

Lou: As an owner of both Smiths and Colts, I feel I am very qualified to answer your question.

1. Keep the 4" stainless King Cobra.
2. Purchase a 6" stainless King Cobra to keep it company.
3. Purchase 4" and 6" King Cobras in blue to show diversity.
4. Purchase a 4" 686, as it is an excellent gun.
5. Purchase 3", 4" and 6" 586s.
6. Consider the 581s and 681s just for the heck of it.
7. Do not overlook the K-frame .357s, as I think they are the cream of the crop.

Seriously, a few years ago, stainless King Cobras used to be on every aisle at a gun show. Now, you seldom see one. The prices are rising faster than the rates on a certificate of deposit. I would keep the King Cobra, as it can always be sold later, if you need the money. I would very much recommend the purchase of a 4" 686. You will find it well balanced and an excellent shooter.

The King Cobra is a strong gun, but I find it a bit "clunky" compared to the pre-Mark Troopers and .357s. The 686 is also a strong gun and should hold up much longer than your shooting arm does.

Best wishes and good shooting!

C/O · Jul 15, 2011

+1 on keeping the King Cobra. I bought one back in 1987 at K-Mart in Arkansas for $345. I sold it shortly after in a bout of stupidity. Last one I saw was at a local gun store for $1100.

That being said, I absolutely love my No Dash 686.

Maximumbob54 · Jul 15, 2011

Lou_NC said:
So what's the verdict, am I nuts to want to sell a pristine Colt King Cobra to purchase a S&W 686?

Thanks,
Lou

Simple answer:

YES

senecaap · Jul 15, 2011

Keep what you got and save up for the 686. If you have to ask now about whether you should sell it, you will definitely regret it later.

revho · Jul 15, 2011

If you got that good of a deal on the King, I would hang on to it. Usually a deal like that comes around only once...

tacreload · Jul 15, 2011

Lou
A while back I got a severe AR itch and posted here the thought of selling my Python to finance that venture.I was looking for opinions and the consensus was keep the Python.Kept the Python,glad I did.Still have the AR itch but it ain't that itchy now.Keep the King.

mg357 · Jul 15, 2011

keep the guns you have and save up some money for the 686 i sold off a couple of handguns recently and i felt just awful after i sold them.

Lou_NC · Jul 15, 2011

OK, OK, I give, I give! I knew this was going to happen!

I'll keep the King Cobra and start looking for a nice pre-lock 4" 686! I guess I'll just have to train my thumb to "pull" on the Colt cylinder release instead of push!

Thanks for keeping me sensible!

Lou

Robert B · Jul 15, 2011

Keep the King Cobra!

I sold my 4 inch King Cobra about 12 years ago. That's the only gun I wish that I would have never sold. It was bought new. Not made anymore. Stupid mistake!

buck460XVR · Jul 15, 2011

Lou_NC said:
So what's the verdict, am I nuts to want to sell a pristine Colt King Cobra to purchase a S&W 686?

No. Guns are personal. Guns are tools. You and you alone know what you like and what works best for you. Being an experienced handgunner, why would you trust others opinions more than your own?

lhump1961 · Jul 15, 2011

I had a pristine 6" Python...beautiful pistol! Nice action and LNIB...barely fired. I spent a lot of time admiring the wonderful finish on that gun and even occasionally worked that buttery smooth action...but...never shot it! Afraid to diminish it's value and God forbid maybe get a scratch on it at the range! I sold it and bought two 66's, a 2 1/2 and a 3". As much as I loved the Python I don't miss it much because I love my 66's just as much and I carry and shoot them along with my other guns.

Now if I had could have all the guns I wanted I would still have that Python...but since I can't I want all my gun money on my hip and at the range! Only you can decide what makes you happy. FWIW...

Lou_NC · Jul 18, 2011

Need fair price on 686

OK, so as luck would have it I found a 4" 686 for sale nearby (here in NC). Private seller, with box.

What is a fair price range for a pre-lock 4" 686? From the picture it looks like it has a flash chromed hammer and trigger. I've sent an email asking the seller for the dash number.

Thanks,
Lou

Shooting4life · Jul 18, 2011

I would say around 500-600 would be a fair price if it is in good shape.

Revoman · Jul 18, 2011

C/O said:
+1 on keeping the King Cobra. I bought one back in 1987 at K-Mart in Arkansas for $345. I sold it shortly after in a bout of stupidity. Last one I saw was at a local gun store for $1100.

That being said, I absolutely love my No Dash 686.

I also bought mine in 1987 a 6 inch for $357.00.

Everyone who shoots the Colt says who did the trigger and I say thats the way it came from the factory, mine is a keeper.

Jay P.

GM4spd · Jul 18, 2011

You can get a 686 anytime,replacing a Colt king Cobra is
going to be harder and harder down the road. Pete

ghitch75 · Aug 3, 2011

i sure like my King Cobra and i found a mate for my 686-4 6"....keep the Cobra!!!!

Social Outcast · Aug 4, 2011

I'll never part with my Python or my 686, never.

Maximumbob54 · Aug 4, 2011

buck460XVR said:
No. Guns are personal. Guns are tools. You and you alone know what you like and what works best for you. Being an experienced handgunner, why would you trust others opinions more than your own?

Why? Because sometimes some of us post threads like these just asking for that verbal kick in the shorts to set us back on the right path. My thought is if I have to question if I should or shouldn't do it then I really already know the answer. But I may just need that kick in the shorts to reassure me. We all do it from time to time.

Dennis The B · Aug 4, 2011

Keep the...

...King Cobra.

This 4" model cost me over $700 this past weekend. And there aren't any more being made.

Here are both of mine together.

Colt King Cobra vs. 686

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