Colt's Cobra: Verdict?

[.308 Norma]

I handled one for the first time in Sportsman's Warehouse yesterday. It was $679.00, and I'll be replacing one of my Smith j-frame snubbies (which I've carried one of for years) with a Colt Cobra. That little Colt felt better in my hand than any Smith j-frame I've ever owned, it pointed naturally, and its straight from the factory trigger (both single and double action) was superb. I didn't care for the looks of its fiber optic front sight, but the ugly thing worked really, really well for me. The only reason I didn't walk out of the store with that little gun was because I'd just dropped my truck off at the shop and I don't know yet what that *^&%(*# "check engine" light is going to cost me.
By the way, the salesman in Sportsman's Warehouse, who was trying very hard to sell me the gun, told me that even though that Colt Cobra was the only one they had in-house, according to the computer, Sportsman's Warehouse has 37 of them in the company. I guess that means they have 37 of them dispersed throughout their various stores, because he said it would cost me another $40.00 if they had to order one in from another store. I didn't care though - I can just as easily drive to another Sportsman's Warehouse after I get my truck's (&*^*&# "check engine" light turned off.

 

[farm23]

Go to Auto Zone and get the check engine light checked for $0.00 and then get the Colt.

 

[.308 Norma]

Go to Auto Zone and get the check engine light checked for $0.00 and then get the Colt.

Thanks for the advise farm23.
I didn't know Auto Zone did that. Next time a vehicle's check engine light comes on, I'll take it to Auto Zone.
I still don't know what it's going to cost me this time, but I suspect I'll still be able to afford the Colt after I sell one of my Smiths. Happy Day!

 

[DesertVet]

Not as nice as my Detective Special from the 70s but well built and practical snub wheel gun.

 

[Dframe]

The Cobra has the usual gripers complaining about how "it ain't made like the old ones". No and no new gun ever will be. I bought a new cobra and have put three or four hundred rounds down range. The ergonomics are excellent, the trigger is silky smooth, and the accuracy is great. The matte finish doesn't appeal to everyone but I like it. It reminds me just a bit of Electroless nickel. I'm planning on keeping mine for a LONG time.

 

[Striker]

Not impressed with any of the ones that have come thru the shop so far. SA is ok, but DA is long, gritty, and stacks pretty badly.

 

[Ru4real]

Not impressed with any of the ones that have come thru the shop so far. SA is ok, but DA is long, gritty, and stacks pretty badly.

Huh. The one I put 20 rounds through had no stacking in the trigger what so ever.

It shot ok. They are regulated for 125gr ammo.

 

[Dframe]

Must be an anomaly. Mine's as smooth as silk with no discernable stacking. I shoot mine on a plate range with distances ranging from 10 to 25 yards. If I do my part the Cobra always performs well.

 

[ColeK]

Dframe, mine is also as silk. What bullets are you using? I'm using BB Low Flash 158 gr. LHPs.

 

[SwampWolf]

I'm disappointed that the gun wasn't made from a lightweight alloy like its namesake. For me, at least, a snub-nosed revolver's main reason for being will always be as a self-defense gun, carried concealed. And I prefer my carry concealed, snub-nose revolver to be as compact and lightweight as practical-like the original Cobra/Agent Colt snubbies.

 

[mnrivrat]

I'm well served with other guns that cost much less. I won't pay a big premium just because it has a pony logo.

 

[Dframe]

ColeK I shoot a variety of loads in the Cobra. everything from mid-range wadcutters to 158 grain factory equivalents. All have shot exceptionally well.

 

[The Evangelist Cowboy]

I've shot several and handled enough to know that they're solid guns HOWEVER I don't see the point of an all steel gun even with six shots that is in .38 instead of .357 if it was airweight or lite than yeah it'd be awesome but the current config is not getting my cash.

 

[ATLDave]

Steel guns are nicer to shoot.

 

[SwampWolf]

Steel guns are nicer to shoot.

And heavier to carry.

 

[ATLDave]

No doubt. For some, the performance advantage is worth it. For some, it’s not.

 

[Old Dog]

I'll take the performance advantage every day over a few ounces in weight.

Wrote about my Cobra here:
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/colt-cobra-finally-got-to-the-range.833203/

Has replaced my J-frames (and I'm a huuuge S&W revolver fan).

 

[fordtrucks]

Just got a new colt cobra. Went in planning on a 3”lcr in 38 spcl since I already have grips and maybe a few holsters that will work. That particular lcr felt like a toy for some reason (have one in 357, 9mm, and 22lr already). They FINALLY had a colt cobra I could handle. Walked out with that cobra.

Shoots great. Carries fine. Just trouble finding a holster. Not on alien gear’s list yet looks like. Using a lcr/jframe generic leather holster. Works fine.

I like the extra weight for follow up shots personally. No complaints about the trigger. 38spcl hornady american gunner 125gr looks like had good penetration by lucky gunners tables, so it’ll be that or +p winchester pdx1 defender in the cylinder. Have a 357 lcr that usually only carries 38spcl wadcutter lately anyway- good penetration per lucky gunner too. With either cobra or lcr I can accurately empty a cylinder very quickly. Cobra just feels better in my hand. Usually just carry both.

Have a lot of little kids around the house still, so I’m just into the revolvers over my glock 26 for carry currently.

Stay safe. Carry always.

 

[MidRoad]

Did the OP get banned? His profile doesn't exist and haven't seen him post in a while.

 

[ROD KLOMP]

It's hard to get any volume of product from Colt, and for some reason they are and have been hard to deal with, say the dealers, but as for the Colt Cobra, it's a nice piece, stronger than the early models and better designed IMHO.., the grip frame makes a big difference for handling for me with my large hands, it's set back further, which gives the user more finger room, the Cobra, has a very nice trigger, fiber optic sights it's accurate for its barrel length, and carries well , I carry mine in a DeSantis speed holster, OWB, I find it easy to bring on target,

So back to not finding many for sale, Colt is responsible for this one, they apparently can't produce the amount the market is demanding, but patience will pay off in time, Looking at things today, I feel lucky I got one for myself...

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I see them regularly in the LGS.

 

[Old Dog]

I see them regularly in the LGS.

Same here. Most of the shops I frequent have one in their cases.

 

[fordtrucks]

Last week was the first time I’d ever found one here in south carolina. Been looking to handle one since they came out.

Size and weight is the sweet spot for me with the 6th round.

 

[JN01]

I like mine. If you are comparing them to a vintage hand fitted, beautifully finished version, you may be disappointed. As a working tool, it does a great job.

 

[Hasaf]

So, you're paying a premium for the extra round, and the fit and finish and trigger were nice, but the Kimber was nicer, and the .357, while not always fun to shoot, is an option denied the Colt.

Don't forget, some buyers don't want a .357. My daughter (30) has decided that she likes revolvers better (probably due to her preference for Black Powder). She was looking and clearly did not want a .357. Yes, I made the point that she can put .38 in it; but that didn't work for her, she wanted a .38, no magnums. While it seems silly (because it is), she can't be the only person that simply is not interested in a magnum.