My new model King Cobra is being removed from carry use

[chaim]

I've had my Colt King Cobra for about 4 years now. I love the gun, quite accurate, incredible DA trigger pull (so much better than any of my Taurus or S&W revolvers), and a great size for carry (I love a 3" revolver. However, after the last couple range trips I'm finding that I'm too used to the S&W and Taurus trigger reset and cylinder release and I'm concerned that the differences could be a problem if I ever have to use the gun in a self-defense situation. On the S&W and Taurus the trigger has a very short reset with a very distinct feel and I can quickly get off my follow up shots. With the Colt, you really need to bring the trigger all the way back to the starting position (or pretty close), yet there is a definite false reset, and more than once I've tried to pull the trigger thinking I hit the reset with nothing, I hadn't and I can't pull the trigger. After 20-25 years of shooting Taurus and S&W revolvers, it would take a very determined effort to retrain for the Colt trigger, and I'd probably have to give up my S&Ws and Taurus for defensive use to make it workable. Similarly, I find the cylinder release that works in the opposite direction slows me down without seriously retraining for it, though slower reloads are potentially less of an issue than trying to pull the trigger and getting nothing.

For defense, I know what I'm doing to "replace" the Colt. I've already bought a 2.75" S&W 66 for when I want to carry magnum rounds. For when I want a smaller or lighter gun (but with a 3" barrel) I'm in the market for a 3" Taurus 856 Defender. Though, with the fact that Taurus are a bit more hit and miss than other brands, I want to find one in person that I can do a thorough check-out on the gun instead of ordering online, so it may take a little while.

Now, with that Colt trigger, I do want a Colt, or Colts, for range use. Shooting .38 only the 3" King Cobra is perfectly pleasant, and it is OK with some limited magnum use (especially with lighter magnums, heck, I can shoot 110gr .357mag all day). However, I do enjoy shooting serious magnums. So, I may trade it. Whether I trade it on the 4" King Cobra Target or on the Python, I'm not quite sure. Keeping what I have will be more limiting, but won't cost a dime. Buying the King Cobra Target will be cheaper than a Python, but it is lighter and I'll still probably have to limit my shooting of heavier magnums. The Python is the most money, but: 1) it is a Python, and 2) I could shoot any .357mag load I want pretty much all day. If I keep it, the King Cobra Target is a bit more likely than the Python, though I'd like to eventually get a Python so I just may take a little more time and just get the Python.

 

[shoebox1.1]

Sell the KC and get a python. 1299.00 new at Gilbert’s guns in KY. Per the emails I get from them. Go get em’ tiger!

 

[UncleEd]

I understand your position very well and I hope the Model 66 works out
for you. (Some will respond you are totally wrong on the Colt trigger.)

But just to add regarding your Colt quandary, King Cobra vs.
Python, have you considered a S&W Model 686 used or new or a
Ruger GP100. They can be had with 3-inc h barrels and they would
save you the money spent on the Python.

Or is it you just have to have Colt? Colts are always tempting, aren't they?

 

[gconang]

I know how you feel on the colt trigger. Comes with a fantastic double action trigger, but you have to let it all the way back or it will lock up. I have the regular Cobra, 38special +p.

 

[Tinman357]

My KC is great as well. Until the trigger spring breaks (×2 now) and Colt won't send you one. Its not a fitted part, so I don't understand that.

When the hammer broke, yes, that is a fitted part. I get it. But a generic trigger return spring? Bad form Colt, bad form.

Still looking for a source of torsion springs that can be modified to fit. No luck yet.

 

[UncleEd]

My KC is great as well. Until the trigger spring breaks (×2 now) and Colt won't send you one. Its not a fitted part, so I don't understand that..

I suspect it's a matter of Colt factory/reliability specs. The company wants to make sure the new spring is
installed correctly and proper trigger tension/power meets specs. Keep in mind the trigger spring is not
as simple in the Colt as in S&Ws or Rugers.

 

[Old Dog]

Generations of American cops, gangsters and ordinary citizens got used to the Colt revolver triggers. Yes, there is a difference.

Train with what you are comfortable carrying. Don't complain about Colts if you shoot and carry a S&W more often.

 

[chaim]

Generations of American cops, gangsters and ordinary citizens got used to the Colt revolver triggers. Yes, there is a difference.

True, it wouldn't be hard to train to this trigger initially, and it wouldn't be hard if you always let your Smiths' triggers travel the full distance instead of only staging them to the reset. Since I've always gone with pulling the trigger at the reset for faster follow up shots it would be an adjustment and I'd probably have to retire my S&W and Taurus revolvers from defensive use. Since most of my defensive revolvers are Smiths (and a couple Taurus) and this is my only Colt, using the Colt as range only is simpler.

 

[chaim]

I know how you feel on the colt trigger. Comes with a fantastic double action trigger, but you have to let it all the way back or it will lock up. I have the regular Cobra, 38special +p.

I love the Colt trigger other than that reset. The DA trigger is the best of any of my handguns. It is the reason I now want to always have at least one Colt. I may also have to keep an eye out for an old Police Positive Special. 20+ years ago I had one for about a year, but back then I mostly shot my revolvers SA so I didn't know how special the trigger was.

 

[GooseGestapo]

You’ve been shooting Black plastic too much! (Short reset is the mindset).

Dry fire! Dry fire! Dry fire!
I shot PPC for 30years. Dry fired millions of times. Never damaged an S&W.
Never have owned a Colt revolver. Shot and repaired a few though…

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

Your carry choice is a personal matter that only you can decide. Confidence in your weapon is no small thing.

Many would say that I'm nuts for usually carrying a 5-shot S&W in preference over my Glock 19. They may be proven right someday, but it's my choice.

FWIW, if you Cobra's DA trigger is anything like the one on my 1970s Detective Special, I personally would be OK with occasional carry.

 

[gconang]

Many would say that I'm nuts for usually carrying a 5-shot S&W in preference over my Glock 19.

Got my first 5 shot S&W not long ago! They beg to be carried! They are so small and convenient. I want another one or two.

 

[Boom Vang]

I, and others of DA shooting experience, have been saying from when Colt first introduced these new models: the trigger return pressure was weak. I'm not the only one. Colt and fan bois poo-poo'd it by saying "shooters are used to polymer pistols with heavy resets". Yeah, okay marketing guy. No, rather shooters are used to S&W and Ruger revolvers with adequate reset. I've been shooting and using revolvers - S&W, Colt, Ruger, Charter - for defensive purposes for 50 years. The trigger return on the new Colts is weak, end of story.

Keep in mind that the Colt DA revolver was designed in an era when SA shooting was the norm, and that new-fangled DA trigger was for fast work up close, so you could get your first shot off faster. Most military and police shooting and training with DA revolvers was done in SA mode. More so than with the S&W, the Colt revolver was best viewed as a SA revolver with DA capability, not the other way around. The fine Colt SA pull was appreciated in that mode of thinking.

Yet even on the older Colts, the trigger return was more substantial than on these new models. While the Colt trigger return of old was not as vigorous as the S&W design, it was more than adequate. The several "clicks" in the action while the trigger returned where always present in the Colt, but they are more noticeable now that the return is weaker.

It takes quite a bit of practice and consciousness of the action to overcome the tendency to short-stroke the new Colt trigger. It's not for everybody.

 

[Styx]

I, and others of DA shooting experience, have been saying from when Colt first introduced these new models: the trigger return pressure was weak. I'm not the only one. Colt and fan bois poo-poo'd it by saying "shooters are used to polymer pistols with heavy resets". Yeah, okay marketing guy. No, rather shooters are used to S&W and Ruger revolvers with adequate reset. I've been shooting and using revolvers - S&W, Colt, Ruger, Charter - for defensive purposes for 50 years. The trigger return on the new Colts is weak, end of story.

Keep in mind that the Colt DA revolver was designed in an era when SA shooting was the norm, and that new-fangled DA trigger was for fast work up close, so you could get your first shot off faster. Most military and police shooting and training with DA revolvers was done in SA mode. More so than with the S&W, the Colt revolver was best viewed as a SA revolver with DA capability, not the other way around. The fine Colt SA pull was appreciated in that mode of thinking.

Yet even on the older Colts, the trigger return was more substantial than on these new models. While the Colt trigger return of old was not as vigorous as the S&W design, it was more than adequate. The several "clicks" in the action while the trigger returned where always present in the Colt, but they are more noticeable now that the return is weaker.

It takes quite a bit of practice and consciousness of the action to overcome the tendency to short-stroke the new Colt trigger. It's not for everybody.

IMHO, they're using weaker springs to obtain a better trigger. Unfortunately, the majority of gun owners today are trigger snobs who rather trade increased reliability for a lighter and even a shorter trigger pull. That's why I'll put Wolff and these other weaker spring kits in my range only S&W revolvers or even competition revolvers, but I will leave the springs, tension screw, etc stock on carry revolvers. Many who use reduce power rebound springs in their Smiths have also had similar issues.

To bad Wolff isn't offering extra power springs for Colts.

 

[vanfunk]

I am a Colt guy (though not a fanboi) but I can see what you are saying Chaim. I do think though that it is more about your familiarity with S&W actions than any failing on Colt’s part. The two actions feel very different to me and I suspect to you too. I have not found the Colt reset or the cylinder latch to be hindrances at all as my brain is sufficiently tutored to know immediately whether I have a Colt or S&W in my hand. Would it be different in the middle of an armed conflict? I don’t know, but it’s never once been a problem so I think not.

It’s funny, I think of Colt and S&W actions being the opposite of each other: to me, the Colt DA is incredibly smooth but the reset is “notchy.” S&W DA pulls to me are “notchy” and I am keenly aware of each mechanical action taking place in the frame, but the reset is quick and positive. Universally, I find S&W DA triggers to be too heavy for use out of the box but SA pulls are always crisp and light. Colts have been sublime in DA but their SA pulls have needed massaging to get to where I like them (not for crispness, for weight).

I have been absolutely thrilled with my new (2020+) Pythons and Anaconda, and my brand-new Cobra (as of yesterday) is a fantastic revolver. The Cobra’s trigger is leagues ahead of any J frame I have or have had. You mention the S&W 66 2.75”; I have one and it is an excellent revolver. The DA was something like 14 lbs when I got it but a 14 lb return spring took care of that. Some hate the two piece barrel, I don’t care. I love the thicker forcing cone and the ball detent lockup and it has no problem with my ferocious max handloads (my hands do, though). If you can’t deal with the Colt King Cobra for carry, I think the 66 would be a suitable alternative. Honestly I’d keep the King Cobra and shoot it until its manual of usage is etched intaglio into your brain, as I do feel it’s the better gun. BUT these choices are inherently very personal and the most important thing is your confidence. Whatever you choose, shoot the ever-livin’ crap out of it so it becomes an extension of your soul, and you’ll be good.

 

[doubleh]

Humans vary a lot so I would say to use whatever floats your personal boat. You might hate what I prefer and vise versa.

 

[UncleEd]

I'm a fan of the Wilson Combat site's "Gun Guys" which features
Bill Wilson and Ken Hackathorn. In one video, Hackathorn
brought up the fact that Wilson takes his finger far off the trigger
while shooting autos.

Wilson explained he does so because of early conditioning in using a
Python for competition. Because the Python had/has a slower reset
and one not as vigorous as a S&W, he learned to just not ride the
trigger in double action, something more easily done on a S&W or
a Ruger GP100/Security Six.

This aspect of trigger control has really been the whole essence of
this thread since it was started in July 2023.

In another thread months and months ago, I mentioned I'd given up
the Python 2020 because of what I called a "squishy" trigger. I know
Colt has added heavier springs but I suspect the Pythons still won't
match a S&W trigger. I write this knowing full well many will say
I'm full of hooey.