Why not a Colt Cobra?

[Fat Boy]

I have posted about this type of thing in the past- still trying to figure it all out.

The LGS has a Colt Cobra, .38 special, in what seems to be good shape.

I would like to buy it for a home defense gun, and future CCW-

PRO's-
1. accuracy
2. 6 rounds
3. Colt quality
4. Size; between 442 and k-frame? Better in my large hands
4. OK, I'll say it----cool factor

CON's
1. If it breaks, I'm done


So I am trying to convince myself not to buy the Colt; go with a Smith 442 which is smaller and doesn't fit my big hands as well. Or (sacrilege) go with a Ruger LCR....

Any encouragement on the Colt? I know this is my decision, but I guess I am wanting the best of all worlds.

BTW, I am not interested in buying multiple guns in case one breaks, etc....I need the gun I buy to be durable, everlasting, etc...

 

[Coyote3855]

Go to the revolver thread and look at the sticky that tells how to evaluate a used revolver. Personally, I like Colts and have several, but they are not my everyday carry gun. You don't say much about condition or price. All other things being equal, I'd buy the Colt.

Here's a couple I carried for a while.

 

[single stage]

Nothing wrong with my old Colt DAs. Carry one daily. If it breaks a good smith should be able to help. IF IT BREAKS

 

[hariph creek]

I carry a Detective Special, everyday. I say if you like it and it's in good shape, do it.
Yes, it concerns me, that if it needs repair, it won't be cheap. But, it's not a cheap gun.
As long as the timing is good? Decide if any other wear is in your ''comfort zone.'' If the timing is bad? You might want to pass.

I've heard two variations on checking the timing on these Colts.

1.) Pull the trigger all the way back and hold the hammer back. Try to wiggle (gently) the cylinder.

2.)Cycle the action. Don't let the trigger return forward. Try to wiggle the cylinder (gently).

Either way, the cylinder should be locked-up TIGHT. If it wiggles or has play, the hand(?) is worn. Then a new one needs to be fit. That's where the loss of those still knowing the Colt magic, gets expensive.

Colt says they still have the parts and expertise to fix these. Could be? At what cost?
If the frame is messed up, pass. They do not have those.

 

[Old Fuff]

Generally speaking, Cobra's don't have a reputation for breaking, and problems are more offten caused by somebody tinkering and doing something they shouldn't. That, and stupid abuse. With the exception of the aluminum frame and barrel they share other parts with the Detective Special and Police Positive Special revolvers made during the same time period. While they aren't common there a some 'smiths who are qualified to work on these Colt's, as is the Colt factory.

My much-favored Detective Special goes back to the mid-1950's, and has been both used and often carried. It has never been factory-serviced and still locks up like a bank vault door. I have no reason to think it won't out live me.

Unless you crack or bend the frame (which is unlikely) I don't see why a Cobra wouldn't be "fixable," it just might take longer and be more expensive to get it fixed.

If you decide against the Cobra, and/or a Detective Special, and have large hands, consider a S&W K-frame with a 2 or 3-inch barrel, rather then one of the J-frames.

Long experience tells me that it's a mistake to buy something you dislike from git-go. You will end up taking a loss when you sell or trade it in to get something else.

 

[Old Fuff]

Do it this way:

2.)Cycle the action. Don't let the trigger return forward. Try to wiggle the cylinder (gently).

The hammer has nothing to do with the way the cylinder locks up.

Also hands seldom wear. Wear is caused when two parts rub together under pressure. But the pin on the hand can get bent so the hand is tilted further out on the ratchet tooth, and after that the cylinder won't fully rotate to the next chamber. In other words it fails to "carry up."

 

[hariph creek]

I'll add...how better to appreciate a fine object, than by using it for what it's intended. Most the ''finer'' things in life, can only be appreciated by being used.

A Colt's bank vault lock-up, truly is a marvelous thing. It makes everything else look, kind of, sloppy or loose.

A K-frame is not a bad idea. Or, larger grips on a J-frame.

 

[hariph creek]

Old Fuff... Thanks for the correction.

 

[Fat Boy]

I am most appreciative of these comments. The shop also has a Smith model 12 w/short barrel & round butt. However the Colt seems a bit smaller overall while still offering 6 rounds- decisions, decisions.

 

[PabloJ]

Buy S&W Model 12 it is pro-grade revolver that was carried by Air Marshals and military intelligence personnel before pistols became popular. It's better gun then the Cobra.

 

[22-rimfire]

I have a Cobra 22 (actually several) and the Cobra should be fine. I personally find the Detective Special a more comfortable revolver. The aluminum frame on the Cobra makes it kind of front heavy or feel unbalanced to me. Mine are all collector grade Cobras and I don't shoot them.

I would not worry about it breaking. Years go by... you can always get another carry revolver.

 

[Chindo18Z]

4. OK, I'll say it----cool factor

Damn straight...

 

[jhco50]

The Colt Cobra is a fine revolver. Colt was always a good company when it came to their handguns. I would buy it and carry it proudly.

I am carrying an Armscor M206 .38 Special, which is basically a copy of the Colt Cobra. I carry it openly everyday, everywhere I go and usually never feel the weight and I feel comfortable with it.

 

[FM12]

I have an Agent, early model, that sees use in my edc rotation. Personally I've never seen a "worn out" Colt. Buy carry and shoot it. If nothing else for the "cool" factor. As good a reason as any in my book.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I also have never seen a truly "worn out" Colt and have probably had my hands on more Colt DA's than the average bear. I have more than one Cobra/Agent and wouldn't trade my most worn looking one for pair of the other guys alloy framed snubbies....My current Cobra for carrying around is a well worn looking 1966 model. I figure if it hasn't broken in the past 45 years, I doubt if it is going to anytime soon.

 

[Guillermo]

Colt Cobra is arguable the finest snub made.

Remember, Colt still works on them in the rare possibility it requires it.

 

[gbw]

I had one, factory nickeled, that had a small crack in the aluminum frame, at the bottom rear corner of the cylinder opening on the right hand side. I've no information on how it got there, nor how the gun was used before I got it. The gun overall looked in near mint condition. Probably a fluke, but may want to look there just in case. Otherwise I loved it.

 

[SwampWolf]

When comparing the pros and cons of the Colt Cobra with the Smith Airweight in terms of carrying a revolver concealed, objectively the Cobra carries 20% more ammunition than the Airweight (six rounds to five), weighs the same (16 ounces) and is about 1/10th of an inch wider at the cylinder (1.400 for the Cobra and 1.309 for the Airweight). Subjectively, I feel that, in general, Colt revolvers based on their "D" frame have a better da trigger pull than their Smith "J" frame counterparts. Conversely, and again subjectively, if you can live with the slightly heavier and more bulky K-frame based Model 12 Smith revolver, I think you'll find that the da pull on it is the best of the three being "interviewed".

 

[saltydog452]

This thread will be flagged, bookmarked, stapled to my forehead, and will eventually arrive in a folder titled 'Sweetie's Cobra'.

Since girl clothing options are waaaay different, 'Sweetie's Cobra' has Birami Hip Grip panels and a Tyler Grip Adapter.

sd.

 

[FM12]

And, by the way, thew cool factor is as good as any other. Thats why as a uniformed officer I often carried a 4" bbl Smith and Wesson 44 magnum Model 629. Lots of "oooHHHs" and "AAAHHHs".

 

[mmitch]

Why not?

Mike

 

[BullfrogKen]

I'd take a Cobra over an airweight Smith any day of the week. The trigger is much better - it pulls nicer, its lighter, and overall the gun fills the hand better.

I also imagine that Smith Model 12 in his shop costs a fair bit more than the Cobra.

 

[montanaoffroader]

DO NOT buy it! You will get much more for your $$ if you go with an RG or something similar.....Also, you can pm me the name and address of your LGS and I will help you out by eliminating the source of your temptation......

On a more serious note, Colt revolvers hold up just fine. I own a few and have had zero problems even though they have seen plenty of use. If it were me, that Cobra would already have a new home........

 

[Fat Boy]

Curiously enough, the Cobra is $30 higher than the Smith....both appear to be in good shape cosmetically and mechanical checks seem fine.

Montana- thanks for the offer to help out- it is tempting

 

[Jaymo]

Buy the Colt. It's a better revolver.
See, it works both ways.
I'd buy the Colt over the Smith. Call me crazy, but I like revolvers that actually have a great trigger pull from the factory.