Colt Cobra First Impression

[cakebaker916]

I was at the Gun Range in Sacramento for a PPT and saw the new Colt Cobra in stock. The double action trigger felt very smooth, confirming all of the reviews I'd seen and read. I figured this would make a good father's day gift since the old man primarily carries a five shot J-Frame. The Cobra's extra capacity along with the fiber optic sight (for his aging eyes) should be an upgrade for him. Also, the six shot capacity will be handy come renewal time, as the new standardized test for Sac County calls for six shots at a time. The old man has a pretty solid case of the shakes, so the less reloading he has to do the better.

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I tried to show how bright the fiber optic shines in daylight, but my camera washes it out.

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I took it out for a spin earlier this week, and boy did it exceed my expectations. The front sight glowed like a red dot, and I found myself occasionally shooting with both eyes open as if it were one. I rotated between the Cobra, my carry guns, and RMR Glocks. Ringing 8" steel plates from 10-25 yards (out to 35 yards in single action), I shot the Cobra just as well as anything else I brought, and revolvers aren't exactly my forte. The double action trigger breaks consistently at 9 lbs, though it feels more like 7 lbs with how smooth it is. Single action breaks at an even 3 lbs, spent casings eject smoothly from the cylinder, and lockup is tight as you'd expect.

Overall I'm pretty impressed with the new Cobra, especially as a shooter. It may not be as pretty as the older snakes and detectives, but I'm happy that it's available and I'm definitely looking forward to handing it to Pop's. It sure will be bittersweet letting it go though! Perhaps I will pick up another down the road...

[Walther_Guy]

Ever since I handled one of these at an out of state show in 2017, I wanted one. It felt great in my hand and seemed to be well made. I was ready to buy one at The Gun Range when they had them in last month just ahead of them dropping on the roster, but they unexpectedly had a new King Cobra available, so I bought that instead. Still, this gun is on my short list and likely my next purchase. Love the fact that they let you take your guns out on the range during the 10 day wait. Glad to hear it shoots so well!

[cakebaker916]

Love the fact that they let you take your guns out on the range during the 10 day wait. Glad to hear it shoots so well!

Nice, I did not know that! How do you like the King Cobra? They were sold out when I purchased the Cobra, same/similar action between the two I presume?

[Walther_Guy]

Nice, I did not know that! How do you like the King Cobra? They were sold out when I purchased the Cobra, same/similar action between the two I presume?

I'm not sure since I never manipulated the action on the Cobra (it was locked down with a zip tie at the show.) The KC action is pretty smooth though so I'm sure they're probably similar.

[trigger945]

[cakebaker916]

Thanks for the input. You probably already know, but for those who don't, the sights are easily interchangeable and should swap between the regular and King Cobra.

https://www.brownells.com/handgun-parts/sights/front-sights/cobra-front-sights-prod123397.aspx

[trigger945]

^^^ Yes, forgot to mention that. I like that Colt thought about that. I might swap it out after I fire it a few times the way it is

[edw794]

too many sharp edges and too heavy for a .38 to pack for me.

[plumbum]

I like what it has to offer, but for the price I’d move up to the sexy King Cobra!

[Oldboyjun]

Very nice, I’m patiently waiting for Colt to release a Cobra or King Cobra with an adjustable rear sight. I will scoop one up as soon as they do.

[JTROKS]

I guess changing the innards to similar setup as S&W makes the new Colt smoother. Sweet looking revolver!