Cobra Derringer

[DolphinFan]

Does anyone have one? shot one?
I just bought a .38 special one and have questions about recoil, ammo used and the ability to switch out barrels for .380 or 9mm.

[ojisan]

Have it, shot it.
Mine's a .38 Special.

Recoil: pretty strong with 158g standard loads, not much better with 125 mid range loads.
I would not shoot any +P .38 loads in this gun.
It rolls back in the hand like a single action revolver due to the grip shape.

Accuracy: mostly hurt by the heavy trigger needing to be pulled down as much as back to fire.
If you can get the shot off straight, it shoots OK.
Lower barrel shoots lower because it is more in line with your hand.

Ammo: Brass case is OK, aluminum cases stick badly in mine, need a small screwdriver to push or pry out fired aluminum cases.

Barrel swap: one screw and you're done.
Maybe someday I would get a 9mm barrel but I'm in no hurry.

[WMG]

The 1st one I owned was in 22mag , it was a smaller gun than the 38 spl I got awhile later. My keltec 3at rides in the front pocket much better than the more clunky 38 cobra.
It was non plus p rated as per the owners manual.
Heavy trigger pull , heavier than the 22mag cobra.
Shot shells in the 38spl were not to be used due to the OAL of that round.
The 22mag I had shot well actually but the 38spl one did not as those barrels were very different in the P.O.I.
A keltec 3at or Taurus 738 with 3 times the number of rounds and flatter/lighter profile with there point and click "no hammer to cock and cross bar safety" is what I would suggest for a real pocket pistol.
The Taurus 738 I currently see on sale for as low as $149-$169
I did not find the recoil to be any issue with either cobra.
used almost new cobras are not hard to find in my area as I suspect the owner tires of it quickly.

[DolphinFan]

Have it, shot it.
Mine's a .38 Special.

Recoil: pretty strong with 158g standard loads, not much better with 125 mid range loads.
I would not shoot any +P .38 loads in this gun.
It rolls back in the hand like a single action revolver due to the grip shape.

Accuracy: mostly hurt by the heavy trigger needing to be pulled down as much as back to fire.
If you can get the shot off straight, it shoots OK.
Lower barrel shoots lower because it is more in line with your hand.

Ammo: Brass case is OK, aluminum cases stick badly in mine, need a small screwdriver to push or pry out fired aluminum cases.

Barrel swap: one screw and you're done.
Maybe someday I would get a 9mm barrel but I'm in no hurry.

Thanks, I intend on shooting a low recoil .38 Special round, 110 grain Hydrashok. I'd also like to get another barrel in .380ACP just to see if there is any less recoil.

I bought it to celebrate Los Angeles eliminating their small handgun ordinance. I may get the .22WMR and add the .22LR barrel. Another novelty I like is the micro revolver from North American Arms in .22lr.

My EDC is a S&W 442.