Colt Cobra or Smith Wesson Model 36?

[Shear_stress]

Just thought I'd poll the good people at THR. Found a pristine Colt Cobra (F-prefix serial number) with a shrouded ejector rod and original grips for three bills even. Same shop has an equally pristine 1970s-era S&W M36 round butt for $250. Which would you choose?

 

[XavierBreath]

I'd go for the Smith.

 

[CSA 357]

the s&w

 

[Shear_stress]

I was kind of thinking the same thing, but mainly from a financial point of view. I'm mostly a Smith guy and know little about Colt values, apart from the fact that they often don't seem all that realistic.

 

[10-Ring]

How about if you offered the shop $400 for both???
I like both - they'd go well w/ my Python & my model 19 and I'd enjoy carrying both. If I had to choose, I'd probably go w/ the Colt just because they're just a little tougher to find that model 36.

 

[Old Fuff]

The Colt offers a larger handle, which makes it easier to hold and shoot accurately, especially if doing so rapidly. The sights are more blocky and easier to pick up. You have 6 rounds vs. 5. The double action is lighter (as a rule) or can be made so, then the S&W.

The Smith & Wesson is smaller, and less likely to get out of time. Parts, accessories, and leather are easier to come by. It has a steel, rather then aluminum frame.

The bottom line question is: Which of the two revolvers will more likely place a bullet exactly where it needs to be, if push comes to shove. I would base my choice on that.

 

[MICHAEL T]

I would buy both Smith now and can afford 2 today. Well Lay a way. Colts are getting hard to find in my area. I haven't saw a used one in pawn or dealer in forever,

 

[Ala Dan]

Smith model 36

 

[Jack2427]

The Colt is a "better" CCW/LE weapon. Better sights, 20% more ammo, better grip, better DA. The Smith has parts availability, and many more skilled people available to work on it, and is less likely to get out of time with long use. I have both, and each has its points. I have carried both, currently my BUG is a Smith 940, cause my primary is a 9mm.
If I could carry only one gun and it had to be a snubby, I would carry my Colt Magnum Carry, 357 performance in a shootable package.

 

[BullfrogKen]

I'd be all over that Colt. I've got 2 J frames, and a Cobra. The Colt gets carried when I can't tolerate the 1911.

Colt isn't making D frames anymore. For $300, in pristine shape. . . Yeah. You pass, let me know about it. I'll get it.

 

[Dr.Rob]

$300 for a Colt? I'd be all over that.

 

[Haywood]

Cobra or Smith

Buy the Cobra. It's liter, ok for limited +p use, six shots, hard to come by at that price, Smiths are allways around, better sites.....need I say more?