Python vs. King Cobra Target?

Archangel14 · Jun 4, 2021

Good morning. I need a little guidance. I'm very close to "pulling the trigger"

on a new revolver purchase. I've narrowed my search to the Python and the King Cobra Target. But my difficulty is that I have to order one without the customary tried and true method of placing the firearm in my hand, feeling it, testing it. I'll be ordering on blind hope. So, can anyone tell me what the true differences are between these revolvers? I'm aware that the mechanisms differ. I'm more concerned about pull, durability (the revolver will likely see lots of use and carry), things of that nature. The Python is stunning, but the Cobra has that cool cobra design on the barrel. Money is not the concern.

Thanks!!!

Choctaw · Jun 4, 2021

Python. Period.

Why? Because it's a Python and the King Cobra isn't.

Jim Watson · Jun 4, 2021

The New Python is cataloged at 42 oz for the 4.25" barrel.
Colt does not show the weight of the New King Cobra Target but a www review says 36 oz.
The Python is still the same ".41 frame" size, but the King Cobra series is closer to the size of the old D frame but beefed up for Magnums, derived through the SF series.

v8stang289 · Jun 4, 2021

My vote would be for the Python. My best friend has one and it feels nice and shoots well.
My main gripe with the King Cobra is purely cosmetic. I think that the trigger guard looks like an afterthought and completely kills the lines of an otherwise attractive gun.

Kleanbore · Jun 4, 2021

Good put, Jim.

Archangel, the "D" frame was the Police Positive Special or in snub form, the Detective Special.

kidneyboy · Jun 4, 2021

Jim Watson said:
The New Python is cataloged at 42 oz for the 4.25" barrel.
Colt does not show the weight of the New King Cobra Target but a www review says 36 oz.
The Python is still the same ".41 frame" size, but the King Cobra series is closer to the size of the old D frame but beefed up for Magnums, derived through the SF series.

I chose the King Cobra Target because of the weight and frame size. My days of holding up a 2 1/2 pound revolver are kinda over.

red rick · Jun 4, 2021

Lots of carry , I would choose the lighter one if it were more than a 4oz difference .

Dave T · Jun 4, 2021

Archangel14 said:
(the revolver will likely see lots of use and carry)!

If that use will be mostly 357 Magnum ammunition then obviously choose the Python. On the other hand, if like the vast majority of people you will be shooting mostly 38 Special ammunition, and as you say carrying it a lot, go for the smaller and lighter King Cobra.

YMMV,
Dave

ms6852 · Jun 4, 2021

I think you already know which one you want, you just want to brag that you are getting a new toy and we are not.

Kleanbore · Jun 4, 2021

kidneyboy said:
I chose the King Cobra Target because of the weight and frame size. My days of holding up a 2 1/2 pound revolver are kinda over

Imagine carrying an Anaconda, or a Shooting Master.

Gary W. Strange · Jun 4, 2021

I have a 6” stainless Python, I bought in the 80s. I said I was not going to get one of the new Pythons. I thought, they could never be as good as the older Pythons. One of my buddies bought one of the new 6” Pythons, after I handled and shot it, I changed my mind. I bought one of the new Pythons, with the 4.25” barrel. The new Pythons are fine revolvers, in their own right. They are well put together and have a very nice polish and finish. The only thing I don’t really like, is the laminated grips. That’s just a personal thing. I like real wood grips, and it’s an easy fix. You would be well pleased with one of the new Pythons.

Meeks36 · Jun 4, 2021

Save your nickels and get both!!!

Huntolive · Jun 4, 2021

I have owned both and I sold the king cobra Target.

I will never sell the python.

You only live once so get the python!
You can always get the 4.25 inch version of the Python and without a doubt it will retain its value much much better than the king cobra.

That said I do have a king cobra 3 inch that I will also never sell and they do have good triggers but certainly no better than the python.

If you can afford it this is really a no-brainer

Kleanbore · Jun 4, 2021

If faced with the choice, I think I would choose the Python.

But I already have a 5 inch 686+, which is good enough for me.

For concealed carry, I would opt for the Night Cobra or another K6a.

Paul7 · Jun 4, 2021

Huntolive said:
That said I do have a king cobra 3 inch that I will also never sell and they do have good triggers but certainly no better than the python.

I think the lockwork is about the same on both.

SwampWolf · Jun 4, 2021

For Bullseye competition and hunting, I'd choose the Python (with the 6" barrel). For almost everything else, the King Cobra Target (with the 4" barrel).

Electricmo · Jun 4, 2021

I have the king cobra target. I will have a new Python soon. You will end up with both in the end.

Archangel14 · Jun 4, 2021

Choctaw said:
Python. Period.

Why? Because it's a Python and the King Cobra isn't.

As funny as this statement is, it's probably the exact reason why a Python is preferable.

Archangel14 · Jun 4, 2021

kidneyboy said:
I chose the King Cobra Target because of the weight and frame size. My days of holding up a 2 1/2 pound revolver are kinda over.

I didn't realize the weight difference! I guess I failed at my homework on this point. How could I, considering that weight is a HUGE factor.

Archangel14 · Jun 4, 2021

ms6852 said:
I think you already know which one you want, you just want to brag that you are getting a new toy and we are not.

LOL....I'm actually torn here. I just don't know if the extra $600 is worth it for the Python. Plus, the Python is so pretty! I'd hate to beat it up with lots of use.

Archangel14 · Jun 4, 2021

SwampWolf said:
For Bullseye competition and hunting, I'd choose the Python. For almost everything else, the King Cobra Target.

Okay, this is good info....thanks! And I think that's a concern for me. The firearm I get will likely see lots of use.

Archangel14 · Jun 4, 2021

And not to change the subject from my OP....but is the Python that much better than the 686 to justify the price tag difference?

Electricmo · Jun 4, 2021

Archangel14 said:
And not to change the subject from my OP....but is the Python that much better than the 686 to justify the price tag difference?

Not if you buy a prelock 686.

SwampWolf · Jun 4, 2021

Archangel14 said:
.but is the Python that much better than the 686 to justify the price tag difference?

Not in my opinion, certainly not the new Python sans the "Royal Blue" finish of the original. I like them both but I'd choose the Smith, especially, as Electricmo observed, if it was a prelock 686 and even more so if it was a "Plus" variant.

ColtPythonElite · Jun 4, 2021

Archangel14 said:
And not to change the subject from my OP....but is the Python that much better than the 686 to justify the price tag difference?

Who's to say the new Python is any better? Sometimes a person just wants what he wants.

Python vs. King Cobra Target?

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