[Pics] 2017 Colt Cobra...finally arrived

I suspect your assessment of the Kimber is correct. The insides of the K6S are a machinists dream. Every part is as smooth as a baby's bottom right out of the factory. I suspect if S&W built to the Kimbers specs the cost would double. Hopefully Kimber set a new standard for quality in American made revolvers. Mine is carried daily.

First, thanks to the OP for giving us a detailed look at the New Colt Cobra and unbiased review so far. Over on the other Forum some people are really getting their feelings hurt over some Colt members/ enthusiast not warming up to the New Cobra.

Secondly, I love my Smiths, Colt's, Brownings, and..... Well Ok, you get the message I'm just a gun nut.

Anyway I recently picked up a Kimber K6s and couldn't wait to do two things. Shoot it and disassemble it. Yes I'm also one of those guys that like taking things apart to see how it works and appreciates design. When I took the sideplate off the Kimber I realized I was in very familiar territory. Looks strikingly like the good ol' Smith & Wesson internals. Just FYI. Oh by the way, It shot well too. I'll try to get a camera shot of both with side plates off side by side later.

Pic added; Smith-top/ Kimber-bottom:
 

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With that trigger guard you expect to see Charter Arms on the side...a real aesthetically challenged​ design. The dent just kills it for me along with the bead blasted finish.

I also have to wonder why Colt could not have kept the same trigger guard shape as the DS. That strange new shape looks damaged and just does not say "Colt" to me. Not that I plan to buy one of the new Cobras anyway so it really makes no difference.
 
I also have to wonder why Colt could not have kept the same trigger guard shape as the DS. That strange new shape looks damaged and just does not say "Colt" to me. Not that I plan to buy one of the new Cobras anyway so it really makes no difference.

Colt had to make enough design changes in order for them to be able to call it a "new" gun. After all, the action design of this new Cobra is nothing more than a SF-VI, DS-II, or Magnum Carry, which failed and ushered in the end of DA production in the late '90s. The reception wouldn't have been good if they brought one of those back without some kind of cool "enhancements", and a name change.

So they incorporated very minor geometric changes. The trigger guard shape was one. They moved the grip frame back by .010 for a better hold supposedly. They straightened the trigger hook for a more linear pull supposedly. They added the removable sight and incorporated S&W's slanted finger ratchet design. Throw some minor cosmetic changes like barrel shape and finish, and you have a gun they can tout as new.

I'm sure this new one will make a great carry gun, and anyone who wants it for that by all means buy one, but if you're expecting a flashback to Colt's days of glory, this is not it. Instead, just go find an original Detective, Cobra, or Agent. They can still be found for $500 or less, leaving you $200+ for ammo. There was just a Detective for sale locally to me, $375.
 
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That is one ugly trigger guard that IMO buggers up the gun over all looks. IMO The Kimber looks so much better. I looked at my Charter Bull Dog 44spl and the trigger guard doesn't look anything like this Colt guard. Thank goodness. But like they say the looks are in the eye of the beholder. To each his own.

It is good to hear the trigger action is good. That would be a definite deal breaker for me if the trigger action sucked. Look like it shoots with good accuracy.
 
Are the grip pins the same size? Cant find a replacement for the one missing from my '69 DS!

Are you ready for this? THE NEW COBRA SHIPS WITHOUT A GRIP PIN. Yup. That's right Hogues that are too large for concealed carry and no grip pin. Had to steal a pin from one of my old D Frames to put on oder D Frame grips. Also, not all of the older grips fit perfectly.
 
Beagle, I bet you could fit the older grips well with some Acra-Glass or similar bedding compound. So long as you would be okay that they would no longer fit an original.
 
Following up on the Cobra pics...This is how they should have sold it. Old factory Pachmayrs seem to work just fine.

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That's the way to go right there with those grips. My old timer is from 1951. Carried a lot but mechanically perfect. I have the original grips, too.
 
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