Colt Cobra?

[berettaprofessor]

Just saw a Colt Cobra (age unknown) in a pawn shop. I'm not familiar with these little guys. This one is blued, wood grips, 2 inch barrel, 38special, and labeled at $379.

Is it worth the price? I know these are aluminum-framed and about 15 ozs, but is it really an early "Airweight" and would a new Smith&Wesson 638 for the same price be a better buy? In other words, is it worth the price and why buy it?

 

[dfariswheel]

The Cobra was the world's first aluminum framed DA revolver.
Early versions have the "skinny" barrel and exposed ejector rod, post-1972 version have a heavy, shrouded barrel.

Like the other Colt "D" frame revolvers, the Cobra was famous for quality and especially accuracy.

Pre-1972 models were not Colt rated for use with +P ammo, the heavy barrel versions were Colt rated for up 1000 rounds of +P and then needed to be sent in to Colt for inspection.

The Cobra is a classic carry gun, offering a better grip than the small S&W "J" frames, and six shots instead of five.

The downside is that the "D" frames were discontinued for the last time in the 1990's and there aren't many people around who'll still repair them. Colt still does, but some repair parts are running out.

As long as the gun is in good condition and proper timing and adjustment, and if you treat it well it'll last a life time and be a really great defense gun.

 

[skidder]

berettaprofessor-- Listen to dfariswheel.... He knows his Colts.

 

[Frank V]

GRAB IT GRAB IT GRAB IT!
If that gun is in good shooting shape it's worth quite a lot more than that price. I know where there is a nice one & they are asking $585 which I think is a bit high.
Those are very desirable guns. They are very desirable guns & Colt collectors will give a lot of money for a really nice one. Besides that they are a dream to carry, hold one more shot than the S&W J frames, aren't all that much bigger than the Smith J frame, & I find are just as easy to carry.
Plus they are a very classy gun. If I were you, I'd grab it now.
Good luck.
Frank

 

[GEM]

I've seen $600 for such at gun shows. See if those are the original grips.

 

[Walkalong]

If it checks out, I would buy it in a heart beat, or less.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Condition is everything...if the gun is showing wear it is likely priced about right. I have some nice 400 buck shooters. However, I have also bought unfired and/or like new Cobras for $500-550.

 

[savit260]

I just picked up a cosmeticly challenged Cobra for $180. Timing and lock up are spot on. Looks like it lived much of it's life stored in a holster.

Perfect carry revolver.

 

[Checkman]

I concur with the other posters. Get it. They aren't as common as they used to be.

 

[saltydog452]

No mention of timing or end-shake

Somewhere on this forum is a 'revolver check' procedure that mentions some first blush checks a prospective buyer can look for. A 'search' for that inspection might be worth your time. I think the author was named 'Jim March'.

Assuming prior owners haven't tried to make a .38 Magnum out of the Cobra, you have a super carry light weight 6 shot .38 available at a great price.

The only thing that'd make it any more desirable as a belly gun would be the the Colt hammer shroud.

Just an opinion,

salty

 

[Walkalong]

Somewhere on this forum is a 'revolver check' procedure that mentions some first blush checks a prospective buyer can look for. A 'search' for that inspection might be worth your time. I think the author was named 'Jim March'.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=1430
.

 

[Frank V]

Did you get it?????

 

[Guillermo]

it is important to note.

to check lock up on a Colt of that design you should

check the weapon
pull the hammer back
pull the trigger and let the hammer down WHILE CONTINUING HOLDING THE TRIGGER BACK

there should be NO (zero. Nada. Zilch) cylinder rotation.

This is UNLIKE a S&W.

If there is ANY rotation do not buy it. Too expensive to fix.

 

[bannockburn]

If it checks out okay, I would, like the others here, buy it in an instant. You can find new S&W Model 638's any day of the week, but a nice vintage Colt Cobra...safe to say they just don't build them like that anymore.

 

[VA27]

Just a quick scan of the revo check thread and I didn't see any specific mention of aluminum frame check.

Open the cylinder and look at the frame under the barrel, the spot where the frame is thinnest. In the last five years I've seen 4 early lightweight revolvers (3 Smith, a 37, 38 and 12 and 1 Colt Cobra) with a cracked frame. The crack runs parallel to the barrel from front to back and is non repairable. That makes it a parts gun.

Good luck

 

[berettaprofessor]

Thanks everyone....did not buy. Guillermo saved me. Gun was a bit beaten up, which I didn't mind, but it had a bit of wiggle.

 

[Frank V]

It's best you pass if it isn't tight. There will be others along, sometimes the looking is almost as fun as buying.
Frank

 

[Guillermo]

Frank is right

The chase is wonderful fun.