Colt revolver - timing

[Fat Boy]

I have asked about this in the past and want to get a clear(er) understanding.

A Colt Cobra is available for sale. I can't handle the gun so I am asking the seller questions. He reports that he has cocked the gun slowly about a dozen times and it did not fail to lock up (the "click" after cocking the gun when the cylinder doesn't fully lock in on a slow cocking maneuver ). He then said he cocked it really slowly about a dozen times and once it failed to lock in.

My question, can the gun be cocked so slowly trying to check out the timing that it doesn't click in because of the slowness of the cocking process? Or is this an indication that the timing needs attention?

This revolver has been cerakoted, durakoted, whatever and it looks like (in pictures) that there is pitting beneath the coating. This would be a carry/defensive gun and my concern is function.
As far as which generation, the gun has an exposed ejector rod. Has synthetic grips and the original (worn) wood grips

$365 price- I would appreciate any guidance you could offer

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

I don't like Colt's for that reason. You might also find that if you slowly fire the gun with a real slow double action pull, the hammer falls even sooner than the cylinder aligns and locks. Once it starts to wear and show by full cock, it is possible to be out of alignment more during DA shooting due to the hammer falling well before the full cock position.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Even if it functions correctly, $365 is too much for a pitted, coated to cover it up Cobra. I might give 200 bucks if I was hard up for a pocket gun.

 

[dfariswheel]

If the gun is locking up even when very slowly cocked except for one time, it's good to go.
Only when a Colt fails to fully lock every time is the timing off.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I wouldn't be a worried about the timing as much as what the coating is hiding...especially for a pre-series 70.

That isn't to say I wouldn't buy it, I just wouldn't pay anything close to what he is asking

 

[LAGS]

The way I check for timing issues is to put a little resistance on the cylinder rotation as you are cocking it.
Like on my Ruger Single action, I placed my left thumb on the side of the cylinder up by the top strap, and made sure it locked up when the hammer reaches the single action catch.
But if the hammer had to be cocked just a little Past the single action catch on the hammer, then it could indicate that the hand was a little worn.
If I remember the Colt Rotates the same direction and the Smith just the reverse.