Posted on 01/13/2017 1:17:59 PM PST by NRx
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 Riflemans 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.
Experienced Colt shooters shouldnt expect a big change in trigger feel even with the new design. As a matter of fact, Colt designed the new Cobras 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 liars polygraph test saying that they have determined this revolvers 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 Cobras 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 Colts die-hard revolver enthusiasts.
Still, with todays computer-controlled manufacturing its 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.
“Don’t bet on it. 25 oz. empty? Fuggetabutit.”
Being made out of steel this Cobra is actually closer to a Detective special. The original Cobra had an aluminum frame and barrel.
Wow. A 38 spl. revolver.
Question the wisdom of this move as Colt remains on the verge of bankruptcy. Putting this revolver into an already crowded field doesn’t make financial sense to me. Because of high demand, they should have started with a financial winner, i.e., Python or Anaconda. I wish Colt well ( love some of their 1911’s and the “snakes”) but the company must realize they can’t live on government contracts forever. Going into the consumer market should be driven by existing demand, not hopes of creating demand.
Thanks for posting the link. I somehow overlooked it.
Amen! There is not a single Colt I have on my wish list; and the only Colt I now own is a Colt Derringer from the 1880’s. And that will likely be the only Colt I ever own.
They lost all their government contracts. None to live off any more. They are bankrupt and desperate. See other thread linked above.
Your correct
Small revolvers are very plentiful
with some outstanding features.
And the 500’s???
Fix the Pythons!
ruger makes a really nice small revolver you can get in 38 or 357 and your wrist doent feel bad after firing it for awhile.
The same model in .22 looks Sweet
8 shot IIRC.
Yeah i forgot they do a 22 version as well. It is 8 shot.
The way they designed the grip it absorbs a lot of recoil so it doesnt go into your wrist. My mom has the 38.
My brother has a 6 Python and I agree that is has a silky smooth trigger.
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