Colt's Cobra: Verdict?

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I saw one at the LGS. Was not impressed for the price they are asking with the finish, I can get a Smith J frame for just over $300. If they were around the $400 mark I would get one. I don't know why they didn't take and extra minute and take off the round injection mark off the side of the trigger. I think that looks like crap. They act like the pony on the side commands a premium no matter what the finish looks like
Also why not make them with an Alloy frame? Colt always seems to mess stuff up IMHO. They will drop it eventually and then they will go for $2000
The store told me they have sold exactly one since they came out.
 
I handled one about a month ago. I thought it was a pretty nice gun, but priced rather high. It didn't really do anything better than my S&W 686+ though. If I found a good deal in one I'd maybe pick it up or if it was offered in 327 mag just because it's different.

I'm waiting to see if Colt comes out with any more offerings.
 
JONWILL said:
I can get a Smith J frame for just over $300
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460Shooter said:
It didn't really do anything better than my S&W 686+ though.
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They are overpriced (like most Colts), but on the other hand, Colts tend to have a higher resale value than a lot of other brands. The Cobra has a better trigger than a J-frame and offers one more round in the cylinder. The Cobra is a bit smaller and lighter than a 686, making it a bit easier to conceal. For home defense or range use, the 686 would make more sense though.
 
I would think out of the Smith lineup, the Model 60 would a better comparison to the new Cobra than the 686. I believe the street price on the Colt is a little less than 100 bucks more than the 60. Of course, that 100 bucks gets you one more shot.
 
ColtPythonElite said:
I would think out of the Smith lineup, the Model 60 would a better comparison to the new Cobra than the 686. I believe the street price on the Colt is a little less than 100 bucks more than the 60. Of course, that 100 bucks gets you one more shot.
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Yes, 6 shots vs 5 is why I mentioned my 686 and actually I have a 686+.
 
JN01 said:
The Cobra is a bit smaller and lighter than a 686, making it a bit easier to conceal.
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That's true, but it only matters to a person if it matters to a person. To me it doesn't. There isn't enough size difference for me to care.

For others it could be vital.
 
ColtPythonElite said:
I would think out of the Smith lineup, the Model 60 would a better comparison to the new Cobra than the 686. I believe the street price on the Colt is a little less than 100 bucks more than the 60. Of course, that 100 bucks gets you one more shot.
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Base model M-60 hereabouts is about $619.00 (quite a bit more for the Pro, PC or LadySmith versions); the Cobra average about $659-679. I have two Model 60s, and old '70s model in .38 and a later model in .357. I find the Cobra a better shooter and far easier to shoot than both.
 
I got one several months ago and love it! After the usual cuddling and fondling period and spending range time with it, I kicked my J-Frames to the curb! It is now my EDC gun. This is one of the very few guns that out of the box, I didn’t need to change the grips or sights on. I have XL hands and the factory grips work well. The elongated trigger guard is welcomed because I wear gloves when working around the property. The double action is very smooth and trigger break is crisp. Mine shoots to point of aim with 158 grain bullets. I live in the woods so my regular load consists of a CCI shot shell for venomous snakes and five Buffalo Bore 158 grain hard cast SWC +P “Outdoorsman” loads. For quick trips to town, I change out to six HPR 158 grain JHP antipersonnel loads. I don’t mind the weight, it is right in there with my S&W Performance Center 640 Pro Series (which the new Cobra replaced).

I like this one so much, I gotta get another one... I’m jonesing for a 2018 Colt DAO black finish Night Cobra with tritium night sight and G10 grips. Got all my LGS guys looking for me. Already have an extra holster waiting for it. Plan on making it my “get gussied-up go to town” gun.


45946936-5249-400E-8FE3-EF6A2876E624.jpeg
 
^ Yup.
I do have to add that it's mildly annoying when people keep suggesting that those of us who actually own and shoot Colt's only do so because of the little prancing pony on the side ... especially when these same people suggest other guns are superior (seemingly because they don't like either the finish or the price on the "one [Colt] they looked at in the LGS") even though they don't own and have never fired the Colt. This seems common in many 1911 threads also. Ah, well ...
 
I'm in the market for one. Had a 3rd gen dick special that I sold to a friend 40 years ago when I quit the force. My friend still has it and won't part with it. I need to talk with him about his will. o_O
 
Crowman said:
I got one several months ago and love it! After the usual cuddling and fondling period and spending range time with it, I kicked my J-Frames to the curb! It is now my EDC gun. This is one of the very few guns that out of the box, I didn’t need to change the grips or sights on. I have XL hands and the factory grips work well. The elongated trigger guard is welcomed because I wear gloves when working around the property. The double action is very smooth and trigger break is crisp. Mine shoots to point of aim with 158 grain bullets. I live in the woods so my regular load consists of a CCI shot shell for venomous snakes and five Buffalo Bore 158 grain hard cast SWC +P “Outdoorsman” loads. For quick trips to town, I change out to six HPR 158 grain JHP antipersonnel loads. I don’t mind the weight, it is right in there with my S&W Performance Center 640 Pro Series (which the new Cobra replaced).

I like this one so much, I gotta get another one... I’m jonesing for a 2018 Colt DAO black finish Night Cobra with tritium night sight and G10 grips. Got all my LGS guys looking for me. Already have an extra holster waiting for it. Plan on making it my “get gussied-up go to town” gun.


View attachment 799542
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I agree. Nothing to change on it. Finding a holster is a bit of a challenge though. What type are you using?

On my lcr I’ve switched sights, holsters, grips, speed loaders, lasers, etc. This one, I just carry. Maybe because I have so few options to change (ie less aftermarket support), maybe cause it’s just right already.
 
Crowman said:
I got one several months ago and love it! After the usual cuddling and fondling period and spending range time with it, I kicked my J-Frames to the curb! It is now my EDC gun. This is one of the very few guns that out of the box, I didn’t need to change the grips or sights on. I have XL hands and the factory grips work well. The elongated trigger guard is welcomed because I wear gloves when working around the property. The double action is very smooth and trigger break is crisp. Mine shoots to point of aim with 158 grain bullets. I live in the woods so my regular load consists of a CCI shot shell for venomous snakes and five Buffalo Bore 158 grain hard cast SWC +P “Outdoorsman” loads. For quick trips to town, I change out to six HPR 158 grain JHP antipersonnel loads. I don’t mind the weight, it is right in there with my S&W Performance Center 640 Pro Series (which the new Cobra replaced).

I like this one so much, I gotta get another one... I’m jonesing for a 2018 Colt DAO black finish Night Cobra with tritium night sight and G10 grips. Got all my LGS guys looking for me. Already have an extra holster waiting for it. Plan on making it my “get gussied-up go to town” gun.


View attachment 799542
Click to expand...

Also, that buffalo bore is in my shopping cart already. Was letting it sit overnight to decide if it was really worth the price. You like it?
 
fordtrucks said:
Also, that buffalo bore is in my shopping cart already. Was letting it sit overnight to decide if it was really worth the price. You like it?
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Definitely. I use Buffalo Bore hard cast loads in all of my revolvers. The “Outdoorsman” load was made to boost penetration in critters. Sorta like the old 38 / 44 +P load for woodsmen, that S&W came up with in the early 1930’s before the .357 Magnum was introduced. I also use Buffalo Bore 180 grain hard cast RNFP-GC magnum loads in my Ruger GP100 Match Champion when I go ridge walking.

I also use the Buffalo Bore hard cast 200 grain WC in my Charter Bulldog classic 44. This load was made specifically for the Bulldog and is standard pressure. My S&W Model 69 gets 44 magnum Buffalo Bore 255 grain hard cast SWC-GC when I go hunting.

Yeah, they make good stuff.
 
First off, I'm a S&W guy. For me the Colt fills a niche that nothing from S&W does.
I like the extra round over the J frame. The Colt also handles better than the J Frames. I can, and do, pocket carry it. Probably bigger & heavier than most like for pocket carry, but it works for me.
I also have a 2" S&W M64 NY-1. It is as minimal in size as you can make a K Frame. Bobbed hammer, boot grips on a round butt. Too big for pocket. The Colt isn't.
I have no use for .357 in a gun this size. I have both a 3" M13 & a 2.5" M66. I rarely shoot magnums in those.
I work for an FFL, and couldn't get it through work due to Colt's dumb distribution system. I got it through Friends of the NRA.
 
My input is tainted as I am very safisfied with my Colt 1911. What I examined with the new revolver was very well thought out product that could be used as both range gun and defensive weapon. If I ever wanted a new revolver that is what I would get.
 
I pulled the trigger and got my second Cobra.
It’s the 2018 black DAO Night Cobra with tritium front sight and G10 grips on the bottom. I now have a brace of new Colts. One for EDC, the other for night stand and town. The OWB open top pancake holster is made specifically for the new Cobras.

1E747701-1293-4937-B4D9-68AFB5FD89F0.jpeg

This is the holster maker, George Bowers of Dover, TN. Great company, ships fast. Excellent quality, gun retention and comfortable to wear.

I have two of these holsters...one for each Cobra. One on my everyday pants, the other one on my “go to town” pants. That way, I don’t hassle with swapping them around, just jump in trousers and go. Each pair of pants has its own unique load-out.
F5D86564-29AF-4EEB-AA71-4CF6D67D474E.jpeg
 

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I'm jealous crowman. I want a nightcobra but haven't been able to find one I can afford. I've been using a local guy to make my leather goods for me for about 40 years. He's retired from the same agency I worked for and he stands behind everything he makes.
 
Crowman said:
I pulled the trigger and got my second Cobra.
It’s the 2018 black DAO Night Cobra with tritium front sight and G10 grips on the bottom. I now have a brace of new Colts. One for EDC, the other for night stand and town. The OWB open top pancake holster is made specifically for the new Cobras.

View attachment 800692

This is the holster maker, George Bowers of Dover, TN. Great company, ships fast. Excellent quality, gun retention and comfortable to wear.

I have two of these holsters...one for each Cobra. One on my everyday pants, the other one on my “go to town” pants. That way, I don’t hassle with swapping them around, just jump in trousers and go. Each pair of pants has its own unique load-out.
View attachment 800690
Click to expand...

Thanks for the holster recommendation. I’m looking for one for my new colt.

What are your load outs?

The grips look like vz. Which option do you think that one is? (There are 4 grip variations on the website if I remember correctly)
 
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