cobra firearms any good?

cajun47 · November 25, 2010, 12:44 AM

http://www.cobrapistols.net/index.asp

i would not mind a derringer in .22lr and 9mm. how much these go for?

BLUEZ4U · November 25, 2010, 01:24 AM

go to gunbroker.

obxned · November 25, 2010, 02:12 AM

Not the prettiest or smoothest firearms ever made, but the do work and are fair value for the money. You should be able to buy both for around $300.

raftman · November 25, 2010, 02:23 AM

Going solely off reputation, I would not trust any of their semi-automatics. Issues with reliability and durability are widely reported.

I have a Cobra .22lr derringer, though. Bought it locally for $120 just because I thought it would be a really fun, novel range toy. Ever since I was a little kid, I've been fascinated with the whole concept and design of the derringer, so I had to get one now that I can.

I figured .22 was the best way to go because the ammo is cheap, and plus less likely to result in any durability problems with the relatively small/weak .22 round. On top of that, the derringer design eliminates most potential reliability problems and its relative simplicity means that there's not much that could break. And of course, it can't/wont be picky about ammo, hollow points, round nose, sub-sonic, it's all good. It's not really the most comfortable, ergonomic design out there, so I concluded at least the .22 would have mild (nonexistent) enough recoil to not make the gun painful to shoot.

I am pretty happy with it. I got it quite recently so I've only taken it out to the range once, but it works very well and is a ton of fun to shoot. It serves the purpose I got it for perfectly. It's neat, interesting, cheap, reliable, and fun. Can't wait for the opportunity to put a ton more rounds through it.

If that's what you're after, it's not a bad buy.

If you want to used it for carry, I'd get something else. It's a relatively poor choice as a self-defense gun. First off, you get 2 rounds of a relatively weak around, in a package that's quite inaccurate, and difficult to shoot quickly. Sure no one wants get shot, not even with a .22 derringer, and I am sure it could prove quite deadly, but there's just nothing about it that makes it a really worthwhile choice compared to what else is out there, not even its small size. For example, it's noticeably smaller than the Kel-Tec P32 in terms of overall length and height, but the derringer is actually a little bit thicker and noticeably heavier. However the Kel-Tec gives you 8 rounds of a more potent cartridge, all in a package that far better lends itself to faster and more accurate shooting.

Here's a picture of it. Everyone likes pictures.

ccSnoopycc · November 25, 2010, 02:31 AM

I always thought cobra was another Jennings/Jimenez/Bryco. Is this true? Both the Jennings j-22 and the cobra CA series look identical to me. Do they have any connection to each other? Their little derringers look pretty nifty I do have to admit especially for the price.

raftman · November 25, 2010, 03:15 AM

Quote:

I always thought cobra was another Jennings/Jimenez/Bryco. Is this true?

Yes, it is true. Their semi-autos are low-cost, low quality guns, and generally aren't highly regarded or widely recommended.

The Cobra derringers, at least in .22lr (I can't speak for the other calibers) on the hand seem to work quite well for what they are. They seem solid enough to be hold up pretty well to use, and obviously won't suffer from FTF or FTE issues. Not very practical, but they're cheap and they work.

Hal · November 25, 2010, 05:57 AM

Quote:

I thought it would be a really fun, novel range toy. Ever since I was a little kid, I've been fascinated with the whole concept and design of the derringer, so I had to get one now that I can.

When I was a kid there was a TV show called Yancy Derringer. I was hooked after the first episode on having to have a Derringer.
I even had one of the belt buckle derringers that used Greenie Stick'em Caps and shot little spring loaded plastic bullets.

When I saw a chrome plated Davies derringer in .22lr, I just had to have it.

Ditto & +1 to the cheap little things being a hoot to shoot!

One of my favorite "range tricks" is to have some one run a few heavy magnum loads through one of my .357's or .44's.
Then I load up the derringer with a couple of .22 CB caps or .22shorts and have them squeeze off a round.

Priceless!!!

They brace themsleves for all this recoil that never happens,,,,then grin sheepishly....

911JB · November 25, 2010, 07:41 AM

If you are thinking about a 9mm there is one issue I know of. The 9mm is a rimless round and loading them can be a pain. Since the 9 is rimless you must first push the extractor out a bit so that the extractor can sit in the grove in the casing, then the round can be chambered. Push the extractor out to far and the round passes the extractor and you cant close the gun,dont push it out enough and you risk bending the extractor when you attempt to load it. The loading procedure is not stated in the manual or on the box so I called the manufacturer and they said the directions were in the old manual, they must have ben overlooked in the new version.
Its kinda a micky mouse set up if you ask me. Would I recommend one in 9mm? No! In 38 , 22 or any rimmed round, yes. They do what they were intended to do.

goodspeed(TPF) · November 25, 2010, 07:50 AM

No.

Esteban32696 · November 25, 2010, 09:36 AM

I remember Yancy Derringer, too. Woolworths started seling toy derringers like those on the show.
I fell in love with the looks & style of them, immediately. BUT i cannot see a use for one in modern day firearms. The .22 may be OK. Compare the size of a 9mm derringer against some of the new semi-automatics !! 6+ rounds is better than 2 .

We used to say this in Vietnam.

: He,,, who has the most bullets,,,, WINS ! "

Hoss Fly · November 25, 2010, 10:56 AM

Had a derringer or 2-
For $100 they'er OK but on the 9mm i had a couple FTF so i'd never bet my life on one-
The 22lr was pretty much trouble free but i could hardly hit the ground with it

twhidd · November 25, 2010, 11:05 AM

Cobra is what used to be Davis Industries. I had a Davis P32 years back that ended up at the bottom of a river, because it was so bad. Maybe they're better now, but I don't know.

32 Magnum · November 25, 2010, 11:30 AM

A "few" years back, a friend of mine who was a part-time FFL decided to give up the business and was closing out his stock. He FORCED me to buy the one remaining COBRA .32ACP derringers he had. I took it to the range - fired five shots - sixth was a no fire - bottom firing pin was broken. I called COBRA/Davis - the guy I talked to was great, very enthusiatic and customer friendly. He FAXed me a UPS return label and I sent of my little gem for repair. It was back in my hands in less than a week. I took it back to the range and finished off the box of ammo - no more problems. My experience at the range: any shots over about 15 feet, at least 2/3 keyholed; less than 10 feet - no keyholing. Accuracy was not bad for such a little thing. At 10 feet - could hit well centered with about a 4" spread. For a "belly gun" that type of accuracy is more than sufficient. My take on utility as a SD type firearm - it takes far too long and too many hands to get it into firing condition. As a DEEP DEEP cover piece - well, it wouldn't be too bad if you had time to deploy it. Something different to have.

lee n. field · November 25, 2010, 11:43 AM

Quote:

On top of that, the derringer design eliminates most potential reliability problems and its relative simplicity means that there's not much that could break.

Oh, you'd be surprised.

I note that Cobra also has a revolver. Looks like a j-frame clone. I have heard nothing at all about its quality, and have never seen one outside Cobra's website.

raftman · November 25, 2010, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Oh, you'd be surprised.

It's possible.

But at least if it goes south for some reason I won't be out too much money it would still make for a nifty paperweight... or maybe a gun to test refinishing techniques on. That and I think they do have a warranty.

As I've said, I haven't shot mine a whole let yet, but it does seem to work very well for what it is. Goes bang every time and it does seem solid enough to last a long time. One in a larger caliber I might be suspicious of but my impression thus far is that the .22lr version is pretty alright.

November 25, 2010, 12:44 AM	#1
cajun47 Senior Member Join Date: May 28, 2007 Location: swamp people Posts: 539	cobra firearms any good? http://www.cobrapistols.net/index.asp i would not mind a derringer in .22lr and 9mm. how much these go for?

November 25, 2010, 02:23 AM	#4
raftman Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2009 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,890	Going solely off reputation, I would not trust any of their semi-automatics. Issues with reliability and durability are widely reported. I have a Cobra .22lr derringer, though. Bought it locally for $120 just because I thought it would be a really fun, novel range toy. Ever since I was a little kid, I've been fascinated with the whole concept and design of the derringer, so I had to get one now that I can. I figured .22 was the best way to go because the ammo is cheap, and plus less likely to result in any durability problems with the relatively small/weak .22 round. On top of that, the derringer design eliminates most potential reliability problems and its relative simplicity means that there's not much that could break. And of course, it can't/wont be picky about ammo, hollow points, round nose, sub-sonic, it's all good. It's not really the most comfortable, ergonomic design out there, so I concluded at least the .22 would have mild (nonexistent) enough recoil to not make the gun painful to shoot. I am pretty happy with it. I got it quite recently so I've only taken it out to the range once, but it works very well and is a ton of fun to shoot. It serves the purpose I got it for perfectly. It's neat, interesting, cheap, reliable, and fun. Can't wait for the opportunity to put a ton more rounds through it. If that's what you're after, it's not a bad buy. If you want to used it for carry, I'd get something else. It's a relatively poor choice as a self-defense gun. First off, you get 2 rounds of a relatively weak around, in a package that's quite inaccurate, and difficult to shoot quickly. Sure no one wants get shot, not even with a .22 derringer, and I am sure it could prove quite deadly, but there's just nothing about it that makes it a really worthwhile choice compared to what else is out there, not even its small size. For example, it's noticeably smaller than the Kel-Tec P32 in terms of overall length and height, but the derringer is actually a little bit thicker and noticeably heavier. However the Kel-Tec gives you 8 rounds of a more potent cartridge, all in a package that far better lends itself to faster and more accurate shooting. Here's a picture of it. Everyone likes pictures. Last edited by raftman; November 25, 2010 at 02:31 AM.

November 25, 2010, 11:05 AM	#12
twhidd Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2005 Location: Athens, Georgia Posts: 823	Cobra is what used to be Davis Industries. I had a Davis P32 years back that ended up at the bottom of a river, because it was so bad. Maybe they're better now, but I don't know. __________________ Todd NRA Life Member

November 25, 2010, 01:24 AM	#2
BLUEZ4U Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2007 Location: midwest Posts: 138	go to gunbroker.

November 25, 2010, 02:12 AM	#3
obxned Senior Member Join Date: May 30, 2007 Location: OBX, NC Posts: 1,128	Not the prettiest or smoothest firearms ever made, but the do work and are fair value for the money. You should be able to buy both for around $300.

November 25, 2010, 02:31 AM	#5
ccSnoopycc Senior Member Join Date: October 27, 2010 Posts: 123	I always thought cobra was another Jennings/Jimenez/Bryco. Is this true? Both the Jennings j-22 and the cobra CA series look identical to me. Do they have any connection to each other? Their little derringers look pretty nifty I do have to admit especially for the price.

November 25, 2010, 07:41 AM	#8
911JB Member Join Date: September 19, 2010 Location: IOWA Posts: 55	If you are thinking about a 9mm there is one issue I know of. The 9mm is a rimless round and loading them can be a pain. Since the 9 is rimless you must first push the extractor out a bit so that the extractor can sit in the grove in the casing, then the round can be chambered. Push the extractor out to far and the round passes the extractor and you cant close the gun,dont push it out enough and you risk bending the extractor when you attempt to load it. The loading procedure is not stated in the manual or on the box so I called the manufacturer and they said the directions were in the old manual, they must have ben overlooked in the new version. Its kinda a micky mouse set up if you ask me. Would I recommend one in 9mm? No! In 38 , 22 or any rimmed round, yes. They do what they were intended to do.

November 25, 2010, 07:50 AM	#9
goodspeed(TPF) Senior Member Join Date: January 19, 2009 Location: WI Posts: 1,162	No.

November 25, 2010, 09:36 AM	#10
Esteban32696 Member Join Date: February 10, 2010 Location: Fl. Posts: 80	I remember Yancy Derringer, too. Woolworths started seling toy derringers like those on the show. I fell in love with the looks & style of them, immediately. BUT i cannot see a use for one in modern day firearms. The .22 may be OK. Compare the size of a 9mm derringer against some of the new semi-automatics !! 6+ rounds is better than 2 . We used to say this in Vietnam. : He,,, who has the most bullets,,,, WINS ! "

November 25, 2010, 10:56 AM	#11
Hoss Fly Junior member Join Date: December 27, 2005 Location: East Texas Posts: 849	Had a derringer or 2- For $100 they'er OK but on the 9mm i had a couple FTF so i'd never bet my life on one- The 22lr was pretty much trouble free but i could hardly hit the ground with it

November 25, 2010, 11:30 AM	#13
32 Magnum Member In Memoriam Join Date: January 17, 2009 Location: Eastern PA Posts: 364	A "few" years back, a friend of mine who was a part-time FFL decided to give up the business and was closing out his stock. He FORCED me to buy the one remaining COBRA .32ACP derringers he had. I took it to the range - fired five shots - sixth was a no fire - bottom firing pin was broken. I called COBRA/Davis - the guy I talked to was great, very enthusiatic and customer friendly. He FAXed me a UPS return label and I sent of my little gem for repair. It was back in my hands in less than a week. I took it back to the range and finished off the box of ammo - no more problems. My experience at the range: any shots over about 15 feet, at least 2/3 keyholed; less than 10 feet - no keyholing. Accuracy was not bad for such a little thing. At 10 feet - could hit well centered with about a 4" spread. For a "belly gun" that type of accuracy is more than sufficient. My take on utility as a SD type firearm - it takes far too long and too many hands to get it into firing condition. As a DEEP DEEP cover piece - well, it wouldn't be too bad if you had time to deploy it. Something different to have.