IS THE NEW COLT COBRA A COMMERCIAL SUCCESS??

[chief38]

My pristine 1990's vintage Colt Detective Special is one of my all time favorite snub nose .38 Specials (most are S&W's). I was looking forward to the release of the long awaited and hyped up new version called the Colt Cobra.

While the "Gun Rag Writers" seem to like it (pretty much their job to promote new guns to sell advertising space) I have not had the opportunity to actually handle or shoot one yet. Although at first glance (in magazines & on line) is seems like an ugly duckling that has been cheapened up to sell for a popular price, people who have shot it all say it does have a really great DA & SA trigger pull and is a pleasure to shoot.

I was wondering if anyone here actually owns one and if so what their take is on this new issue.

 

[Andy Lowry]

Haven't even seen one yet, and Davidson's has them marked as "allocated."

 

[gfors]

I've handled 2, at the LGS, but have not fired one. I was disappointed in the fit and finish. Edges are sharp and I would have preferred a little more "shine" to the metal. They aren't selling fast, according to the guy I talked to.

 

[Joe Kent]

I have one and it shoots and handles well. It is true that it is new production and not as "smooth " as the older ones, but for me the trigger does not stack like the older Colts and I also like the shape of the new trigger guard{more room in front }. All in all for me a good well made revolver and I am glad to see Colt getting back in the game.

 

[moralem]

It is what it is, a modern manufactured gun with some decent qualities. It is not a great gun, yet. But it can be if colt figures out a few things in offering versions of the gun. I have three of them, not because they are fantastic but because I don't think that colt can sustain or even be more creative in its offerings. They are good guns, a bit pricey but when are you going to ever get a chance to buy a new colt revolver in the box. I missed my chances in the old days but not this time.....it sure is fun opening those pristine new boxes for the first time. I even had one polished. Now if colt does that and offers different barrel lengths then they just might have something.

 

[Lonestar57]

All of the Colt guys and dealers I've talked to most say it's a good gun with a nice upgraded trigger but not the trail burner that's going to sustain Colt if it keeps going the way it's going. A lot of guys I know have bought one, not to shoot it or carry it but as a keeper thinking Colt changing directions in mid-stream and stopping the production at one or two years which they have a infamous history of doing so with some great past models. I guess we'll see.

 

[Grayfox]

I'm also interested in one of these. My first carry gun was a 1975 3rd Issue DS. I love it and still have it. But being somewhat collectible these days, I have other guns to carry.
I did get a quick look at one of the new Cobras at a gun show recently. However, it was priced well over MSRP and the crowd was shoulder to shoulder. So I didn't give it as much attention as I should have. For the quick look I got, it seemed like a fairly well made gun. But the finish looks drab which gives the gun an overall cheap look to it.
When I find one more reasonably priced I'l give it a more serious inspection and consideration.

 

[iPac]

From my observations, the folks who are actually seeking out and buying these "new" Cobras are the very small niche community of Colt collectors/enthusiasts. In fact, just about everyone I have heard get one has actually gotten "multiples" for whatever reasons.

Other than that, only heard of maybe a couple folks who bought one that weren't really Colt collectors/enthusiasts.

If you know what you're looking at and what's under the hood, the new Cobra isn't that exciting. Unless you just want to be able to buy a new Colt revolver because you never had the chance, which is me, but I need more of a reason than "it's a Colt".

Colt failed with it back in the late '90s, and they missed the ship on the CCW resurgence of the last decade. I think it's too little too late, but we will see.

 

[chief38]

I have seen that the initial selling price (well over list) has substantially dropped and are now selling for below MSRP. I am not fond of the orange front sight but understand that with the turn of an allen screw a more traditional one can be installed.

I've heard tale of 6 - 7 pound DA triggers which sounds great and while the quality will probably never equal the original Dick Specials it isn't bad. Couple that with all stainless construction, 6 shot capacity, a choice of grips and no I/L and it has intrigued me enough to want to handle and shoot one.

 

[CH4]

I've handled and shot one at the 2017 SHOT Show media day. It's nice, but I wouldn't give the MSRP of $899. For me to consider one, it would have to be priced around $650. I'd buy the Colt before the Kimber K6.

 

[chief38]

I've handled and shot one at the 2017 SHOT Show media day. It's nice, but I wouldn't give the MSRP of $899. For me to consider one, it would have to be priced around $650. I'd buy the Colt before the Kimber K6.

AFAIK Colt's MSRP has always been $699 but when they were first released there were scalpers charging what you state. Now they are selling for $629 from what I can see on line but have not seen any locally that I can touch.

 

[moralem]

I have seen that the initial selling price (well over list) has substantially dropped and are now selling for below MSRP. I am not fond of the orange front sight but understand that with the turn of an allen screw a more traditional one can be installed.

I've heard tale of 6 - 7 pound DA triggers which sounds great and while the quality will probably never equal the original Dick Specials it isn't bad. Couple that with all stainless construction, 6 shot capacity, a choice of grips and no I/L and it has intrigued me enough to want to handle and shoot one.

Unfortunately there are no grips out yet for the gun which is what I am waiting for to upgrade my stable.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Lonestar57]

Colt failed with it back in the late '90s, and they missed the ship on the CCW resurgence of the last decade. I think it's too little too late, but we will see.

Exactly! Remember the Colt Magnum Carry; started and stopped in 1999. Great snub; stainless steel, in 357 mag, new and improve action. The Colt Pocket Nine was also a one year fatality. Neat stainless steel compact 9mm semi-auto. I know, Colt got sued over the action from Karh but instead of a re-design they scrapped it. And how about the decision the stop making the .380 Mustangs and .380 Government models right when the CCW .380 craze started. All gun manufacturers make goofed up decisions from time to time but Colt seems to be fairly consistent regarding it.

 

[justintyme]

I have one. And it's a very good carry gun. I also two other Cobras, a 1967 and a 1974, plus a M&P 340 J Frame. So here's my opinion on it.

Plus
1) I shoot it the best of all these, which is mostly because the rubber grips and the gun size fits my hand the best, and because...

2) best trigger out of the bunch or at least tied with the 67 Cobra, So it's very good for out of the box with about 250 rounds thru it. Both older Cobras stack just a bit at the end double action, but all three have great single action...which is not an option on the M&P obviously and the smaller size of it makes trigger control harder and the pull feels heavier to me although I have not measured it.

3) The weight, This is a plus or minus actually, great for shooting it as it soaks up recoil, not as light to carry though

4) Fiber optic sight works great! Even better than the Big Dot on my M&P for me

5) Prettier than the Kimber k6s, but not .357 of course

Here are some of the minuses

1) Weight and size a bit to big for pocket carry, but again great IWB or OWB on the belt for me.

2) Bead blasted finish not as attractive, I don't care for it on the S&W 66 or 69 either, thats just personal preference and wouldn't stop me from buying any of them.

3) Slow roll out by colt and price gouging, I did buy mine at 650.00, a reasonable price but the first ones were going over MSRP, ridiculous, but not unexpected looking at Python prices etc.

Why don't the Colt Purists all like this gun, again just my opinions

1) Not as pretty as the Ol School...Bead blasted again the major culprit, but no pretty stocks, the fiber optic sight, different barrel profile favor function over form, which is a problem for a lot of Colt guys

2) Wrong Name...Colt capitalizing on the snake name here twists the purists panties in a bunch, the old Cobra was the alloy frame Version of the Detective Special, which is what they think Colt should call this.

3)Unrealistic expectaions....come on guys you didn't really think they could bring out a hand fitted Python 2.0 in this day and age.

 

[justintyme]

Here are a couple quick photos, sorry the lighting sucks here I was in a rush to make a comparison photo

Being the closest the J frame doesnt look any smaller but trust me it is!

 

[justintyme]

I hope Colt comes and get their act together and continue this gun and expand their offerings, but they seem like they always screw it up.

If they could offer this gun in brushed, or polished, then expand it to .357 magnum as well that would be great, you would thing that a .357 magnum carry version would have been part of the game plan at least!

And then bring out the next larger frame size, the King Cobra II, which would make the choice of the Cobra name for the compact version at least logical, and I just don't think they can bring back the Python, as it would never compare to the original.

 

[robertrwalsh]

I suspect it is a bit too early to say if the new entry will be a commercial success or not. I don't think it will be a flop, but there is a large gray area in the middle.

 

[silversnake]

I've handled one, consider it good but not great. Would rate the Colt about on par with the K6S but the older K-frames even better. If I ran Colt I would get started yesterday producing an aluminum frame version (which is what this thing should have been in the first place).

 

[sheepdawg]

I guess I'm spoiled but it just has the Charter Arms look to it, with the little horsey stamped on it.

 

[moralem]

From my observations, the folks who are actually seeking out and buying these "new" Cobras are the very small niche community of Colt collectors/enthusiasts. In fact, just about everyone I have heard get one has actually gotten "multiples" for whatever reasons.

Other than that, only heard of maybe a couple folks who bought one that weren't really Colt collectors/enthusiasts.

If you know what you're looking at and what's under the hood, the new Cobra isn't that exciting. Unless you just want to be able to buy a new Colt revolver because you never had the chance, which is me, but I need more of a reason than "it's a Colt".

Colt failed with it back in the late '90s, and they missed the ship on the CCW resurgence of the last decade. I think it's too little too late, but we will see.

I am not a Colt fanatic, collector or true enthusiast. I have more SW than colts. I am just a regular guy that wanted to have an original colt in the box from the start.......

 

[Watchdog]

From my observations, the folks who are actually seeking out and buying these "new" Cobras are the very small niche community of Colt collectors/enthusiasts.

Don't think I'd call Colt collectors and enthusiasts a "very small niche community".

I think it's too little too late, but we will see.

Too little, too late for what?

 

[CH4]

AFAIK Colt's MSRP has always been $699 but when they were first released there were scalpers charging what you state. Now they are selling for $629 from what I can see on line but have not seen any locally that I can touch.

Thanks, that's good to know. Unfortunately, I've never seen one at any of our LGS. Finally seeing a good number of K6s around - $899 - $1800.

 

[AR_Black]

I've got one here at my shop that I held back. I think they are good quality but a priced $250-$300 over a J-Frame turns a lot of people off.

 

[apollo99]

I've toyed with the idea of getting one and getting it polished , It would be setting me back over $1000 for the cobra plus the high polish job.

 

[iPac]

I am not a Colt fanatic, collector or true enthusiast. I have more SW than colts. I am just a regular guy that wanted to have an original colt in the box from the start.......

There is nothing wrong with wanting to buy a new Colt from the dealer. I bought a 2015 SAA because I wanted to buy a new Colt product.

Just relating my observations. I'm glad you're happy with new Cobra.

Don't think I'd call Colt collectors and enthusiasts a "very small niche community".

It's more of a niche than you may think, especially if you could ascertain the median age of Colt collectors. They aren't getting any younger. Also, the new sky high prices aren't going to be attractive to the youth of today leaving college in debt to their eyeballs trying to start a life. Which is me, and I guarantee not one friend from HS could even name a post-war2 Colt revolver. So there is one small demographic sample.

Again, just my personal theory/belief.

Too little, too late for what?

From the time Colt quit producing DA revolvers, to present day Cobra release, how much CCW excitement has taken over the country?

Over a good decade of it, and Colt is just now getting a revolver to an already saturated market.

Seems a "too little too late" prediction isn't that off base, but again just an opinion.

 

[Eddietruett]

There were a couple at the last gun show I attended. Marked at $699. Saw a lot looking, but no buyers. They were still there after 2 days. The seller let me handle one and encouraged me to dry fire. While it felt ok, my wallet stayed in my pocket. Didn't try to negotiate. I guess the ones buying must like them. Have not seen a used one for sale

 

[iPac]

I have seen that the initial selling price (well over list) has substantially dropped and are now selling for below MSRP. I am not fond of the orange front sight but understand that with the turn of an allen screw a more traditional one can be installed.

I've heard tale of 6 - 7 pound DA triggers which sounds great and while the quality will probably never equal the original Dick Specials it isn't bad. Couple that with all stainless construction, 6 shot capacity, a choice of grips and no I/L and it has intrigued me enough to want to handle and shoot one.

That's just the thing. Reports of the new Cobra have been pretty good.

The predecessor to the new Cobra was the SFVI and the DSII. The Magnum Carry as well, but that was magnum so I don't mention it. Colt basically took the MkIII action and married it with a V mainspring. No forged steel internals. The action design basis of the new Cobra is the exact same as these late '90 guns with some minor geometry changes, which supposedly helps with smoother pull. They also adopted even more "cost cutting" techniques versus the old ones like slanted ratchet finger design which eliminates the alignment pins and holes, and the reported MIM barrel.

The SFVI/DSII was noted as having a good DA because of the design, so I can believe the new Cobra has a pretty good action too, especially if the geometry changes help. So it should be a very usable gun.

Now, I'm reluctant to believe the 6-7# DA pull, as I can't even get an original D frame down to 7# without light strikes, but who knows. Haven't tried to tweak a new Cobra yet, but can almost assure it's not like that from the factory.

Other than that, this gun should make a great carry gun or duty gun. That's what it's designed for, not a collector piece. I have no expectations beyond that.

I talk about the new Cobra however I want, but never do I bash it or call it junk. Discussion about the "good and bad" of a gun should never result in turmoil as long as kept to a professional level. Some people like to talk engineering and design, and find it fun to "dissect" a new gun.

 

[Joe Kent]

I would disagree about the statement above about Colt collectors being a "niche" market. Ipac , in one sense you may be right about collectors in general but I think it unfair to single out Colt Collectors. Having just attended our annual Colt Collectors Show in St.Louis I can tell you we had a great time with a great bunch of people and unlike our S&W annual convention the Colt Collectors are very open to welcoming non member as well as members who can only attend for a day. Of course non members cannot attend any of the business side of the club but are welcomed into the show hall to see the displays, learn about what they are looking at and yes, spend money at the various member tables. I should add that only members can have tables and time in the room is restricted for non members. If the clubs, like many groups, are going to grow and expand, they have to become more user friendly. As far as the cost of the new Cobra I paid $675. which is $25. under MSRP and did that both to have the revolver and support my LGS. Had I waited I probably could have found one for a little less. All my very best, Joe.

 

[Grayfox]

I set up at a gun show today and as such was in an hour before they opened. One dealer has a new Cobra and I had time to really look it over. Looks to be very well made. Feels pretty good in the hand. Timing is spot on, lock-up is tight and that trigger is really good. Smooth and slick in DA, clean and crisp in SA. Price was $699 which is MSRP.
But still, it just doesn't "do it" for me. Maybe its the finish? I'm not a fan of fiber optic sights or Hogue rubber grips either. I know both are easy to change, but still, I decided to pass. Darn shame too cause I really was looking forward to getting my hands on one.
Maybe if they bring it out in blue or even matte black I'd buy one. Meantime, I'll just let it go. That's just me, I certainly won't knock those who buy them. I do think its a fine gun.
BTW: as I said, I saw it before the show opened. It was still there at the end of the day.

 

[VictorLouis]

I finally had the chance to fondle one locally. I was impressed with the look, feel and the sights. Trigger pull wasn't that I'd expected based off of the reviews. Then, the clerk said to me, "Compare it with the Charter Arms here". Wouldn't you know it? The pull the CA was much, much nicer than the Colt. Then, I checked three MORE CA's they had on-hand in the case. They were also much better. I hope that ONE Cobra was a Friday-gun, LOL.