Cobra Denali

[thewillweeks]

First, this is not about whether the Cobra Denali is a good handgun.

Second, this isn't about whether the Cobra Denali is a good handgun.

Third....you get the picture.

All I want to know is this, is the Cobra Denali safe to shoot within reason? Would, with routine inspection, I be able to avoid blowing my hand off?

If you own or have owned one, feel free to share your experience, those who haven't/don't/won't, please vote anyway but don't start a flame war.

 

[Kiln]

Yes it will be as safe to shoot as any other old school striker fired handgun. There is no firing pin block so if it is dropped or the sear spring breaks, there are no passive safeties to prevent it from firing. It is the same basic design that some of the first striker fired designs had.

Luckily this translates into a very simple gun that is easy to maintain.

The breach plug, barrel, magazine, and most if not all small parts are steel. The slide is zamak cast around a steel plug that runs the length of the firing pin channel to help with safety and durability. The frame is polymer and going by reports I've heard and read, holds up better than their zamak framed CA380.

That said Cobra is known for terrible customer service when it comes to both fixing guns and even picking up their phones. I know from a personal experience that they absolutely will not respond to emails. I have tried multiple times to get ahold of them about parts and so far, my luck has been bad. I ended up buying parts through someone else. I have also read about people shipping guns back multiple times and getting them back in exactly the same condition they left in.

Going by this, I'd be hesitant to recommend one of their products despite what seems like a step forward in terms of design. Will it blow off your hand? I doubt it.

If you have problems with it should you expect an easy resolution? Very seriously doubt it.

I'd recommend saving another $70 or so and buying a TCP.

 

[rskent]

I'm not qualified to say. I have never had one or had an opportunity to take one apart and play with it.

That being said. If you have to ask the question, you pretty much have your answer.

 

[kozak6]

It's an updated version of the Davis design. The previous versions tended to crack slides and frames.

Has it been fixed in this one, or are they just trying to save on zinc with the new plastic frame?

It's anyone's guess.

It's probably not drop safe. It won't blow off your hand since there isn't enough horsepower, but if you don't watch for a cracked slide, you might end up eating one.

 

[thewillweeks]

Hey everyone, thanks for putting the brakes on my train of thought. I held out and one of my local gun stores ran a special on LCP's for $220 out the door.

 

[Kiln]

You did good. You got a much better gun.