Colt Cobra Gun Review

By Victoria

Colt Cobra Specifications

Gun Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Cobra (2017)

Caliber: .38 S&W Special

Barrel Length: 2”

Ammunition Capacity: 6

Price: $699

Colt Cobra Usage and Features

Primary Use

Concealed Carry

Are you right or left handed?

Right Handed

What features does this gun have that appealed to you?

I used a Colt revolver as a duty weapon in the 1990s. I like the Colt pull-back cylinder release and I also like the 6-round capacity. Colt uses a leaf-style mainspring, which they call their Linear Leaf 2 system, and the Cobra has a double action trigger pull of 9 pounds, and single action pull of about three pounds. There is only one currently manufactured speedloader that fits, the HKS DS-A, but they are inexpensive and light. I carry two or three depending on the perceived need. Mine is stainless steel, with a shot-peened satin finish and a replaceable front sight. It came with fiber optic. It also has a factory Hogue monogrip that gives a full hand grip.

Tell us about shooting this gun.

It is a mid to small frame revolver. It is 25 oz. unloaded, so it is heavier than small five shot Charter or Smith & Wesson revolvers. As you can grip with your whole hand its kick is manageable especially with standard pressure .38 Special rounds. I recommend these, though the revolver is +P rated. Its trigger pull is straight and is not heavy, and it points naturally and stays on target. It is very similar in overall size and presentation to late-1990s Colt DSII or SF-VI small revolvers and its action is an upgraded version of those.

How would you describe the recoil, is it manageable?

It is, especially using standard pressure .38 Special rounds. The Hogue monogrip soaks up a lot of recoil.

How does it fit your hand, are the controls of this gun easy to use? (Safeties,slide pull, magazine release, trigger pull, etc.)

I have small hands but long fingers. It fits my hand perfectly and I prefer the rear-retracting cylinder release. Its fit and finish are good but it does have a lot of sharp edges especially at the trigger guard, which is elongated for use with gloves.

Do you like the sights on this gun?

Yes. The rear sight is a standard trench like on a Model 642 Smith & Wesson. The front sight is a replaceable short Patridge style sight held in with an Allen-type screw in the front, similar to a Ruger GP-100. This one has a red fiber optic that is very bright in daylight.

How reliable is it?

As most revolvers, 100% reliable.

Any problems with any type of ammunition?

None that I have found. I carry Hornady Critical Defense 110 grain FTX, standard pressure .38 Special.

Was it easy to take down and clean?

The same as any revolver.

Is there anything you dislike about shooting this gun?

It could stand a carry melt to get rid of some sharp edges.

For someone considering this gun, what would you tell them?

It is pricier than most small revolvers but worth it. The trigger pull is the best of any production revolver I’ve seen. Don’t let people tell you to get an Airweight Smith, they’re light and punishing to shoot. A Model 19 or 66 K-frame Smith shooting standard .38, or this all-steel Cobra, are a different experience and one that is much more enjoyable. You’ll want a good purse with cross body strap to carry a Cobra as they are a little larger than most tiny CCW guns but they are worth it.

Would you recommend this gun? If no, do you have a preferred gun?

I would, and the Cobra is the one I primarily carry at this time.