Value of Colt Cobra .38 Special

[Revolver Man]

I have a friend that has this 1959 model Colt Cobra 2” .38 Special revolver. He wants to sell it and is looking for what the value of it might be. Any help will be appreciated. I know there are some experts on older Colts in here.

 

[Eddie Southgate]

Last one in that condition I bought was a later short butt model . I bought it in Pulaski Tennessee from a gun store no longer in business there and beat I remember I gave $350 for it . I would think the 59' would bring a bit more but not sure how much . I'd have a gunsmith look it over real good before I bought it . If the frame were cracked it would be a parts gun and they are known to be prone to cracking . I love mine .

Eddie

 

[Absalom]

Maybe some provenance? Any chance it’s the Cobra Jack Ruby used to shoot Oswald? The vintage would fit

Kidding aside, that gun has seen some serious use. Even though I prefer guns with “honest use”, I’d be reluctant to buy an early lightweight frame gun with that amount of character.

If I were going to sell that, I’d put that on Gunbroker with an initial minimum of maybe 300 or 350.

 

[will527]

I saw one locally here last month for $750.00. I called the LGS, to tell the owner that I would take it. I went to pick it up, and the owner said that he no longer had it, that someone offered him more than what I had agreed upon. There is a silver lining, the owner in good faith offered me a new SigSauer p226 for the same price.

 

[DWalt]

I am no fan of anyone's alloy frame revolvers and have never been tempted to buy one. But if for some reason I wanted that one, I'd have to examine my motivation very seriously before I paid any more than $300-$350. Too sweaty for me.

 

[smithrjd]

It has a Snake name, and is older. Two reasons for money, but it looks well used. I would check it carefully. $750 or so in my area.

 

[DWalt]

Best thing to do is get on GunBroker and see what similar examples have actually sold for.

 

[Loyaljeeper]

It’s not old enough nor nice enough to really appeal to many Colt purist. Assuming it is in great mechanical condition it I would value it at about $400. I have seen a very similar one sit at a shop for around $500 for about a year. If it were a short grip as in 66 or later it would interest me.

 

[Targets Guy]

I paid $360 for my 1957 Colt Cobra in 2016. But I also got two holsters.



image hosting 12mb

and it cost $10.00 to have a new strap put on the smaller holster.





Shoots pretty good for a little fella.

 

[22hipower]

I might pay $300 for it, but probably not. No collector value, and there are better choices for a carry gun (new J frame S&Ws for not much more than $300). Not that I don't like Colts and that one has plenty of "character" but I wouldn't want to put much money in it. Wouldn't be surprised to find it priced at $599 at the local pawn shops though. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[sheepdawg]

Bought a very visually challenged 1974 Cobra and leather Edge Mark IWB holster for $340 out the door a few years ago. The cylinder was very tight and it has been my carry ever since. Remember these alloy frames don't hold their finish very well. Check for slop in the cylinder and if it was tight I would give no more than $400 for it.

I kinda like the wear on that one, all it needs is a loving home.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

My Colt Cobra was a gift from a friend about 20 years ago. I presume you judge the date by the serial number so what do the numbers tell us?

I changed the grips (kept the originals) and I carry this gun in a fanny pack - no more jogging for me but there is still some dog walking and bike riding.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I bought a early 60's model in the 90's for $245 but is in much worse condition. I carry it backpacking and other nasty weather conditions!


Ivan

 

[STCM(SW)]

Don't know how old mine is.

Changed the grips, still have the one it came with but with them it bit me!
Cost was around $300 I think.

 

[sipowicz]

I got mine from a NY cop for 2 bills a few years back. But I'm not held to the stupid Cali DOJ list so they command a premium here since they have to be private party sales. Just remember, reblueing is out of the question since removing the barrel can damage them so you would be stuck with a paint style refin job if that is your wish.

 

[Wyatt Burp]

My 1952 Cobra was $250 with Bianchi lefty holster about seven years ago. It shows tons of carry wear but is mechanically excellent. I think some of these guns were packed a lot off duty and not shot constantly. I would pay $375 for that one here in over priced CA. Don't let the looks of this one fool you.