How about a Smith and Wesson level of fit and finish, guys? Revolvers, Posts: 307. I dont have high hopes for the return of the Colt snake line. The Cobra was designed to be a family name. The all-stainless steel Colt Cobra revolver is built for concealability. Wide rear sights have very easy to adjust screws for windage and . Is it produced by Colt 100%, or has Colt partnered with anyone else? GRIN. The craftsmen who polished the Pythons used more than THIRTY different buffing wheels and various compounds to just prep for the blueing process (which has been changed by EPA regulations since the old days). But the gun look absolutely amazing just like the day I bought it in 1983. Nor anywhere near as light as the Charter Bulldog. The New Colt Cobra is heavier than its namesake, as the original was made with an aluminum frame rather than steel. Reminds of the giant software companies and their vaporware products. You can always deal with too short, but not too long. Disregard.more comments popped up as I was writing the above. Its just a drag when a company comes out with something new, particularly an icon, and its nothing but complaining for the most part. but Economic reasons restricted my opportunity to own one of the percussion colts in the second release in the late 20th century. Fits my hands perfectly and is light weight enough to carry, but Ive been looking at Kimber Micros to replace it for carrying because they are so much lighter and slimmer, but just cant make the switch. I think one would fit nicely between my S&W 638 Airweight Bodyguard and my old school S&W M-13, 3 RB, .357. I own a Taurus 605 and the Colt is head and shoulders above it. The Hogue OverMolded grips were nicely adorned with the Colt emblem embossed on each side of them. For how long we will see. They both produced very nice groups double action with a two-handed grip at 10 yards. Sporting a heavy-duty frame, and brushed stainless steel construction, the King Cobra secures a new place in the legendary heritage that makes Colt double-action revolvers some of the hottest collectible firearms today. Looks like a charter arms for a whole lot more money and who wants heavy, big, bulky, outdated, .38spcl caliber either yawn waste of time reporting on this dead out of the gate no one wants revolver . Left the top strap bead blasted, and top grip frame a little more muted polish. Dont make them generally available. I owned the 3 of the snake guns. Once I learned where the sights needed to be pointed to deliver the shot where I wanted it to be, it was dead on. Muzzle jump and flip, commonly associated with small revolvers, is nonexistent on the Cobra. I bought a Colt Cobra back in 1965 when I heard I was going to `nam. You could get the Cobra in .38 Special, .32 Colt New Police, .22 LR, and a few were produced in .38 S&W. Ordered it in June of 2017 took 10 months. There was a huge difference. The second shot entered at the base of the skull and ended in the soft palate in the mouth. You do realize that 38 Special can be fired in 357 Magnum chambered guns..right? (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com). This article originally appeared in CONCEALMENT Issue 13. Would it have killed them to polish the thing? That Cobra was purchased for $220,000 at an auction in 1991. I had one, and fired several other pythons that belonged to an uncle. Look at which way the cylinder rotates. The only reason why they discontinued them is because they were not selling. The trigger on this sample was perfect; I checked the pull on my Wheeler Digital Trigger Gauge, and the single-action breaks at just over 2 pounds, while the double-action is a consistent 7 pounds. THE SATIN NICKEL FINISH & METAL ARE IN GOOD CONDITION. That changed this year when Colt reintroduced a newly redesigned Cobra. Out on the range the gun shoots just fine, but apparently theres still some bugs to be worked out since one of the test models they had jammed shortly before 11 AM and refused to work for the rest of the day. If you have ever traveled to Miami and toward the Taurus plant its like going to another country South of the Border no one speaks English like a sweatshop, And I really appreciate the crappy comments in the little side antidotes youre obviously a younger person with s*** for brains. After steel, I will never go back to aluminum, as I like the weight. I know Colt is a weird company when it comes to selling Firearms they want to only deal with authorized Colt dealers only. Barrel Length: 3 in. Not so great for my ex-large hand. Leave the .357s to longer barrels where they belong. A few days to grind down and re-polish hammer, trigger, cylinder release. Had my dear ol grey haired Mother ship it to me as soon as I had an firm address. I would love to see a stainless king cobra high polish gloss stainless steel with a two and a half two and three quarter inch barrel offer with original Pachmayr grips. Introduced at the. only in 9.mm. Excellent suggestion. Is there any word on when these will be released? Even adjusting for age, the finish on the New Cobras (as described in the review) would be better than the Old Cobras (even adjusted for age/wear) I have seen. Some of the new features introduced with the new breed of snake revolvers from Colt include user replaceable front sights, a thicker top strap that is drilled and tapped for mounting a scope rail, and new adjustable rear sights. A Colt king cobra with a high gloss polish stainless steel finish two and a quarter maybe two and a half inch barrel I cant remember Ill have to open the safe and look at the Box but I have to agree with you its only a six shot 357 Magnum but it is sexy with original Pachmayr grips. They are located in the Peoples republic of Connecticut and buckled to the political pressure of the anti-gun crowd, concern for class action lawsuits on gun manufacturers, thanks to Clinton. Lee Marvin carried two Colt Cobras while playing Detective-Lieutenant Frank Balinger of the Chicago Police Department on the TV series M Squad. New Colt King Cobra speedloader update Well I picked up one of these bad boys last night and ran a few hundred rounds through her. Give us the option of a nice fat trigger (like my K.Cobra). I think Colt, like Ruger to a certain extent, has the potential to carve out a great big place in the market if they double down on good steel. The Phlster Floodlight Holster - Concealed Carry Ready, New Legislation Would Create a Centralized Database of Gun, Full Pistol Review ft. Guns a Homicide Waiting to Happen, Personal Trauma Kit Micro TRN from Blue Force Gear, http://thetruthaboutguns.com/author/foghorn/, State Judge Issues Order Blocking Enforcement of Illinois Firearms Ban Statewide, Protecting and Serving: Springfield, IL Police Seized Homeowners Gun After Investigating Her Report of a Prowler UPDATED, Chicagos Failed Mayor Lori Lightfoot Loses in Reelection EffortBadly. The new Colt Cobras are a little more affordable for people who just need a new Pony. To me it sounds like Colt just released the Mustang II of the gun world. The trigger is excellent right out of the box and the sights work, not something that is true of many snub-nosed revolvers. Yea, we need it! The original Cobra wasnt this type of gun it had an aluminum frame and was a five-shot cylinder. I am very interested in the Cobra for these very same reasons. Learned my lesson trying to shoot .357s in my J-frame, and now just pack .38s. Yea, the Cobra version of the Mustang II was a cruel joke on wheels, a cartoon car. Folks expect a certain fit and finish from a Cobra, and by failing to achieve that, Colt is hurting their image much more than if theyd released the gun under a less auspicious title. Ill probably be investing my money in a kimber k6s. Following your click, you would see an option labeled "Serial Number Lookup.". Just received my brand new Colt Cobra. Just what I thought ,a .38 Really ?? The front fiber optic sight is held in place with the tiny Allen screw at the muzzle, which is easily removed or replaced with the use of the included wrench. If you look at the cost to produce a hand fitted finished American made shotgun your upwards of 3 to 4K. I have had the trigger break on an HK P7 during the first range session. I dont think my small town gun stores carry them. Third, and here is the big one, why not offer it in .327 Federal Magnum with a 6 round cylinder? We all have a story to tell about or involving a Colt revolver. Could it have been .357 Magnum? Smith & Wesson does this same kind of thing with their Heritage series, and they usually have no trouble selling them. Light. The cylinder is going to get worn to shit because Colt didn't take the effort to have it drop in the recesses. That was the shortest part of the article and didnt seem to be central at all. Many times, small-frame revolvers are suggested for new shooters because theyre easy to handle and dependable. The success of the Cobra saw Colt bring two more of its iconic revolvers out of retirement. Back around 1974 I bought the colt detective special which is still my carry gun today. The other snake revolvers had OK-to-nice finishes, but they were not the Royal Blue of the Python. Some of these vintage gems can be found in the, Demand was so strong upon its release, the Cobra was often difficult to find. One of the defining features of the line is the hand fitting of parts and highly polished exterior, things distinctly missing on the new Cobra handguns. But theres no comparison. . I predict we will see lots of variations soon from Colt and I am excited for where Colt is finally going. Im more interested on how this compares to Ruger, S&W and maybe now Kimber than anything else since that is more of where its priced at. I am about the same age as Mr. Hodoway and I too remember the 60s / 70s when the Colt D frame and their Smith & Wesson brethren K frames were the Glocks of their time. It was quite a pleasant surprise to open the cardboard box up and see the familiar blue plastic Colt box inside, securing the new Colt Cobra revolver. Rifle, Savage 22 Cal. Survival Trainer and Author. I think I got quite a bit more for it than I paid. However, it showed my lack of skill with revolver reloads using speed loaders or strips. Has the shrouded ejector (making it the 2nd edition). Im not sure how many are planned to be released, but according to the rep it is a special low quantity release.. Email me and I can forward pictures,,, I was looking to buy a Colt Cobra any information would be helpful. Lower the cylinder release a bit. The new Cobra (l.) sports a stainless steel frame whereas the original was aluminum. What the market really needs is a good hunk of American steel. That would be the bomb. This revolver is of the same quality as a Taurus 85. However it is not cheap to refinish my original Detective Special in the royal blue bluing was $600 and they had to fix a small problem in the spring. Also they should make a Centennial type concealed hammer as the exposed hammer is a huge disadvantage in concealed carry draw, prevents it from being able to reliably fire through a pocket or purse and a liability in a self defense situation when the perp claims you cocked the hammer on him before you fired. Why anyone would want a .38 over a .357Mag. Most of Colts Institutional Memory is long gone through either retirement or lay-offs. Im pretty sure Colt got rid of their custom shop so now who knows you probably cant get it done anymore. Posted: 1/16/2021 8:03:21 PM EST. The New Cobra seems like an updated Detective Special. ***** In memory of Bill West / tommix who shared his vast knowledge and passion of Colt's with the forum for so many years. Where are they? How dare you disparage the trooper mkiii its the poor mans python and I love mine 6 in barrel and adjustable sights its a tac driver. I get the sneaky feeling that this is a desperate cash grab attempt from a company on the brink of insolvency and I just hope they dont ruin what was an amazing line of firearms. The new models are updated small frames like the old Detective Special and Diamondback. The pace slowed, but not nearly to the degree that some revolvers I have run required to score accurate hits. . Fourth, offer a shrouded hammer variant as well. Not sure if they still do it but the price was over $570 how to redo the finish on a 6in Colt Python royal blue but when we received it back it was absolutely amazing but still very expensive. The fit and finish was outstanding and the trigger pull (SA and DA) was a glass-rod dream. As they have more time, I would expect to see versions with a myriad of options. Forums exist so that people may enhance their knowledge with that of others. Think they wasted a lot of effort on a gun that probably wont sell good. Not too light nor too heavy. I believe that they were never cataloged. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com). Whether this was shooter error or a problem with an early batch from Colt, I have no idea. Ive lost count of the Colt, Rugers, and S&Ws Ive owned over the years. You cant just throw the parts in a tumbler and be good to go. Aside from that, very satisfied with the weight balance, look, feel, functionality and fit. Muzzle jump and flip, commonly associated with small revolvers, is nonexistent on the Cobra. Still waitn. Demand was so strong upon its release, the Cobra was often difficult to find. Thats not necessarily a bad thing for a concealed carry styled handgun, but the better option for this specific line would be something similar to the deep blueing that came on the original guns. As for the old Detective Specials: If this is a .38 Special load, check to see if the bullet will fall through the throat. And they had the gall to actually come out with a faux Cobra version of it, too. If youre short a demonstration gun, perhaps RF could beg, borrow, or swipe an example he could slide your way for that video ? I would like to have seen it in the original aluminum. A. Springfield XP-9 Cal 9MMX19 in Case, Colt Python 357 Magnum Revolver, Winchester Model 12 12 Ga., Winchester Model 70, 30Gov't06 Cal., Browning Over/Under Citori, 12 Ga., 1871 Remington Rolling Block Rifle, Eclipse Double Barrel 12 Ga., Marlin 30-30 Cal. Thanks but, no thanks. They locked up well, but their finish was quite rough by comparison to the Python. Guns.com writer Kristin Alberts took a Cobra for a test drive, discovering the Cobras trigger broke at 3.6-pounds in single, and a hair over 7-pounds in double-action. Also, 2 of her 5 shots were in non-lethal areas. The coroner testified that EITHER shot would have been fatal. Like the 6 rounds. The Cobra shot well with both loads tested, including this Sig Sauer Elite Performance load. It is a shame they caved and stopped making civilian firearms, revolvers. A big part of the DA revolver market is small frame, and that market is full of high-powered, lightweight models. is beyond me ? Also, I always liked the looks of the Detective Special (my first gun), and Python (my third gun a Colt Combat Commander was my second gun) but by changing the grip length and barrel, they made it real ugly it now looks just like a Taurus. Also, what is with the take off on Pachmyer grips? Why cant the mfgs. Many other guns in the same size category hold only five rounds. Am I an expert on trigger pull? This weekend I will have my new holster and will switch to the Cobra. There have been quite a few revisions and improvements since the first run. A. Then re-start the Diamondback and Anaconda. I have been a Colt fan all my life. With its small frame, 2-inch barrel, an unloaded weight of 25-ounces, it makes for an ideal carry or backup gun. III has a finer finish than this new one. They kept the same good looks but modernized the internals. The Cobra was easy to control, with a very soft recoil. To correct a previous post the original Cobra was a 6 shot snubby not a 5 shot like the S&W J frames. Then when theyd gotten a feel for those, then do a test run of Pythons. 38 round is more than enough with +p. Colt Python 4.25 Problems Early reviews of the Python had a few guns that appeared to fail. To purchase on GunsAmerica.com, click this link: https://www.gunsamerica.com/Search.aspx?Keyword=Colt%20cobra. Seems as though you are a Colt fan boy! They should have been making the Magnum Carry, Detective Special, and the Cobra (light weight) right along. This is my 2nd Colt in 2017, the first was a Delta Elite that had quality problems from day one. I agree with the writer of this story on what the quality of these guns is probably going to be or their lack of. I have pictures of handgun. These two revolvers are chambered in .357 Magnum/.38 Special. This Cobra looks like a Taurus. The .357 Magnum cartridge in a compact, lightweight package can be punishing. grip helps. Probably get the interest of soldiers, police and home defense and doesnt recoil as strongly as the .357 Magnum and a little more than a .38 Special but they are a hard hitter with ball or JHP bullets. Running a hit piece like this because a demo gun jammed up during range demo day is silly and irresponsible. see fit to give us a longer ejection rod in atleast a 2 1/2 barrel shroud thatll positively shuck out the cases (better even than my K. Cobra)? So one of the guns locked up at range day. Six rounds rather than five rounds. They hold their value better than 38s and are heavier, plus the heavier gun creates a lesser kick. Yet in this new small Cobra frame. Where is the new Colt Cobra produced? Feeling that his dad needed something for personal protection, he gave him the Colt Trooper, which served him until he passed away a few years ago. I guess you have to fill up space and sell clicks but coming out of the gate with a slam like this is a bit lame. Since I carry Two at all times I dont feel the need to run out and buy Colts for $699 to get one more round. The original Colt AGENT is a nice gun-i have 1- But the 3 barreled Detective Special is the finest handgun, for personal protection, that Ive ever seen. A. Absolutely; hands down winner. Just last week, Colt announced that they are finally reviving their double action revolvers, starting with a new Colt Cobra. There are reports that hundreds of guns have been affected by these issues causing a quiet recall to take place on these 2020 Colt . Looks good in the pictures and magazine/internet reviews, but does it really exist? The new Colt Cobra is actually an updated Detective Special with a fiber optic front sight. Havent seen any in my area yet! A. Was that from closing the loaded cyl. Im hoping the new Pach. I would encourage Colt to re investigate the market to determine to the Idea of returning the The Snake guns manufacture in the near future, I am a big fan of the perfect balance of the Colt Python . Firstly, go to the "Colt" site and select "Customer Service.". Model 487T Rifle, 1917 Eddystone Enfield Mfg 4/18 Cal 30-06, Terni 1940XVIII 6.5 Cal, Mauser Spanish . I was at Shot Show when they released that turd. So, they pack up their new purchase, along with the rest of the ammo, and park it in their safe. The market is already absolutely saturated with striker fired polymer wonder 9s. Anyone who wants a small (concealed carry) revolver can choose from Smith and Wesson, Ruger, Taurus, Charter Arms, and probably more. After the release of a YouTube video where the The 2020 Colt Python was seen to malfunction, people have made claims that Colt is recalling the firearm. Not true, the Cobra target is a 357 magnum revolver. Gist of what I heard: The Detective Special I carry is probably only an 85% finish gun; thats why I carry it. One shot (they think the first) entered under the right armpit and transited through the right lung to puncture the heart. The rear is a groove milled into the topstrap of the frame. So I love my semi-autos and my VEPR in 7.62 x 54r but for a revolver newbie, which is the market think Colt is addressing, this one is a winner. 327 Meteor. I found many positive features. Intro NEW Colt Python: WHY IT'S A "NO-GO" Gun News & Reviews 68.7K subscribers Subscribe 101K views 1 year ago in 2020, Colt re-released an 'updated' version of the classic Python revolver. It holds 6-rounds of .38 Special and is capable of firing the hotter +P ammunition as well. The new Kimber revolver at least looks great for the money. Like a dummy I sold it years ago. Q. I just read that S&W is coming out with some new 7-shot 686s including one with a 3 barrel AND its chambered in .357 Mag / .38 Spl+P Why oh why did Colt not chamber this roadkill snake gun the same? In the mid-1960s, he purchased a Colt Trooper from Massey Hardware in downtown Conway, Arkansas. Whaaa, they named it something that was better OK, well get this, probably 90% of the firearm crowd has never seen an original or if they did they didnt know what it was. You all need to put a Cobra in your hand and shot a couple hundred rounds through it before you start making all these claims against it. I waited almost an hour to shoot it and when it was my turn to shoot I got handed the revolver and I loaded it went to take my first shot and the cylinder stuck in between Chambers and locked up and even the cult Smiths that were there couldnt figure out what happened so they just put it away. The Python 6 and 4.25 revolvers the Cobra and King Cobra in the Colt stables. According to our friends at Revolvy, the first model of Cobra was made from 1950 to 1971 with a 2-inch barrel. Specifications: Colt King Cobra. The lock-up on this Cobra, if they are using the original Colt lockwork requires attention from a gunsmith who knows how to time up a Colt mechanism to make the lock-up what Colts were known for. Still I did not mind that. In my admittedly limited experience with various revolvers, the only one Ive personally experienced that locked up (and not in the good revolverish way) was a colleagues Taurus. New Colt King Cobra Target Doesn't Work. I dont think it popped up in Call of Duty. Its all-steel frame is satin finished, with a grip thats been moved rearward to help manage recoil. Theres never been a better revolver for smaller handed shooters such as women. He didnt say it, but I expect larger revolvers are coming. Im pretty sure that particular model has been out for quite a few years. In any event, I like the DA pull weight, and it is a nice looking gun, but Id like to see it with a bit more barrel, say somewhere between 3 and 4 inches. In 2017 the costs are totally reversed, and hand-fitting would make the new Cobra a $2,000.00+ gun instead of a $699.00 gun. Back to the Colt, I see where its finally making it out to a few hands on reviewers (late June 2017). If we see the type of success with this model that we hope to see, it will be an easy transition for us to expand on the theme and develop additional models that will appeal to other customers. With advances in metallurgy, they should certainly be able to make a lightweight D frame in 6 round .357 mag to compete with the lightweight S&W J frame 5 round 357 magnums. I did notice some of the black paint stripped off just outside and near the cylinder but on the left side of the body, along an edge, very slightly noticeable, after one month, and only using it at a range once, which I thought would have occurred one year into it. We worked hard to ensure that if the market wants more Colt DA revolvers, the Cobra design would be flexible enough, and robust enough, to handle future model variations that customers may want. I heard an interview by one of their guys. Hell, TAURUSs stainless looks better than that. The general lines of the frame and hammer also bear a resemblance, but the new Cobra is a larger handgun7.2 inches in overall length compared to the original snake gun's 6.75 inchesand with its stainless steel construction, a hand-filling 25 ounces next to the First Issue's weight of just 15 ounces. Was a lot easier to conceal than the S&W model 10 with 5 barrel. Making the parts on CNC, EDM or MIM machines does, however, more than suffice in a S&W or Ruger.