[dasmi]

I saw a really nice looking 2 inch Cobra at a local shop yesterday. Very deep beautiful blue, grips in great shape. I should've written down the serial number. .38 special was the caliber. What would a Cobra is great shape like that go for?

[mikec]

Considering you list your location as being in CA is subjective. Am I right saying that no new examples of that gun can be brought into the state unless the gun is on the allowed list? If that is the case then the price would be higher then in FL or TX or almost any other state.

[dasmi]

It's in the used case at the shop, a consignment. Private part transfer. And yes, you're right, if it's not on the list, you can't get it new. Private transfers are exempt.

[mikec]

What I meant is that there is a finite number of those things in your state unless something along the lines of a miracle happens. Because of that, the prices almost everywhere else will be lower then in CA.

The small frame Colts are great guns.

[lindermant]

a shop in my area has an early Cobra (unshrouded barrel) on consignment that looks mint and they are asking $550. I'm really struggling not to just go and pick it up this weekend (they also have a mint early blued Agent for $650).

How much are they asking on your end dasmi?

[dasmi]

$299. It an unshrouded barrel as well, by the way.

[lindermant]

you're running over there right now to buy it, right? ;)

[dasmi]

I wish. I really, really don't have the money.

[mikec]

$299 is a very nice price. See if they have a layaway program.

lindermant, where are you located?

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

$299 Including the shop's commission for a consignment? Almost sounds too good to be true. You seldom see a Good Cobra for less than $350 and many sell for more than that.

-Steve

[dasmi]

Yes, the tag says $299, that's the sale price. Plus tax, and the $25 California DROS fee.

[mnw42]

I paid $500 for my (1977) nickel Cobra with a shrouded barrel back in May. It is in very good shape, with only a pair of scratches on the cylinder. I didn't think it was a bad price considering the scarcity of decent examples around here. It was a bit of an impulse buy. For three hundred you'd be foolish not to buy it!

[Vern Humphrey]

That's a great price for a Cobra in anything like good shape -- if you check gunsamerica.com you won't find one for less than $400, and most go for $600 to $700.

[mikec]

You know, it just might be that there aren't all that many Colt wheelgun fans in the San Diego area. Either that or the seller hasn't checked around before pricing it. I am surprised that the shop owner hasn't bought it and then put it back on sale for a higher price.

[dasmi]

Hell with it. I'm going to go get it. They have a 90 day layaway.

[mikec]

Great. I have a cousin of that gun, Agent, and it has been with me since 1982 or so.

[bannockburn]

dasmi

Smart move, even if you have to put it on plastic. Something like that, and at that price, is too good to pass up.

[PX15]

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_5032.jpg


JMOFO:

IF I were selling my Cobras I wouldn't take less than $400 apiece, and neither are NIB types, just in good condition.

I have been offered $550 for the nickle DS, but my Son asked that I not sell it and keep it for him, so I turned that down.

If you can get a Cobra in good shooting shape for less than $400 I would think you would be getting a pretty good deal.. Not a steal, but a good deal, and the prices of D-frame Colts will continue to rise so you'll never lose money should you decide to sell one later on.:D

YMMV

[dasmi]

$348 out the door. Doesn't look like it was shot much, but it was carried. Some holster wear on the muzzle, a few small nicks here and there. The bluing is fantastic, though, and the grips are in great shape.
Fired it on some snap caps. The double action trigger is very smooth, not gritty at all. Single action is like glass, almost imperceptible.
Serial number is 544XX, below that is the letter C, or maybe an O, can't tell, and below that is L.W.
I've attached some poor quality camera phone pictures.
The smudges on the finish are from me handling it.
http://nakedcomputing.org/images/cobra1.jpg
http://nakedcomputing.org/images/cobra2.jpg

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

dasmi, Looks very nice for a mid 50's revolver. (Don't shoot +P's in that LW)

Very Nice PX15!

I have two of dad's 1951/1953 Cobra's in fair and good condition, and one from 1976 in excellent condition. All are shooters. Not for sale- If I ever had to, they'd be up for much more than $299 each.

-Steve

[dasmi]

Mid 50s you say? I was hoping it was an older piece.

[bannockburn]

dasmi

Sounds like a very nice deal; definitely calls for better pics when you get a chance. I think the serial number puts it around 1956, but don't hold me to that.

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

http://proofhouse.com/colt/caca.htm

I wish I could find a set of those wood grips.

-Steve

[dasmi]

Thanks everyone for convincing me to buy it. I'm flat broke right now, but with a 90 day layaway, it's not that big of a deal. I haven't stopped smiling since I got home.

[PX15]

Early series Cobra (exposed ejector rod) 1956 production (44600-56201 W)

Now just spring for a set of Tyler T-grips (black/blue preferably) and you will have a fine-shooting snubby..

Congratulations, nice find.

Regards,

J.Pomeroy

[Anonymous Coward]

I paid $300 for mine. It was in good shape, but the finish was worn by years of honest wear. Natural pointer, good sights and excellent balance. The trigger is smooth, but stages at the end, which slightly throws my aim off.

Two caveats: Because the gun has an aluminum frame and a steel barrel and cylinder, it's very difficult to get a refinish. Nobody, not even Colt, wants to remove the barrel because it will stress the alloy frame, but that's what's necessary for a reblueing. It sounds like it's not a factor with the gun you chose, which is very good news.

Second, if you don't like the trigger pull, your options are very limited. I waited too long to send mine to Grant Cunningham, who wanted $240 for a trigger job and $100 for a DA conversion (which he said was necessary to reduce staging) and now he's closed his waiting list. I'm since put down a deposit with Cylinder & Slide for a standard trigger job.

+1 on the Tyler T-grip. I've tried other grips, including a set of Eagle Secret Service stocks, but I like the Tyler best.

I like it so much I want to buy up every Cobra and Detective Special I see.

[SwampWolf]

Great price for a great revolver! IMO, the Cobra is one of the best options for a handgun to be carried concealed in a pocket/ankle, etc. A couple of months ago, I was happy to pay $510.00 out-the-door for one in an unfired condition, circa 1966, complete with box and papers, including an unfilled-out warranty card. Trouble is, I was looking for a carry piece and this one is so nice I'm almost afraid to shoot or carry it. Almost...:evil: