Model 60 vs Colt Cobra

[ScorpionicSag]

Hi Folks,

I am looking for a small all steel revolver to shoot 38 and +P at the range and for home defense. I am drawn to the Colt Cobra because it has six rounds and because it is made for just 38 and +P. But I have heard some people say the trigger is too sharp and can cause irritation and pain to the trigger finger. So I am also looking at the S&W Model 60. I don't need it to shoot 357 but it is all steel and about the same weight as the Cobra. What do y'all think?

 

[Tanners Owner]

Another option to consider is a 2 or 3” K frame. I had a M64, 2” for a while and wish I still did. Very good 6 shot compact revolver.

 

[Malysh]

Suggest you visit a local shop that has Cobras in stock and examine one (or two) and see for yourself.
The internet only goes so far. My observation is every person who is dissatisfied with a gun purchase will post their gripe on a forum, even going so far as registering for said forum just to complain, with no intention of any other participation going forward.

Many satisfied owners never bother to post about their acquisitions.

Information gathered here and elsewhere may be helpful but since you're interested in two popular models it should be easy to find gun shops close to you stocking these models unless you live in the middle of nowhere.

I have been tempted to buy a new 2 1/2" or 3" barrel Python. So I drove the 6 miles to a store so I could examine and handle a couple of them. It was much better than looking at pictures on a bulletin board and making a
decision by committee

Good luck and good hunting!

 

[ScorpionicSag]

Great advice on how to evaluate forums and the need to go to a dealer to try things out in person.

 

[Malysh]

I forgot to include welcome to the S&W Forum.

 

[rockquarry]

Another option to consider is a 2 or 3” K frame. I had a M64, 2” for a while and wish I still did. Very good 6 shot compact revolver.

The K-frame snub nose is much easier to shoot well without all the practice required with a snub-nose j-frame, but the K-frame is a huge gun in comparison with the J-frame. If you don't need a concealable gun, the K-frame is a good choice.

 

[rockquarry]

Suggest you visit a local shop that has Cobras in stock and examine one (or two) and see for yourself.
The internet only goes so far. My observation is every person who is dissatisfied with a gun purchase will post their gripe on a forum, even going so far as registering for said forum just to complain, with no intention of any other participation going forward.

Many satisfied owners never bother to post about their acquisitions.

Information gathered here and elsewhere may be helpful but since you're interested in two popular models it should be easy to find gun shops close to you stocking these models unless you live in the middle of nowhere.

I have been tempted to buy a new 2 1/2" or 3" barrel Python. So I drove the 6 miles to a store so I could examine and handle a couple of them. It was much better than looking at pictures on a bulletin board and making a
decision by committee

Good luck and good hunting!

You're right; good advice.

 

[ScorpionicSag]

Thank you sir

 

[chief38]

The Cobra holds a sixth round which could come in handy, but is every so slightly larger. If you are looking to only buy new, the Cobra is the way to go. IMHO the quality of the Colt is far and away better than most new S&W's these days and is just a better build IMHO. If you are buying a vintage S&W and can get a good one (checked out by someone in the know) than the Smith is a great choice also.

If the Cobra if used solely as a house gun it is a bit easier to control with +P's because of its slightly larger frame and a few ounces more weight. On the other hand the Chief's Special would be slightly easier to stick in your pocket for CCW purposes. The Cobra would also be a little easier to want to practice with and beat your hand up a little less.

For house gun only purposes and if you are not concerned about concealed carry, than any vintage K frame ( M15, 10, 66, 19, etc.) would be a great choice as well.

 

[ScorpionicSag]

Actually I am also planning to get a 686 SSR so that is why I am interested in a steel J Frame as a smaller revolver. Otherwise yes I would look into a K frame.

 

[HughD1]

The Model 60 does look like a mini-me of a 686. It is not unpleasant to shoot with 38+p. Whatever makes you happy. I don’t own a Colt so I will make no comment about it. Good luck in your decision!

Hugh


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rockquarry]

I don't have a new Cobra but had a 1957 model and still have a 1955 Detective Special. With these older snub nose Colts in comparsion with a Model 60 S&W snub nose, they're all difficult to shoot well unless you are a skilled shooter; however, the guns are quite capable.

Photo depictions of the new Cobra show it to be a slightly bulkier (and probably heavier) revolver than the old ones. If so, it might have a slight advantage over the Model 60 for ease of shooting well.

People like to talk barrel length with regard to how easy a gun is to conceal. With a revolver, frame and cylinder bulk has far more to do with concealment than does one inch of barrel length.

 

[robertrwalsh]

I have one of each. The COBRA feels much better in my hand and has a much better trigger as well (IMHO). If you possibly can try one of each and see what feedback you receive from your hands.

 

[mikerjf]

If you’re thinkin J frame, the Ruger SP101 will be similar size but a little heavier. I know you don’t need 357, but a few ounces helps with whatever you shoot in it.

 

[bulls-i]

You can never know how a gun feels in your hand from an article on the internet or a forum. Someone else's 1st choice might be your 2nd or 3rd choice.

Lots of guys love Glocks, but my M&P 9mm Pro feels sooooo goood in my hand!

 

[DeafSmith]

If I was gonna pack wheelguns...

The J .38 is best as a hideout gun. Appendix holster, ankle, and such. Five shots and just plain .38s don't give you a lot. Of the Js I prefer the 642 Centennial for EDC.

Once you get to six shooters one would be more inclined to outside waistband holsters.

Of the six shooters out there now I'd think about a 2 inch Colt Cobra Carry .357 magnum, or 2 1/2 S&W 66 .357 or a Ruger GP100 2 1/2 inch snub. Yes all steel snubs!

Just use +p .38s like my favorite. Buffalo Bore 158gr LSWHP at 1000, true(!) velocity, from a 2 inch barrel. 2 1/2 inch barrels I've chronoed at 1050 fps!

Such snub medium frame guns can be carried behind the hip or cross draw (just put a vest on and half way zip it up and it is concealed!)

And yes I have S&W 66 2 1/2 snubs, 686 2 1/2 snubs, Speed Six 2 3/4 inch snubs. No Colt yet but I do like the 2 inch King Cobra Carry .357!

 

[Shibadog]

Hi Folks,

I am looking for a small all steel revolver to shoot 38 and +P at the range and for home defense. I am drawn to the Colt Cobra because it has six rounds and because it is made for just 38 and +P. But I have heard some people say the trigger is too sharp and can cause irritation and pain to the trigger finger. So I am also looking at the S&W Model 60. I don't need it to shoot 357 but it is all steel and about the same weight as the Cobra. What do y'all think?

For a range or home defense piece a K frame (mid size) with a 4 or 6” barrel will be a lot easier to shoot than a J Frame. J is great for concealed carry but a larger piece with a longer barrel will be a lot more comfortable to shoot and will enable you to master the weapon a lot quicker. I’ve got a few J’s that are snubs and a model 60 Performance center with a 3”. That latter is the easiest to shoot accurately, but it pales compared to a larger piece with a longer sight radius.

 

[Abbynormal]

When I was younger, I carried Colt DS's, Cobra's and Agents. They fit me better than a J frame. I ended up trading them all off for other guns and then all I could find were J frames. So I ending up having to take the leap and now have gotten used to carrying a J 442.

I wouldn't have a problem with going back to a Colt, but I would have to replace the J frame muscle memory.

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

Call me old but i didnt know Colt came out recently with the Cobra. I liked the old ones, are the new ones steel framed?
You also might possibly consider the K6.
No other revolver will ever be carried by me except S&W so you know my preference

 

[robertrwalsh]

Yes, the new ones are actually stainless steel "Detective Specials" but the marketing people wanted a compact snake gun, so......