Colt's Cobra: Verdict?
- Thread starter Panzerschwein
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jimherb
Member
I have one. Wasn't that impressed with its accuracy vs my Ruger LCR, but that may improve over time. It is too heavy for CCW (for me.)
Old Dog
Member
I finally saw one in the wild ... one of our local shops has one in stock, and I fondled it a bit. Actually, seems quite light to me and entirely fit for concealed carry. Like the fiber-optic front sight. The matte finish doesn't look great, but otherwise, fit and finish look pretty good, and the lock-up seems quite tight. $699 cash price, which is exactly MSRP. Hmm. May go back and pick it up if it's still there ...
.455_Hunter
Member
Looks like there is a matte black DAO version at the Shot Show...
http://www.gunblast.com/images/SHOT2018/Day2/IMG_8603.jpg
http://www.gunblast.com/images/SHOT2018/Day2/IMG_8603.jpg
BSA1
member
Colt continues to be Johnny-Come-Lately to the party.
The best they can do with this gun is to color it black and remove the hammer spur? 
The market is flooded with small short barrel revolvers that are more convenient for carry than a six round snubby.
I personally think there is a niche in the market for a 6 shot 38 with fixed sights and a 3" and 4" barrel. Just a basic old cop gun design. Simple to operate, relatively rugged and can be kept loaded in the nightstand for decades yet ready to use in a moment.
I don't think I am off base with this idea. Just look at how hard it is to find good, used S&W Model 10 revolvers with a 4" barrel and take a look at the prices they are going for.
There is a strong market for revolvers in States like California that has caused manufacturers to quit selling semi-autos there or have taken away much of the advantage with magazine capacity bans.
Add a 3" and 4" barrel options.
A 3" barrel gives it appeal for conceal carry similar to the 3" barrel Model 13 the FBI use to issue.
A 4" barrel would only be slightly larger than the Police Positive Special and the different trigger pull may make it more appealing to women and shooters with weak hands.
gulogulo1970
Member
This.
When it comes in .357 Magnum, I'll buy one. I had the chance to buy a Colt Magnum Carry when they weren't crazy expensive, I still kick myself for passing on that one.
Vern Humphrey
Member
Before I'd buy a snubbie in .357, I'd want to shoot it first. Small revolvers in .357 can be downright painful to shoot!
It seems like Ruger can introduce 2 to 4 additions to their revolver line up every month and it takes Colt a whole year to come with this... Kind of disappointing IMO. At this rate that they might get around to introducing the new Python sometime in the 2030's.Colt continues to be Johnny-Come-Lately to the party.
Zendude
Member
And add $200 to the MSRP over the one with the hammer spur.Colt continues to be Johnny-Come-Lately to the party.
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CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Yeah, let's forget about the $350 finish and tritium front sight.
Colt is not Ruger. They don't have the market, the manufacturing capability or the R&D money. They're on life support.
Colt is not Ruger. They don't have the market, the manufacturing capability or the R&D money. They're on life support.
Old Dog
Member
Wow ... I've nothing further of any use to add to this thread, but gosh: are Colt-bashers the new Kimber-bashers? (or Taurus-bashers?)
Zendude
Member
Probably a little different. It seems Colt bashing is more about frustration from those who really want Colt to get back in the mainstream and compete with S&W and Ruger.
CoalTrain49
Member
Typical Colt. I waited for years for a Combat Elite (standard catalog item). By the time they became available I had purchased a Gold Cup and had zero interest in them anymore.
I used to buy nothing but Colts. Lately their service has been spotty. Ruger and Sig have the best service on the planet. Sig, S&W and Ruger have been doing it right for awhile now. No point in beating your head against a wall. I moved on.
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CoalTrain49
Member
Yes.
Where can you buy a warranty on a firearm? You either have one when you purchase the firearm or you don't. Mostly it's implied that they will service or repair as needed. If they won't do that then I don't want the firearm.
I look at it differently. I never buy warranties for Automobiles, tools, cell phones, appliances etc. If they break I take them to a qualified shop or call a repair guy. I've found over time that the money I pay for a warranty equals or exceeds what I would pay for a repair. If the repair is too expensive I just replace the item.
Firearms are a bit different. As was stated gunsmiths are becoming a rare breed. Most of them have migrated to custom shops or work for a manufacturer. So how does one get a firearm repaired unless you send it back to the mothership? In a good many cases you won't. Gun dealers don't do repairs like a Chevy dealer does.
I learned this lesson from a garage supervisor that maintained a fleet of 1000 vehicles. They never purchased an extended warranty on any vehicle they purchased and they bought hundreds every year. They were self insured and advised me to do the same. That means you keep the cash in your pocket until you need it.
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CraigC
Sixgun Nut
What I meant was buying a firearm FOR (or anything else) the warranty. I'm not referring to extended warranties either.
I have no problem finding gunsmiths. Nor do I shy away from used guns because the factory that made them either doesn't exist or won't repair them. As I said, this is absurd. Do I sell all my guns that the factory won't repair? Even more absurd.
THis always reminds me fo the scene in Tommy Boy where he said, "I can take a dump in a box and slap a lifetime warranty on it but all you've bought is a guaranteed POS". Henry has a great warranty and customer service but it's a HUGE red flag to me that so many people have had to cash it in. Warranties are simply a marketing tool.
I'm not referring to extended warranties either. I have no problem finding gunsmiths. Nor do I shy away from used guns because the factory that made them either doesn't exist or won't repair them. As I said, this is absurd. Do I sell all my guns that the factory won't repair? Even more absurd.
THis always reminds me fo the scene in Tommy Boy where he said, "I can take a dump in a box and slap a lifetime warranty on it but all you've bought is a guaranteed POS". Henry has a great warranty and customer service but it's a HUGE red flag to me that so many people have had to cash it in. Warranties are simply a marketing tool.
Riomouse911
Member
I took my Cobra out to shoot at a new-to-me indoor range today, firing 42 shots (7 cylinders) of my hand loaded 148 gr dewc over Bullseye. The white B-27 was at 25 yards, and all were fired DA.
For whatever reason I was having focus troubles today, it may be due to the lighting being different than the outdoor lighting in used to... or I could just be getting older, who knows.
I ended up scoring a 395/420, with 3 in the 8 ring, 19 in the 9 and 20 in the 10. Certainly not a match winning performance, but I can't complain.
The DA pull is as good or better than my S&W Model 17, and it is better than my M-49 or M-642.
For whatever reason I was having focus troubles today, it may be due to the lighting being different than the outdoor lighting in used to... or I could just be getting older, who knows.
I ended up scoring a 395/420, with 3 in the 8 ring, 19 in the 9 and 20 in the 10. Certainly not a match winning performance, but I can't complain.
The DA pull is as good or better than my S&W Model 17, and it is better than my M-49 or M-642.
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CoalTrain49
Member
I was referring to new guns. I think we were talking about the Colt Cobra. That almost has to be a new gun.
Even with a used gun I want the company to still be around for parts and service. They may charge me for the parts and service but at least I know it's available. Finding a gunsmith that can make a part can be tricky and expensive. But if you have the time and money it may not be a problem.
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CoalTrain49
Member
I don't think I am off base with this idea. Just look at how hard it is to find good, used S&W Model 10 revolvers with a 4" barrel and take a look at the prices they are going for.
I know where there's one in 98% condition for $400. I might go take a look at it this week end. I was too busy buying my 36 and didn't have time to look at it. The more I think about it the more I would like to give it a decent inspection. If it's what I think it's easily worth $400.
Chompiras
Member
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2017
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- 54
Like many, I wish the cobra was available in 357. I don't think recoil would be too bad because ov the weight and grips.
It would not surprise me if production run is pretty short. I can't envision many wanting heavy carry revolver when for same money they can find second-hand Colt with aluminum alloy frame. Police gun was called Detective Special? military version was called Commando. It looked like same gun except for the finish. I suspect those buying new gun know this and are counting on it being discontinued at which time they will be able to make extra money on those guns.
Dframe
Member
Not me. Mine will spend a LOT of time being fired. I'm one of those guys who loves shooting snubbys. The trigger is superb and I rather like the subdued finish. I just hope it's the start of more to come.
ColtPythonElite
Member
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I want one to carry...everyday.
Handled but didn't shoot one at Shot. Other then the extra round that has always been Colt's advantage, I wasn't impressed. DA stroke was average with a very distinct stack before the break. Finish was average and a bit uneven. It's price point will work against it even with the extra round, and though It's only supposition on my part, I think Colt fans are the main buyers.
ROD KLOMP
Member
I like the new Colt Cobra, nice balance and feel, and pretty accurate for what it is, it's not as nice as my Kimber K6S's but then it's not as high priced either, I paid $699.00, all in all it's a keeper, I've put it in my EDC rotation, I carry auto's and revolvers ...
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