New to me old Colt Cobra

[05CarbonDRZ]

I wonder how the new Colt Cobras are selling?

Really well actually,They are selling for MSRP or slightly above on GB.

 

[Wyatt Burp]

My first off-duty Cobra was purchased new in 1968 for $85. I still have it and plan to shoot it today. Great guns, congrats.

I paid $250 for my 1951 Cobra about seven years ago. It was in a gunshop and came with a lefty Bianchi holster. It sounded like you were describing my gun. I love this gun. It obviously was carried constantly yet is mechanically perfect. I figured a police off duty gun. Even the "Coltwood" plastic grips are worn smooth. I was hesitant at first but I swapped stags for it. Pictured here with my chopped 1917 Colt.
BTW, that nickel 1975 Cobra is beautiful. Quite a score and much more interesting than an AR.
EDIT: My mistake, old cop. I was referring to the '51 Cobra Guitslo described, but same applies to yours, especially since you carried and relied on one, too, like whoever owned mine.

 

[crazysarge16]

You might want to update to the latest Cobra.......so minty new that I had to have two of them.

All my local shops didn't even have them in yet, but you've got two. How are the too shot? I only got to look at one cause I was at a store on vacation in the mountains that someone had special ordered one

 

[crazysarge16]

These are great guns and I find them a little easier to shoot well than J-frame S&W's, probably because the Colts are a little larger. The advice about shooting them infrequently is very good advice. I shot my Agent (almost the same gun as the Cobra) probably more than I should have, but never with +P ammo or equivalent handloads. The frame cracked in the usual spot beneath the barrel shank.

However, mine was a 60s gun with the unshrouded ejector rod. Perhaps the later Cobras, as depicted in your photos, are stronger. Still, alloy frames will not be as durable as steel frames.

I don't plan on shooting any +P in this, and have already worked out a plan in my head when I go to shoot it to have only standard 38Special on the table to prevent any accidental shooting of +P. Granted, one or two rounds probably won't hurt it but why take the chance. Way I figure it, the revolver survived from 1975-2017 in the care of several people, why not continue the tread. Plus, might get some of the you get shooters interested.

 

[crazysarge16]

In 1968 that was over 2 week's pay in this part of the country.

I wasn't even a twinkle in my father's eye yet back then.

 

[crazysarge16]

Looks like you have a pretty nice set of grips on that one. However, for some folks' hands, like mine, the factory grips are fine if you add a Tyler. Much better than a J-frame S&W, but, of course, slightly larger.

Only markings I've seen on the grips are on one panel marked Colt Detective Special. The gentleman I got it from didn't have the original grips, as he got it with these installed.

I'm considering running the Tyler, an old boss of mine had one on his S&W Model 36 that fit my hand perfectly

 

[crazysarge16]

I paid $250 for my 1951 Cobra about seven years ago. It was in a gunshop and came with a lefty Bianchi holster. It sounded like you were describing my gun. I love this gun. It obviously was carried constantly yet is mechanically perfect. I figured a police off duty gun. Even the "Coltwood" plastic grips are worn smooth. I was hesitant at first but I swapped stags for it. Pictured here with my chopped 1917 Colt.
BTW, that nickel 1975 Cobra is beautiful. Quite a score and much more interesting than an AR.
EDIT: My mistake, old cop. I was referring to the '51 Cobra Guitslo described, but same applies to yours, especially since you carried and relied on one, too, like whoever owned mine.

I would have bought those as well, mainly cause I'm weird and like good honest wear. Where did you find those stag grips?

 

[Wyatt Burp]

I would have bought those as well, mainly cause I'm weird and like good honest wear. Where did you find those stag grips?

I got them on Ebay last year for $94. Seller didn't know what they went to but they looked like Cobra/Det. Special grips to me. I had to redarken the bark groove areas on the left side and did it using many, many very light coats of leather dye. Here's before and after. Or after then before.

 

[crazysarge16]

I got them on Ebay last year for $94. Seller didn't know what they went to but they looked like Cobra/Det. Special grips to me. I had to redarken the bark groove areas on the left side and did it using many, many very light coats of leather dye. Here's before and after. Or after then before.

That's a nice set of stag grips! I wish I could find a set, they look beautiful

 

[moralem]

All my local shops didn't even have them in yet, but you've got two. How are the too shot? I only got to look at one cause I was at a store on vacation in the mountains that someone had special ordered one

Actually I have not been out to the range yet with them. One went immediately to my polisher who is going to put s bright polish on it.....I am not too keen on the brushed stainless look.

The sister gun is still unpacked and may just go to the range with me this weekend. I was waiting for a holster from Galco so that I could see how it wears and draws as a carry weapon. The holster is here now but is going to need some breaking in before it is usable.....as soon as I shoot one I will report back.

As far as I can tell whatever amount Colt is producing they are being sold. I have not seen a single gun in any local shop or big box store here in North Texas. I had to order mine from a sporting goods store in Houston. When I called them I asked how many I could buy and they said a limit to two per person so I bought them. My thinking is that Colt is never going to fix thier management problems and this gun may simple fade away before really being given a chance to succceed. I paid 40 bucks over MSRP but to me that was a small price to pay to ge able to get a couple of them. Fit and finish is good quality and the gun is basically a good solid 600-700 gun.....no complaints from me on its appearance. Would it be nice to have in blue or in .357, sure but for now it is all that we got so I grabbed a couple. I am happy with the purchase.

 

[crazysarge16]

I'll have to start stashing some money away and hopefully be able to purchase one. But knowing me, when I go to my favorite store they will probably have something else I want and I'll put that on layaway instead

 

[sheepdawg]

Post 1973 Cobras, the ones with the shroud, were rated for +P as long as it was inspected after 1000 rounds by Colt or one of their approved smiths. I shoot regular 38 semi wadcutters through mine at the range and usually have 125 gr 38 Nyclads loaded in it when I carry but in the winter I switch to the Speer 135 gr. +P for short barrels. I've shot a few at the range and they are a handful but compare their energy to 38s special rounds of the 60s and 70s.

The new Cobra is 10 oz. heavier than the old one, a boat anchor compared to the old style. They just thought calling it a Cobra would do more for sales than calling it a Detective Special. It's a "snake gun" thing.

My 1974 Cobra everyday carry. Love the Pachmayr Compacs.

 

[DWalt]

So long as I have my early 60s DS, I don't need the new Cobra.

 

[Old Arkansawyer]

My first hand gun purchase was a Colt back in the 60's, still have it and it still shoots better than I do. Followed that about a year later with a Colt mod.11 in 38 super and I still have the super.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Does the new Cobra have the same lock work as the old one???

 

[crazysarge16]

Having one Colt is bad, I'm already searching for another