2017: Colt's re-entry into the revolver market

[petepeterson]

I wonder - Does this mean they'll offer revolver repair service for the older Colts?

Also- "And its cylinder goes counter-clockwise, like, well, a Colt."

I thought Colt's go clock-wise.

 

[ralph7]

I wonder - Does this mean they'll offer revolver repair service for the older Colts?

.

I would tend to opine no.

 

[crazyphil]

Of course you are correct Pete.
Colts and Charters go clock-wise.
S&W, Ruger, & Taurus go Counter-Clockwise.

 

[s&wchad]

Also- "And its cylinder goes counter-clockwise, like, well, a Colt."

I thought Colt's go clock-wise.

You're absolutely correct. That must have been a typo, because the new Colt rotates clockwise based on the cylinder stop lead-in's.

 

[Faulkner]

Based on what I've seen, the K6S blows the new Cobra out of the water in every category, at least on paper. The Colt might cost a bit less, I would rather save up and buy the higher quality piece.

Too little, too late, Colt.

There are a untold number of brand loyalist who will buy it just because it's got a little pony stamped on it somewhere.

Also, not everyone is about saving up for quality, hence why Taurus stays in business.

 

[NYlakesider]

Well I have a older model Dick special and a shrouded Cobra (both .38s and in great condition) and will have them both with me went I check out the "new" Colts. It might turn out to be a interesting visit at the LGS.

 

[American1776]

Here's a question, and I don't mean to cause a fuss:

Will Colt's re-emergence in the DA revolver put even more pressure on S&W to rethink the internal lock? Here's my reasoning.

There are already quite a few S&W fans who only buy the older S&W's. I'm sure some folks buy Rugers based on the IL on the Smiths as well. Now that Colt is making their revolvers (without any IL), I'm sure there will be even more lost business.

If Colt makes a mid-frame .357 magnum with 3 and 4 inch barrels, this could be the nail in the coffin for the IL.

any thoughts on that one?

 

[sheepdawg]

25 ounces, that 9 ounces heavier than the 1974 Cobra I carry.

 

[chief38]

American 1776 - - those are some very interesting thought (I had the same ones myself) ! Hopefully you will be correct!! If this sells, I'd bet soon a 3" and 4" will follow.

Sheepdawg: I saw the 25 OZ. (I believe my vintage Dick Spl.comes in at around 21 or 22 OZ. with wood grips) but a good part of it might be the relatively larger & heavier grips. I believe the Rubbers weigh a bit more than the old fashioned wood did. The grips can be replaced and thus weight is shaved off.

John Fugate: Yes, I was late to the prom.

 

[crazyphil]

25 ounces, that 9 ounces heavier than the 1974 Cobra I carry.

I agree with you Sheepdawg. I'm going to keep my 17 oz.
Agent and let Colt keep their new 25 oz. Cobra.
Here's my Agent

 

[crazyphil]

I've not saw it in awhile but I think my Ruger turns clockwise. Larry

When you find it I'll bet it turns counter-clockwise.

 

[American1776]

Perhaps Colt wanted to start with an all steel revolver so as to ensure long term durability and to appeal to the 'purists' who prefer an all steel revolver. 25 ounces for a 38+p is a great balance of shootability and carry-ease. Go much lighter, and people won't like shooting it.

I know I'd buy it in steel, but not in aluminum.

 

[BE Mike]

I'll keep my '70's Charter Arms Undercover. If Colt had really decided to come out with something more carryable and in an option of calibers, I might consider it, but I really don't expect anything dramatically new to come out of the factory. They never were progressive and looks like they never will be. Apparently they really have no R&D.

 

[rwt1405]

Speaking of being late for the prom , http://smith-wessonforum.com/firear...2017-colts-re-entry-into-revolver-market.html We have already compiled 3 pages of expert nonsense commentary on this little gem.

I have never claimed to be an expert, but I admit to stating that I didn't think this would ever happen.

I didn't know that in order to have an opinion, You needed to be an expert, well now I know, thanks for the lesson, hope I can be as smart as you some day!

 

[NYlakesider]

Here's a question, and I don't mean to cause a fuss:

Will Colt's re-emergence in the DA revolver put even more pressure on S&W to rethink the internal lock? Here's my reasoning.

There are already quite a few S&W fans who only buy the older S&W's. I'm sure some folks buy Rugers based on the IL on the Smiths as well. Now that Colt is making their revolvers (without any IL), I'm sure there will be even more lost business.

If Colt makes a mid-frame .357 magnum with 3 and 4 inch barrels, this could be the nail in the coffin for the IL.

any thoughts on that one?

I check out the LGS on a regular basis looking for Smith's I want. I have noticed more people here also doing that and it has raised the prices some what of the older NL revolvers! Talked to a few people and they are very interested in the new Colts, and will check out the Kimber

I also bought a Ruger LCR.38 and have been carrying it. It fits well in my pocket in a holster and does not print ''gun" Its only slightly wider than my S&W bodyguard .380. I think its only going to be a short time till the little non lock Ruger will be my only casual carry CCW up here in the boonies!. Going to the cities I will still carry a bigger.45 ISWB!

 

[JJEH]

I wonder - Does this mean they'll offer revolver repair service for the older Colts?

A few moons back I was involved in a discussion over at the 1911 forum regarding Colt's bankruptcy and why, and how, and what could/should be done. You know, internet conversations right?!

Anyway, a member over there made a statement that Colt apparently sold all their revolver machinery and tooling to overseas in order for them to come up with some cash.

Sounds plausible, but if that's true then they'll probably not offer any services on the older models. I sure hope so but I doubt it.

He also said that Colt has only a handful of old school gunsmith's that can actually work on the older Colt revolvers.

Colt has more issues than just money and I do hope with the right management choices they'll come back to the consumer market as a stable company with great products and customer service.

 

[Pef]

I'm nonplussed at the naysayers, most of whom are not privy to the internal marketing research of Colt.

For years people bemoaned the lack of a Colt DA revolver. Now that it's coming, many (not all) are writing it off before they have even touched one.

Good for Colt. Another choice for consumers. I hope it sells well.

 

[petepeterson]

If Colt makes a mid-frame .357 magnum with 3 and 4 inch barrels, this could be the nail in the coffin for the IL.

I don't know about how it would relate to the IL, but I do feel that there's a market (however small) for a revolver the size you mention. Especially with a 3" tube and round butt, like a K-frame.

Then again, we all may be delusional because we have an interest in revolvers. This is not going to outsell Shields and Glock 43s.

 

[American1776]

I don't know about how it would relate to the IL, but I do feel that there's a market (however small) for a revolver the size you mention. Especially with a 3" tube and round butt, like a K-frame.

Then again, we all may be delusional because we have an interest in revolvers. This is not going to outsell Shields and Glock 43s.

To better explain: Any high quality revolver WITHOUT a lock will take business away from S&W's IL revolvers. The more non-IL options, the worse it gets for S&W.

This Cobra model will no doubt capture some who would have bought a J-frame with a lock, but now will get the Cobra instead.

If Colt brings back the Trooper with 3-6 inch barrels, the 686 series with IL's will suffer, since those who would have reluctantly bought the 686 with IL will now flock to the Colt option.

It's true that revolvers are not as popular as the polymer autos. However, it's also true that Colt is bringing back their Cobra, Ruger is coming out with a GP100 in .44 spl. and an 8-shot .357, and S&W is releasing their combat magnums with 2.75'' barrels---revolvers seem to be making a big difference in the profits of companies.

 

[silversnake]

There are a untold number of brand loyalist who will buy it just because it's got a little pony stamped on it somewhere.

Also, not everyone is about saving up for quality, hence why Taurus stays in business.

I agree with you on both points, Colt will likely easily sell every Cobra they make. I'm happy anytime someone brings out a new revolver, maybe the increased competition will keep prices down on the items I really want.

 

[silversnake]

Here's a question, and I don't mean to cause a fuss:

Will Colt's re-emergence in the DA revolver put even more pressure on S&W to rethink the internal lock? Here's my reasoning.

There are already quite a few S&W fans who only buy the older S&W's. I'm sure some folks buy Rugers based on the IL on the Smiths as well. Now that Colt is making their revolvers (without any IL), I'm sure there will be even more lost business.

If Colt makes a mid-frame .357 magnum with 3 and 4 inch barrels, this could be the nail in the coffin for the IL.

any thoughts on that one?

I sure hope so.... I would love to buy a new K/L frame but the lock is a dealbreaker for me. S&W is losing out on business by not making the lock optional.

 

[silversnake]

Perhaps Colt wanted to start with an all steel revolver so as to ensure long term durability and to appeal to the 'purists' who prefer an all steel revolver. 25 ounces for a 38+p is a great balance of shootability and carry-ease. Go much lighter, and people won't like shooting it.

I know I'd buy it in steel, but not in aluminum.

At 25 oz I can't believe it isn't chambered in .357 magnum.

It's not so much that it's heavy, my Model 64 snub is around 27-28 oz, but the Model 64 is based on a much older design. You can hardly find a modern revolver that weighs as much as the new Cobra and that isn't capable of handling magnum loads.

 

[Grayfox]

I'm a big fan of the Colt "D" frames. But I can't see a new Cobra made to the old specs only costing about $600. No doubt that they're had to make some major changes to cut costs and make manufacturing easier.
I'm wondering is Colt is actually making these or if they farmed it out and just had Colt stamped on it?
I'll reserve judgement until I can get my hands on one. If it can live up to its predecessors quality, I'll buy one.

BTW: For those wanting this in .357, how many of you remember the Colt Magnum Carry? Probably not many, cause it didn't last very long.

 

[BuckeyeS&W]

I'm a big fan of the Colt "D" frames. But I can't see a new Cobra made to the old specs only costing about $600. No doubt that they're had to make some major changes to cut costs and make manufacturing easier.
I'm wondering is Colt is actually making these or if they farmed it out and just had Colt stamped on it?
I'll reserve judgement until I can get my hands on one. If it can live up to its predecessors quality, I'll buy one.

BTW: For those wanting this in .357, how many of you remember the Colt Magnum Carry? Probably not many, cause it didn't last very long.

They are made at Colt factory.

 

[gunnails]

I actually have 4 Ruger pistols and all 4 turn to the right which is CLOCKWISE. I wish some of you Ruger experts would chime in and agree with me. Larry

========================

Not an expert, but my Ruger rotates to the left when viewed as I aim, if I was pointing it at you, you would say it rotates to the right. Same as my Smith's.

 

[Grayfox]

Its occurred to me that we might be comparing the new Cobra to the wrong gun. We look at it and think Detective Special. However, the last small frame Colts (SF-VI, DS II and Magnum Carry) used a completely different lock works than the old DS. The newer guns innards were based on the Trooper revolvers which required very little hand fitting and was much cheaper to produce.
Unfortunately, these guns had some problems and didn't sell very well. No mater how much they looked the part, they just weren't Detective Specials.
If Colt has managed to get the bugs out of that redesigned lock works (Yes, there were bugs. Big, ugly ones too.) then this might be a good gun at a reasonable price.
Then that brings us back to the same problem that the others had. It looks like something its not and that's what folks will compare it to.

 

[les.b]

I hate to be a whiner, but I have a small accumulation of Colts: a pre shroud Detective Special and a shrouded Detective Special. The same with the Agents and the Cobras. I also have a 2 1/2" Diamondback. So that's seven snub 38 Spl Colts. And each one has a specific name...

An all steel Colt 38 special snub nose is in my book a Detective Special. The same gun with an alloy frame is a Cobra.

This new gun should have been called a "Detective Special". Next they'll be calling the Commander, which was short barreled Government Model with an alloy frame a "lightweight" Commander, and then they'll make a steel frames version, and call it a "Combat Commander", and then everybody will be confused....oh, wait, they already did that, didn't they? Shoot.

I wonder.... If this new "Cobra" works out, and they start making it in an alloy frame, what will they call it? A Detective Special? Or a "Lightweight Cobra"?

That would be like Smith and Wesson making an auto pistol and calling it a "Military and Police".... That name is already taken by 60 years or so worth of revolvers......

Golly......

Best Regards, Les

 

[silversnake]

I wonder.... If this new "Cobra" works out, and they start making it in an alloy frame, what will they call it? A Detective Special? Or a "Lightweight Cobra"?

Regardless of what it's called, I hope we see a new six shot aluminum-framed snubby rated for .38+P, without an internal lock. I'll be happy to buy one from S&W, Ruger, Colt or Kimber.

 

[Goblin]

Not sure if I saw the same one but I did see a show on how H&H are made. The difference is most here can't afford those and it would be the same with Colt. The show I saw the shotguns started at $40k. And they don't make a lot of them. That price is literally more than double the price of my car when it was new. $17k.

On the other hand, it will probably last a lot longer than your car.

 

[Arik]

On the other hand, it will probably last a lot longer than your car.

I doubt that. I wouldn't know how to compute car use into gun use....miles to rounds fired......but my car is used every day. I drive a minimum of 50 miles a day. In 10 years I typically have at least 150k miles and I typically sell off somewhere after 200k. If I used a gun like that every day it wouldn't last that long.

Of course sitting around unused anything will last forever

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