Colt Cobra external Pitting

[Fat Boy]

Looking at a Colt Cobra in .38 spec. The gun has pitting pretty badly on the exterior; the worst is in the front right hand side of the barrel. It is enough that some of the lettering stamped on the exterior of the barrel is hard to make out. How can I tell if this is safe to shoot? I am looking at photo's BTW- not handling the actual gun

Thanks

 

[Reloadron]

Pitting alone will not likely render the gun unsafe to shoot. Someone wasn't concerned about proper care and maintenance or storage. I would likely be more concerned with any internal damage to the mechanism that could render the gun not so much unsafe but inoperable. When I see a gun with severe pitting I generally run away from it.

Just My Take
Ron

 

[rcmodel]

+1

External pitting is very unlikely to render a gun unsafe to shoot.

However it is a very good indication the gun was neglected over a long span of time.

And would best be avoided.

If the outside of the barrel is that bad??

Hard telling how bad the inside is!!

rc

 

[Jim K]

To buy a gun like that it would have to be either very cheap, or I would have to need a gun very badly.

Jim

 

[788Ham]

Its truly a shame someone didn't take care of a good Colt revolver, they are an older, not made anymore revolver. Idiotic ownership really burns me, no matter how deep into the drawer, or snapped into a holster they've been kept, I'm off my box now.

 

[Old Fuff]

I recommend, like others that you pass this one up. I often buy “cosmetically distressed” guns, but only after I’m sure the defects are limited to those related to the finish, and not more. If this Cobra has mechanical issues getting them fixed could be both difficult and expensive. If you really want one of these older Colts save up your money and buy a good one.

 

[Grumpa72]

As a Colt Cobra owner, let me add my opinion to the others. If the barrel pitting is enough that you can snag your fingernail, I would pass. If it is light enough that you can feel it but your fingernail doesn't catch, it might be a nice pistol, after it is checked by a competent gunsmith. Any flaking or pitting on the frame is more difficult to judge because the frame is aluminum and I am told that it is anodized which is an entirely different process than bluing. Some minor flaking can be ok.

Cobras are nice little carry pistols and, if the rest of the pistol is working and functional, it might be a nice pistol - if the price is right.

 

[mrbig381]

I too am a colt Cobra owner. No pitting but a lot flaking.
Someone tried to paint the aluminum frame. It is ugly but it is more accurate than I. Nice carry gun and the price was right.

 

[Slamfire]

Post the pictures.

It takes more effort to pit aluminum than steel. So off the bat, that is not a good indication of care.