New Colt Cobra....I'm laughing

UncleEd · October 9, 2017, 07:23 PM

Checked one out, actually two over a two month period.

Rough edges, cheap looking finish, gritty release of the
cylinder with a rough cylinder release knob.

And by rough edges, a Ruger looks like a sweet and well
polished handgun. The Colt Cobra's cylinder flutes are
sharp, as suggested above by my comment on "rough edges."

At a suggested MSRP of $699, which is about what they actually
sell for retail, take a look at any Smith & Wesson, even the new
ones with the often cursed internal lock or a Ruger GP 101.

Reminded me of the Commando which exhibited about as crude
a finish.

Hey, it did have the little pony on the left side.

Yes, the action was smooth but long and stagy to my way of thinking.

Deaf Smith · October 9, 2017, 08:59 PM

I just bought a blue, excellent condition, Colt Detective Special, 3ed Gen, for $400.

So why in the heck would I want this 'Cobra' for that price?

Deaf

John J. McCarthy, Jr · October 9, 2017, 09:35 PM

I find your comments on the new Cobra quite interesting. This gun was one of the sensations out of this year's SHOT Show. I've only read the breathless reviews of those covering the show and I thought it was a great idea Colt intended to come out with one in .357.

I would probably never buy one anyway, my sweet and well polished GP100 looks great on my side.

Thanks for the scoop.

UncleEd · October 9, 2017, 10:04 PM

The reason I sought out the new Cobra was I thought I'd be an eager buyer.

But, not so.

K_Mac · October 9, 2017, 10:31 PM

I wonder what it would cost to manufacture a new Colt revolver with the same fit and finish of days gone by? My guess is $700 would not get it done. Building a lesser version of a classic seems like a bad idea.

Wheel-Gunner · October 10, 2017, 12:52 AM

As I have stated in other threads on the subject, after inspecting one I came away with thoughts similar to yours. Too bad......big disappointment as a revolver guy. Not long before looking at the Cobra, I scored a pinned/recessed 4" model 29 for the same price as the new Cobra. Something is wrong there!

DPris · October 10, 2017, 01:33 AM

The new Cobra is largely MIM & is entirely outsourced in all parts.
It's assembled by Colt from outside vendors' parts.

At SHOT in Feb, I was told by one of the design engineers that there was exactly one part that needed to be hand fit- the hand.
And they planned to eliminate the hand fitting on that part once production got well under way.

The gun is a testament to the ability of the MIM industry to produce such tight & repeatable tolerances that no fitting is needed.

Just assemble & run with it.
Denis

mete · October 10, 2017, 02:23 AM

Of course I've seen many a complaint about MIM in guns .But then I came across a comment that FORD trucks had a very significant , highly stressed MIM part in those trucks .
Obviously some industries use junk MIM parts and some industries use excellent MIM parts !! Or maybe some have bean counters doing their engineering !

Ibmikey · October 10, 2017, 02:58 AM

I have not as yet shot the new Colt although I did inspect one and wondered about the wisdom of a .357 that small and light. The one I inspected had the dull finish but beyond that displayed excellent fitting and no tool marks whatsoever. Expensive for a carry gun? Not if you are proficient and comfortable with it, what is your butt worth anyway?
I carried a Smith 36 and later 60 pistol as a plain clothes gun or on a ankle when in uniform as a back up and was quite comfortable with the five shot revolver, today my Sig P 238 carries six rounds and I suffer no anxiety attacks.

**Mike Irwin** · October 11, 2017, 07:00 AM

"I wonder what it would cost to manufacture a new Colt revolver with the same fit and finish of days gone by? My guess is $700 would not get it done. Building a lesser version of a classic seems like a bad idea."

You'd likely be looking at $2000, if not more.

No one, and I mean no one, could put a polish and blue job on a revolver like Colt.

But to get that finish required highly skilled and experienced people running those polishers.

johnwilliamson062 · October 11, 2017, 07:06 AM

Quote:

But to get that finish required highly skilled and experienced people running those polishers.

People who simply aren't around to run those machines anymore. It takes years to develop someone with the aptitude.

Always hiccups with a new production line. I'll be reserving judgement for a year or two.

Carmady · October 11, 2017, 07:35 AM

Maybe Colt is trying to keep up with S&W and Ruger.

Model12Win · October 11, 2017, 07:42 AM

So many complaining about the finish on the new Cobras.

It is a matte tactical finish to reduce glare so you aren't identified by tangos.

The shiny royal blue and nickel finish of Colts from days gone by has killed plenty of operators. It increases visual signatures so tangos can zero in on your position and engage you.

Carmady · October 11, 2017, 08:29 AM

Damn the tangos, full speed ahead!

**Mike Irwin** · October 11, 2017, 08:42 AM

"People who simply aren't around to run those machines anymore."

Yep. Someone years ago claimed that it took upwards 10 years for someone to truly master that task, and many who tried simply didn't have the ability.

texagun · October 11, 2017, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Hey, it did have the little pony on the left side.

That's worth $200 for some Colt fans. But not to me.

BigJimP · October 11, 2017, 11:59 AM

I don't know what Colt's marketing dept had in mind when they put that new model in production....maybe they got exactly what they expected...at the price point they wanted....???

I'm not a big Colt fan anyway...I think the older S&W Model 27's ( Nickel or Blued ) were better finished and better guns than the old Colts anyway - especially in terms of the S&W double action triggers over the Colt ( but I know this could spark a debate ...)...

but my point is, maybe Colt is doing exactly what they wanted to do. I don't know for sure, but I don't think they had any intention of making the same revolver they used to make again.

( I have shot the new Colt...guy at my local range bought one .. and to me its just another average production gun ...).

UncleEd · October 11, 2017, 12:24 PM

Model12Win,

Although I mentioned the finish in. my OP, note I also detailed the sharp
edges, worst than I've found on Ruger revolvers. As the whole, the
Colt Cobra was a disappointment.

As for your comment about not wanting to be identified by "tangos,"
what are those, dancers?

K_Mac · October 11, 2017, 12:33 PM

BigJimP you may be right that Colt had no intention of competing with the older versions. The question then is why market them under the same name?

**Mike Irwin** · October 11, 2017, 12:46 PM

"The question then is why market them under the same name?"

Probably the same reason that S&W started slapping "Military and Police" on just about everything they sold...

"NEW! Military and Police Power Bars!"

OK, not that bad, but good grief...

Anyway, the reason they're doing in, in my opinion? Still a lot of people who remember when Colt and Cobra were hallmarks for quality.

Capitalize on goodwill generated in the past.

K_Mac · October 11, 2017, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Capitalize on goodwill generated in the past.

I think you're right Mike. I think it is risky strategy though. Goodwill is not easy to get and very easy to lose. Using the status of the badge to sell new handguns that are little like the guns that earned an almost cult- like following seems like a "NEW Coca-Cola" strategy to me.

JN01 · October 11, 2017, 03:03 PM

I saw one at a gun shop yesterday. Were I shopping for a snub revolver, I might consider it- 6 shot, steel, pretty decent trigger. Didn't notice a bunch of sharp edges, but the finish was pretty unimpressive, especially for $700. Price needs to be considerably lower.

BigJimP · October 11, 2017, 06:26 PM

The new revolvers from S&W...are nothing - especially internally with all the MIM parts - or on the finish as well - compared to their revolvers of 40 - 50 yrs ago either.

But I think the new versions of the S&W revolvers are better guns than what I have seen from the new Colt revolver / at least so far.

While the S&W model 27 especially in a dash 2 or earlier, is one of my all time favorite guns - and some of the best revolvers I own../...the new model 627's -- I bought a 2 5/8" and 5" perf center models about 18 months ago to test ( 8 shot, stainless, full of MIM, have proved to be solid performers...a little ugly ...but solid guns with very good triggers) -- just not nearly as esthetically pleasing as the old model 27's.

I can't blame Colt for putting their logo on the gun....its still their gun.

I don't think the new Colt revolver...detracts buyers from the old Colt revolvers....or vice versa with S&W either.

Slamfire · October 11, 2017, 07:14 PM

Hey, you are paying for the Pony. You want the Pony you are going to have to pay for the Pony. Did you expect more than the Pony? OOPS!

RIDE-RED 350r · October 11, 2017, 08:09 PM

I did a little looking on this new Colt wheelgun and the first two reviews I read had nothing but good things to say about it. Not really my cup of tea though, the little bit I have ever fondled a Colt (my uncles 4" Python) I didn't care for the cylinder release compared to my Smith's. Love the looks of the old snakes don't get me wrong. I hope for the sake of competition and variety for us customers to enjoy that Colt does expand on their reentry into the DA wheelgun market. Hopefully this little Cobra is just the beginning. Maybe a "new" Python might be closer to affordable for a guy like me so maybe I could get used to that pesky cylinder release and enjoy owning such a beautiful wheelgun

October 9, 2017, 07:23 PM	#1
UncleEd Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2013 Location: N. Georgia Posts: 1,150	New Colt Cobra....I'm laughing Checked one out, actually two over a two month period. Rough edges, cheap looking finish, gritty release of the cylinder with a rough cylinder release knob. And by rough edges, a Ruger looks like a sweet and well polished handgun. The Colt Cobra's cylinder flutes are sharp, as suggested above by my comment on "rough edges." At a suggested MSRP of $699, which is about what they actually sell for retail, take a look at any Smith & Wesson, even the new ones with the often cursed internal lock or a Ruger GP 101. Reminded me of the Commando which exhibited about as crude a finish. Hey, it did have the little pony on the left side. Yes, the action was smooth but long and stagy to my way of thinking.

October 9, 2017, 08:59 PM	#2
Deaf Smith Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2000 Location: Texican! Posts: 4,453	I just bought a blue, excellent condition, Colt Detective Special, 3ed Gen, for $400. So why in the heck would I want this 'Cobra' for that price? Deaf __________________ “To you who call yourselves ‘men of peace,’ I say, you are not safe without men of action by your side” Thucydides

October 9, 2017, 09:35 PM	#3
John J. McCarthy, Jr Member Join Date: October 3, 2017 Posts: 18	I find your comments on the new Cobra quite interesting. This gun was one of the sensations out of this year's SHOT Show. I've only read the breathless reviews of those covering the show and I thought it was a great idea Colt intended to come out with one in .357. I would probably never buy one anyway, my sweet and well polished GP100 looks great on my side. Thanks for the scoop. __________________ Optimism is true moral courage. - Sir Ernest Shackleton http://www.anamericanwithagun.com/

October 9, 2017, 10:31 PM	#5
K_Mac Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2010 Posts: 1,850	I wonder what it would cost to manufacture a new Colt revolver with the same fit and finish of days gone by? My guess is $700 would not get it done. Building a lesser version of a classic seems like a bad idea. __________________ "Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do." Benjamin Franklin

October 10, 2017, 12:52 AM	#6
Wheel-Gunner Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2006 Posts: 277	As I have stated in other threads on the subject, after inspecting one I came away with thoughts similar to yours. Too bad......big disappointment as a revolver guy. Not long before looking at the Cobra, I scored a pinned/recessed 4" model 29 for the same price as the new Cobra. Something is wrong there! __________________ "History does not entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid. We must acquire proficiency in defense and display stamina in purpose." Dwight Eisenhower

October 9, 2017, 10:04 PM	#4
UncleEd Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2013 Location: N. Georgia Posts: 1,150	The reason I sought out the new Cobra was I thought I'd be an eager buyer. But, not so.

October 10, 2017, 01:33 AM	#7
DPris Member Emeritus Join Date: August 19, 2004 Posts: 7,133	The new Cobra is largely MIM & is entirely outsourced in all parts. It's assembled by Colt from outside vendors' parts. At SHOT in Feb, I was told by one of the design engineers that there was exactly one part that needed to be hand fit- the hand. And they planned to eliminate the hand fitting on that part once production got well under way. The gun is a testament to the ability of the MIM industry to produce such tight & repeatable tolerances that no fitting is needed. Just assemble & run with it. Denis

October 10, 2017, 02:23 AM	#8
mete Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 6,575	Of course I've seen many a complaint about MIM in guns .But then I came across a comment that FORD trucks had a very significant , highly stressed MIM part in those trucks . Obviously some industries use junk MIM parts and some industries use excellent MIM parts !! Or maybe some have bean counters doing their engineering ! __________________ And Watson , bring your revolver !

October 10, 2017, 02:58 AM	#9
Ibmikey Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2013 Location: Now relocated to Texas Posts: 2,943	I have not as yet shot the new Colt although I did inspect one and wondered about the wisdom of a .357 that small and light. The one I inspected had the dull finish but beyond that displayed excellent fitting and no tool marks whatsoever. Expensive for a carry gun? Not if you are proficient and comfortable with it, what is your butt worth anyway? I carried a Smith 36 and later 60 pistol as a plain clothes gun or on a ankle when in uniform as a back up and was quite comfortable with the five shot revolver, today my Sig P 238 carries six rounds and I suffer no anxiety attacks.

October 11, 2017, 07:00 AM	#10
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,388	"I wonder what it would cost to manufacture a new Colt revolver with the same fit and finish of days gone by? My guess is $700 would not get it done. Building a lesser version of a classic seems like a bad idea." You'd likely be looking at $2000, if not more. No one, and I mean no one, could put a polish and blue job on a revolver like Colt. But to get that finish required highly skilled and experienced people running those polishers. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

October 11, 2017, 07:35 AM	#12
Carmady Senior Member Join Date: February 26, 2013 Location: on the lam Posts: 1,735	Maybe Colt is trying to keep up with S&W and Ruger.

October 11, 2017, 07:42 AM	#13
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	So many complaining about the finish on the new Cobras. It is a matte tactical finish to reduce glare so you aren't identified by tangos. The shiny royal blue and nickel finish of Colts from days gone by has killed plenty of operators. It increases visual signatures so tangos can zero in on your position and engage you.

October 11, 2017, 08:29 AM	#14
Carmady Senior Member Join Date: February 26, 2013 Location: on the lam Posts: 1,735	Damn the tangos, full speed ahead!

October 11, 2017, 08:42 AM	#15
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,388	"People who simply aren't around to run those machines anymore." Yep. Someone years ago claimed that it took upwards 10 years for someone to truly master that task, and many who tried simply didn't have the ability. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

October 11, 2017, 11:59 AM	#17
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	I don't know what Colt's marketing dept had in mind when they put that new model in production....maybe they got exactly what they expected...at the price point they wanted....??? I'm not a big Colt fan anyway...I think the older S&W Model 27's ( Nickel or Blued ) were better finished and better guns than the old Colts anyway - especially in terms of the S&W double action triggers over the Colt ( but I know this could spark a debate ...)... but my point is, maybe Colt is doing exactly what they wanted to do. I don't know for sure, but I don't think they had any intention of making the same revolver they used to make again. ( I have shot the new Colt...guy at my local range bought one .. and to me its just another average production gun ...).

October 11, 2017, 12:24 PM	#18
UncleEd Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2013 Location: N. Georgia Posts: 1,150	Model12Win, Although I mentioned the finish in. my OP, note I also detailed the sharp edges, worst than I've found on Ruger revolvers. As the whole, the Colt Cobra was a disappointment. As for your comment about not wanting to be identified by "tangos," what are those, dancers?

October 11, 2017, 12:33 PM	#19
K_Mac Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2010 Posts: 1,850	BigJimP you may be right that Colt had no intention of competing with the older versions. The question then is why market them under the same name? __________________ "Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do." Benjamin Franklin

October 11, 2017, 12:46 PM	#20
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,388	"The question then is why market them under the same name?" Probably the same reason that S&W started slapping "Military and Police" on just about everything they sold... "NEW! Military and Police Power Bars!" OK, not that bad, but good grief... Anyway, the reason they're doing in, in my opinion? Still a lot of people who remember when Colt and Cobra were hallmarks for quality. Capitalize on goodwill generated in the past. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

October 11, 2017, 03:03 PM	#22
JN01 Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2005 Location: E Tennessee Posts: 828	I saw one at a gun shop yesterday. Were I shopping for a snub revolver, I might consider it- 6 shot, steel, pretty decent trigger. Didn't notice a bunch of sharp edges, but the finish was pretty unimpressive, especially for $700. Price needs to be considerably lower.

October 11, 2017, 06:26 PM	#23
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	The new revolvers from S&W...are nothing - especially internally with all the MIM parts - or on the finish as well - compared to their revolvers of 40 - 50 yrs ago either. But I think the new versions of the S&W revolvers are better guns than what I have seen from the new Colt revolver / at least so far. While the S&W model 27 especially in a dash 2 or earlier, is one of my all time favorite guns - and some of the best revolvers I own../...the new model 627's -- I bought a 2 5/8" and 5" perf center models about 18 months ago to test ( 8 shot, stainless, full of MIM, have proved to be solid performers...a little ugly ...but solid guns with very good triggers) -- just not nearly as esthetically pleasing as the old model 27's. I can't blame Colt for putting their logo on the gun....its still their gun. I don't think the new Colt revolver...detracts buyers from the old Colt revolvers....or vice versa with S&W either.

October 11, 2017, 07:14 PM	#24
Slamfire Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2007 Posts: 5,261	Hey, you are paying for the Pony. You want the Pony you are going to have to pay for the Pony. Did you expect more than the Pony? OOPS! __________________ If I'm not shooting, I'm reloading.

October 11, 2017, 08:09 PM	#25
RIDE-RED 350r Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2014 Posts: 425	I did a little looking on this new Colt wheelgun and the first two reviews I read had nothing but good things to say about it. Not really my cup of tea though, the little bit I have ever fondled a Colt (my uncles 4" Python) I didn't care for the cylinder release compared to my Smith's. Love the looks of the old snakes don't get me wrong. I hope for the sake of competition and variety for us customers to enjoy that Colt does expand on their reentry into the DA wheelgun market. Hopefully this little Cobra is just the beginning. Maybe a "new" Python might be closer to affordable for a guy like me so maybe I could get used to that pesky cylinder release and enjoy owning such a beautiful wheelgun