King Cobra

[Sergei Mosin]

Stopped by the gun shop this evening and found a new King Cobra on the shelf. Seems like a handy little gun - small but with a full grip, heavy enough to absorb recoil but not a boat anchor, and six shots at a size where you usually get five. Expensive though. Anybody have one or shoot one yet?

 

[Zebraranger]

I haven't handled a new one yet. But, I have a 6" Colt King Cobra that's going on 35 years old and its always been a good shooting revolver. I don't really consider it a small frame revolver for a 6 shot 357 thou. Are the new ones smaller? My older one is about the same size as my 6" GP100, just not as beefy, both use the same holsters. As far as expensive, I have to agree, they are way over priced because they have the Colt name. I purchased the King Cobra many years ago before they started going up in value, back when they were worth about $400 dollars. Honestly, I enjoy shooting the GP100 a little more, its had a trigger job and its a lot smoother shooting.

 

[Sergei Mosin]

The new one is on the small side - about the same size as the SP101.

 

[Dframe]

I haven't had the chance to shoot one of the new ones. Can't wait. If it has the silky smooth trigger of my Cobra it will be a winner.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I wish they had named it something else.

 

[Typetwelve]

Funny this would come up, I just got to handle one on Wed. It's small, definitely not a lang range session .357 revolver...38 special? Possibly.

I found the fit and finish to be great, and the gun has a great "feel" to it. It has a good weight and like the SP101, feels stout. I was able to dry fire it a bit, SA was really nice and crisp, DA was good but there was some definite, notable stacking at the last 20% or so of the pull. Not a deal breaker, I'm sure a good smith could smooth it out (or simply some range time).

It is expensive and isn't anywhere on my "to-get" list, but it is neat.

I wish they had named it something else.

I couldn't agree more, a real King Cobra it ain't.

 

[Riomouse911]

It’s a gun on my list, I’d really like to shoot it side by side with my 3” M-13!

The Cobra is a great gun, I like mine much more (and shoot it better) than my J frames and SP 101.

One of these days....

Stay safe!

 

[cogun4hire]

Has any one else shot the new King Cobra (3 inch model)? I just read the G&A article and it looks like an awesome gun.

 

[Dframe]

I can't wait to get my hands on one.

 

[Old Dog]

I just got one last Monday … the trigger is hands-down the best trigger out of the box that I've ever encountered on a revolver. Seriously, it's that good. Haven't measure the DA pull, but it's a slick pull probably between 8 and 9 pounds … SA is short and sweet. Locks up like the proverbial bank vault. Beautifully made. Haven't shot it yet, cannot wait. Yeah, it's a tad pricey … but it's soooo cool. Looks like it'll give my old beater 3" Model 13 a run for its money.

 

[SwampWolf]

If it has the silky smooth trigger of my Cobra it will be a winner.

It does and it is. Imo, if you're after a relatively compact, s/s, .357 Magnum revolver having a six-shot capacity, a 3" long barrel, an easily changed front sight and a buttery smooth da trigger pull, look no further. Eureka!

 

[cogun4hire]

My LGS got ONE in and sold it the next day at 869.00. What are other people seeing for pricing?

 

[Old Dog]

MSRP is $899 -- our local Sportsman's Warehouse had one at that exact price.

I got mine for $865, and gladly paid that after I'd examined it and tried the trigger.

 

[old lady new shooter]

I am very interested in this, does anyone know of a gun store in the greater Phoenix area that actually has one?

 

[old lady new shooter]

It’s a gun on my list, I’d really like to shoot it side by side with my 3” M-13!

The Cobra is a great gun, I like mine much more (and shoot it better) than my J frames and SP 101.

One of these days....

Stay safe!

I finally tried the old Model 36 I bought from a friend awhile back, I don't think I'm gonna be able to use it. It kills my hand and I can't see the sights. SP101 I looked at when I was buying my first gun (ended up with a 4" 686 Plus, very happy with it, but now that I thankfully escaped California and can carry, I want something I can conceal), at that time I could not even complete the trigger pull on it. I'm very interested to try this Cobra if I could just find somewhere that actually has one.

 

[Jim Watson]

Sad to say, I have not seen a New Cobra or New King Cobra, either.
I did once look hard at the SF VI and DS2 and thought they would be good shooters with superior factory double action. Maybe they have kept that in the current revolvers.

Also try to get a look at a Ruger LCR. The ones I have seen had good DA triggers even though they are non traditional in style. (Ugly, in fact.)

 

[old lady new shooter]

Sad to say, I have not seen a New Cobra or New King Cobra, either.
I did once look hard at the SF VI and DS2 and thought they would be good shooters with superior factory double action. Maybe they have kept that in the current revolvers.

Also try to get a look at a Ruger LCR. The ones I have seen had good DA triggers even though they are non traditional in style. (Ugly, in fact.)

Thanks for the tip. Cabela's in Glendale has "limited stock" of the LCRx, I'll see if I can get over there if nobody closer has one.

 

[Jim Watson]

If the LCR suits, consider the .357 Magnum version. Not to shoot Magnums in, but for greater recoil control of a steel frame, the Specials are aluminum.

 

[old lady new shooter]

If the LCR suits, consider the .357 Magnum version. Not to shoot Magnums in, but for greater recoil control of a steel frame, the Specials are aluminum.

I only see that one with the 1 7/8" barrel, does it come in the 3"?

Recoil (defining it as the muzzle moving up when the shot exits) doesn't really bother me physically or mentally, what kills me with the Model 36 is the backstrap jamming into the soft flesh between my thumb and forefinger every time. Is that also considered "recoil"?

 

[Jim Watson]

LCRx with exposed hammer appears to be the only 3" version.

Yes, that is recoil.

 

[old lady new shooter]

LCRx with exposed hammer appears to be the only 3" version.

Yes, that is recoil.

Yes, I saw that the hammer is exposed, although they say they designed it to be less likely to snag than a normal exposed hammer. But does that one come in .357 magnum?

 

[Speedo66]

Looks like Bud's had the King Cobra for $838, but they're out of stock.

I used to not be happy after a full box of +P ammo with my Model 36 at re-qual.

 

[old lady new shooter]

Looks like Bud's had the King Cobra for $838, but they're out of stock.

I used to not be happy after a full box of +P ammo with my Model 36 at re-qual.

Were you able to shoot it accurately? I would probably put up with the pain if I could shoot it accurately.

 

[Jim Watson]

Hand filling rubber grips will help... some.
I like
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...grips-s-and-w-j-frame-round-butt-rubber-black

 

[Speedo66]

Were you able to shoot it accurately? I would probably put up with the pain if I could shoot it accurately.

I qualified “Expert” with it, but once we transitioned, found a Glock 26 much more to my liking. Better sights, double the capacity, stronger cartridge, and less painful.