So what's the word on the King Cobra?

[Makoman]

I was debating on a SW 586 as a hunting companion, but then I remembered the new King Cobra. Up until now I was using my 29-2, but I rarely hunt in bear country, so I don't really need a .44 for where I usually hunt. Only thing that concerns me is that the new King Cobra is a little smaller than the original, being based on Colt's "D" frame, which I guess is closer to the SW "K" frame. My understanding in the past is that SW came out with the "L" frame because the "K's" couldn't handle a steady diet of magnum loads. I'm wondering if Colt is doing the new KC on the "D" frame because metallurgy has improved to where smaller frames can now handle the steady diet of magnum loads?

What say you all? Go with the 586/686 instead? The other thing that has thrown me for a loop is the supposed announcement in a few days of the re-release of the Python. Ughh...

 

[jhb]

in to hear others points of view. been considering one myself, but haven't seen enough first hand to get a decent idear yet.

 

[sabbfan]

I would think it would be able to handle it, Smith’s new K frame 66 is redesigned to correct the forcing cone from the earlier K frames to prevent cracking. It wasn’t necessarily the frame size that was the problem on those but the cut out on the forcing cone. I would think the Colt would be able to handle it as well as the newer Smith’s. Personally I’d want a 6” barrel for hunting (mine’s a 7.5” SRH in 44 mag) so would vote 686 but that’s personal preference.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

They're real nice looking. I really want one.

 

[Dframe]

It will be a while before any durability issues are noticed. I'm just going to shoot the hell out of mine when I get it.

 

[Old Dog]

I don't have the newer target model, but I've been shooting the hell out of this, using a lot of full-house magnum stuff, hot 125s but mostly 158s. The trigger is simply superb, both DA and SA on mine. Love the brass bead front sight.
This is just a handy 3" revolver.

 

[Dframe]

Old Dog that's exacty like the one I have coming. Can't wait!