Send to KindlePosted on 01/13/2017 1:17:59 PM PST by NRx
Send to Kindle
The new Colt Cobra is a small gun with gigantic expectations. (Photo: Colt)
Colt has a big announcement for 2017. The company is getting back into double-action revolvers starting with the new Colt Cobra. The 2017 Cobra features a matte stainless frame and cylinder, wraparound rubber grip and fiber optic front sight. True to its heritage, the 2017 edition is chambered for .38 Special and has a 6-round capacity.
The new revolver weighs a little more at 25 ounces unloaded. That extra weight will help shooters load up with really hot overpressure loads. This gun is built for concealed-carry for use with modern self-defense ammunition.
American Rifleman’s Mark Keefe got some time in with Colt and the new Cobra. “Colt spent some serious time trying to get this gun right,” said Keefe. “They knew they only had one shot after a decades-long double-action hiatus. Some changes include trigger geometry. When you look at the new cobra you can see that the trigger rides on a pin more centrally located in the frame.”
Designed for everyday-carry, this Colt is going to make a lot of shooters happy. (Photo: Colt/Facebook)
Experienced Colt shooters shouldn’t expect a big change in trigger feel even with the new design. As a matter of fact, Colt designed the new Cobra’s trigger to feel like the standard-setting Colt Python.
“Colt wanted to use the trigger of the Python as the baseline for what it wanted in the new Cobra,” said Keefe. “They have graphs, charts other tests that resemble a pathological liar’s polygraph test saying that they have determined this revolver’s trigger is right in there with the well-regarded Pythons. I would add, perhaps, that looking at how the bolt and hand are put in, there may just be less chance of this gun going out of time like a Python.”
All eyes will be on the new Cobra’s performance and Colt is aware of this. Expectations for Colt have been riding high for years. Anything short of a gold star will be a letdown, at least for Colt’s die-hard revolver enthusiasts.
Still, with today’s computer-controlled manufacturing it’s entirely possible to produce top-flight revolvers with excellent mechanical precision one after the other. The trick is to perfect the process before going into large-scale manufacturing. This something that Colt has clearly been working on for some time.
The new Cobra is sure to be the first of a series of new-production double-action Colt revolvers. Revolver shooters around the world want to see Colt offer a full catalog of these guns including full-size and large-frame revolvers for competition, everyday carry and hunting. Concealed-carry is still a welcome start.
Measuring in at just over 7 inches long and just under 5 inches tall, the new Cobra sports a 2-inch barrel and full-size grip. With its 6-round cylinder it holds an extra cartridge compared to most compact revolvers. This gives it extra appeal to the concealed-carry market.
Almost as important as build quality and features is, ultimately, the bottom line: price. The new Colt Cobra carries a $699 MSRP which is very competitive. As always real-world prices will be lower — at least in time after the excitement wears off a bit.
Already, 2017 is off to an exciting start for gun enthusiasts.
And that is not all. The folks at Colt were blown away (and admittedly surprised) about how much buzz and excitement came from the announcement of the 1903 at last years SHOT Show. We were told that the excitement was so great that the Colt Custom Shop has been told to start building Pythons. That is right, Colt is building Pythons. Apparently there are walls full of original parts, and all of the original tooling is still warehoused. But it is more complicated than just dusting off the old equipment. This is antiquated stuff compared to today’s CNC machines. Also, Pythons were all hand fitted and tuned in a labor-intensive process. Our source said the Custom Shop is working on the Python build now. As of this writing, there is nothing official about the announcement, and no target delivery dates or any information on how many they’ll make. After looking at the 1903, we feel confident in saying they are taking the time to learn how to build them right.
Oh Boy!
Wonderful. Is this the same Colt that went bankrupt and stiffed their bondholders?
Wonderful. Is this the same Colt that went bankrupt and stiffed their bondholders?
Yes, yes, it is - because they spent the last two decades pissing all over the civilian shooter market and now that they’ve lost all of their military contracts they suddenly want to cozy back up to us.
No sale.
I own a 4” nickel plated Python. It’s a absolute joy to shoot.
L
Wake me when they bring back the Python.
Colt was THE gun vendor years ago, but has since “shot themselves in the foot”! I will wait until they come to their senses as to listening to their customers.
DITTOS
Wow! I’m going to sell all my Ruger wheelguns so I can afford one Colt that doesn’t perform one bit better. What a great deal!
You mean the gun Rick uses to shot dirt in front of with that limp wristed shooting stance?
This is the gun version of a walker or jitterbug phone for gramps.
Bingo FU colt
Don't bet on it. 25 oz. empty? Fuggetabutit.
I bought a lightweight Cobra around 1986. It was actually on clearance at Wal-Mart.
I liked it a lot better than the several chief’s specials I had owned. It fit my hand better and had a better action. It also held six shots.
It was probably not any more intrinsically accurate than the Smiths but I was able to shoot it better. It would consistently put full wadcutters into one hole at around 20 feet.
Just got to thinking about it and think mine was a lightweight agent instead of cobra. Not sure what the difference was as it looked like the one pictured.
Ha, I was just talking about the Python to my controller at luch time. He was carrying his S&W 66, and I was lamenting the fact that I never purchased the 4” nickel Python I had my eye on years ago. Dang, I wish I had bought that gun.
I had a 4” polished stainless King Cobra in .357 magnum, and a blued 6” Python .357. Both were nice guns, but the Python’s trigger action was much smoother than the Cobra. Unfortunately, had to sell both. Maybe I can get two more before I die.
I still won’t buy S&W from back in the Clinton era. I sure won’t buy a Colt. Ruger better know where their support comes from or I will be throwing rocks instead of lead.
The previous thread on this gun from a few days ago (different source) - more information and links there in the FR replies area: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3509784/posts
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.