Thoughts on a Colt Cobra 2"

rellascout · October 17, 2006, 09:55 AM

Looking at used Colt Cobra 2"

What are thoughts on this little Colt?

What's a good price for one with tight lock up and 80% blue?

Help a semi auto guy out.

Thanks

MADISON · October 17, 2006, 12:02 PM

I have owned sever Colt Cobras, over the years. Here is what I think of them:
[1] They carry 6 rounds in the cylinder.
[2] They are bulkier than the old 5 round S&W 36.
[3] They are stronger than the old .38 Special.

If you are satisfied with a .38 Special then go for it!!!

Dfariswheel · October 17, 2006, 02:37 PM

The Colt snubbies were noted for higher quality, better accuracy, and for being stronger than the small S&W "J" frame guns of the day.

The Colt snubby, starting with the Detective Special in 1927, was the "Gold Standard" in small revolvers up until the 1970's, and still delivers the goods today.

The post-1972 heavy, shrouded barrel models were factory rated for "up to" 1500 rounds of +P ammo in the aluminum Cobra and Agent version.

SIGSHR · October 17, 2006, 02:50 PM

I am a Colt Man but I am also a Steel and Walnut Man. To me aluminum frame guns are meant to be carried much but fired little, but I have found if
you don't fire them much you will not develop the familiarity and proficiency
you will need if the need arises. I find the weight savings ephemeral, if you
are that sensitive to the weight when "packing iron" then perhaps you need to
start "pumping iron". Just my $.02.

BluesBear · October 17, 2006, 07:00 PM

Normally I would vehemently agree with SIGSHR.
Except that I don't consider the Colt's Cobra & Agent to fall into the flyweight revolver catagory.

With their steel six shot cylinder and fatter steel barrel the Colts have much more weight than those titillating and unobtanium five shot revolvers produced by the big Massachusetts and little Brazilian companies.

The Cobra and it's less fancy little brother the Agent both possess enough mass to make extended range sessions comfortable. and don't require porting to make themselves controlable.

I consider the Colt Cobra to be the finest 2" alloy framed revolver ever produced. I've owned a few. I've carried a few.
Several years ago I went through a period of temporary insanity and purged myself of everything rollmarked .38 Special.
The Cobra is the most regretted of that horrible decision.

Chindo18Z · October 17, 2006, 09:12 PM

I've concealed carried both a Detective Special (w/ barrel shroud) and an older unshrouded Cobra. Preferred them to my S&W .38 M60. I liked the six shots better than five. Prefer Smith DA pull to Colt, but both are good.

The Cobra was my favorite out of the three; a joy to carry, good trigger, and didn't seem to be as susceptible to rust from sweat as the DS (because of aluminum frame?). It was as accurate as any other D or J snub. The Cobra seemed to be a perfect blend of weight, size, accuracy, and firepower. Excellent trigger. It was a beater ex-LEO gun and not especially pretty, but I wish I still had it.

If you find one, get it. It is still every bit as good or better than any current snub made by S&W or Taurus.

Just remember that it is not a heavy duty .357 framed package (like a Ruger SP 101). It was designed to be light and easy to carry .38 for close range use.

I priced a nice (85-90%) nickel DS in southern Ohio about 2 years ago for $445. I'd think that you might find a decent Cobra in the $425-$500 range depending on what part of the country you're in. Colt revolvers are scarce everywhere and anything in good shape under $400 is a great deal. I'd hate to pay anything over $500 unless I just HAD to have a particular weapon.

Besides, you won't lose any money on it if you hang on to it for more than a year.

Tommy Vercetti · November 14, 2009, 04:02 PM

I saw a nickel plated Colt Cobra recently for $800, a bit too steep for me

cocojo · November 14, 2009, 08:24 PM

That's what I carry. 1967 Cobra with agent grips and tyler grip adapter. My agent is 1956 set up the same way. I like them better than my J frames. Six shots v five shot. My timing is on with six shots. What year is the one your looking at? I much prefer unshrouded Colts plus I think they are better built and have better triggers. How to tell ware on Colts. Lockup after you pulled the trigger all the way through, hold the trigger back and check tightness of the cyclinder. Next right under the barrel with the cylinder opens, check for cracks at six o'clock. Next check the ratcheting face on the recoil plate for deep gouges from the ratchets. Shows +p's used or excessive loads if really gouged out. The face plate around where the round goes off for ware. Lastly cock the hammer back and push on the back of the hammer slightly, if it falls, the sears worn. There are other areas but this is a good start. Never can go wrong with an old Colt.

Pbearperry · November 14, 2009, 08:41 PM

Great gun.Wish I owned one.

doc540 · November 14, 2009, 10:20 PM

gets my vote

Cobra

Agent

unit 900 · November 15, 2009, 10:38 AM

My well used Cobra gets carried a lot. Current pricing has been trending higher, I guess that a 80% gun (not sure if it has the lug or not) would be close to $400 in my neck of the woods. Shooting regular pressure ammo and the occasional +P should have the gun last longer than us.
The bottom revolver with the T grip is the Cobra. The upper one is a 1970 NIB DS

Glenn E. Meyer · November 15, 2009, 11:46 AM

I got one like Doc's for $350 a couple of years ago. Nice gun.

dgludwig · November 15, 2009, 01:11 PM

The Cobra/Agent carries 20% more ammo than an Airweight and weighs the same. What's not to like?

trigger happy · November 15, 2009, 01:32 PM

mine is nickel plated and goes wherever me and my right front pocket go, I bought a Galco horsehide pocket holster and loaded it up with Winchester 158 grain lead hollowpoints

unbelievably easy to carry

Terry A · November 15, 2009, 04:46 PM

I've always like the Detective Special, Agent and Cobra. My grandpap had the D.S. and one of his hunting buddies had the Agent. Solid and neat looking guns. Another one from this family was the Colt Police Positive Special, which my grandpap had in 6" barrel. All good handguns. I especially liked the original checkered wooden grips that came with these models.

Besides being built solid and looking nice, they were good shooting guns. I personally have never shot the Agent, but I have the other ones and they impressed me much.

Webleymkv · November 15, 2009, 08:10 PM

I had an older one (serial # put the mfgr. date at 1953) and found it to be an excellent pocket gun. My carry loads of choice were 110grn Standard Pressure Hornady Critical Defense or Winchester 148grn HBWC (this gun was old enough not to be rated for +P). I sold it about three months ago to a lady I know that was in need of a lightweight CC revolver.

doc540 · November 15, 2009, 09:45 PM

Agent shoots better'n I do

avakadava · November 17, 2009, 06:51 PM

I have been carrying a Colt Cobra in my front pocket for over 20 years.
I have "U

GLK · November 17, 2009, 07:30 PM

They are great little guns and can be surprisingly accurate with the right ammo. My lovely Wife has this Cobra(mid 70s example)in her night stand and like someone else already ask, with 20% more ammo what is not to like? I wouldn't sell it for $400.00,
I slip it in my pocket from time to time when walking the hounds. With its light weight I hardly even know it is there.

bamaranger · November 18, 2009, 02:29 AM

I carry a S&W 36, only because I have never seen a colt agent, cobra, or DS for sale when I had the money. If I knew where one was, espcially the cobra, I'd trade tomorrow.

Boomer8404 · November 18, 2009, 02:50 AM

I carry one with Pachmayr Compac Grips on it. Getting ready to take the plunge and bob the hammer. Over all I love it.

It was made in 1974. Paid $500 for it and it had never been fired. I had always thought I'd over paid for the little pistol, but once I started reading about them on the forums, I quickly realized I got a good dang deal cause it was actually being sold on consignment and the guy I bout it from would have wanted about $700 for it if not on consignment. Either way, I love it. Would love to have another to go with it, a pair of 3rd production Agents and 3rd production Dick Specials too. Take them if you can get a chance at them.

doc540 · November 18, 2009, 11:04 AM

Dick

savit260 · November 18, 2009, 04:55 PM

Just a whisker wider than a J frame, with one more round... plus it's a Colt.

This one goes in my front pocket when I need something smallish.

... and for some reason, I shoot this much better than I shoot J frames. Nicer trigger, that's for sure.

avakadava · November 20, 2009, 12:57 AM

Hi Scout:

I am an old 67 year man that carries, on a daily basis, a Colt Cobra in
an intense, multi-cultural urban area. My 50 year old Cobra is in my front
pocket in an Uncle Mikes, in my belt or under a newspaper in my car. I
load it with 110 gr HdraShoks.

I use Eagle Secret Service grips, which are much more concealable that Badger or Spegel grips

The Cobra is the best concealed weapon.

Thanks,

Dan

doc540 · November 20, 2009, 10:53 AM

avak, can you post a picture of the SS grips that are much more concealable than Badger's?

I've heard nothing but good things about them, and I might try a set.

These are the only one's I could find on the Eagle site:

They don't look a lot smaller than my Badger's, but if they are I'm sure interested!

October 17, 2006, 09:55 AM	#1
rellascout Junior member Join Date: September 2, 2004 Posts: 2,435	Thoughts on a Colt Cobra 2" Looking at used Colt Cobra 2" What are thoughts on this little Colt? What's a good price for one with tight lock up and 80% blue? Help a semi auto guy out. Thanks

October 17, 2006, 12:02 PM	#2
MADISON Senior Member Join Date: January 1, 2000 Location: Roanoke, Virginia Posts: 2,678	Colt Cobra 2 I have owned sever Colt Cobras, over the years. Here is what I think of them: [1] They carry 6 rounds in the cylinder. [2] They are bulkier than the old 5 round S&W 36. [3] They are stronger than the old .38 Special. If you are satisfied with a .38 Special then go for it!!! Last edited by MADISON; October 18, 2006 at 08:12 AM.

October 17, 2006, 07:00 PM	#5
BluesBear Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2004 Location: Mill Creek, Washington (The Great Pacific NorthWet) Posts: 378	Normally I would vehemently agree with SIGSHR. Except that I don't consider the Colt's Cobra & Agent to fall into the flyweight revolver catagory. With their steel six shot cylinder and fatter steel barrel the Colts have much more weight than those titillating and unobtanium five shot revolvers produced by the big Massachusetts and little Brazilian companies. The Cobra and it's less fancy little brother the Agent both possess enough mass to make extended range sessions comfortable. and don't require porting to make themselves controlable. I consider the Colt Cobra to be the finest 2" alloy framed revolver ever produced. I've owned a few. I've carried a few. Several years ago I went through a period of temporary insanity and purged myself of everything rollmarked .38 Special. The Cobra is the most regretted of that horrible decision. __________________ ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΈ, Y'all The "Fashion Calibers" seem to come and go but when all is said and done everybody comes back to the forty-five. (Chris Curino - Kimber Mfg. Co.) __________________ Airplane Pictures

October 17, 2006, 09:12 PM	#6
Chindo18Z Senior Member Join Date: July 23, 1999 Posts: 498	I've concealed carried both a Detective Special (w/ barrel shroud) and an older unshrouded Cobra. Preferred them to my S&W .38 M60. I liked the six shots better than five. Prefer Smith DA pull to Colt, but both are good. The Cobra was my favorite out of the three; a joy to carry, good trigger, and didn't seem to be as susceptible to rust from sweat as the DS (because of aluminum frame?). It was as accurate as any other D or J snub. The Cobra seemed to be a perfect blend of weight, size, accuracy, and firepower. Excellent trigger. It was a beater ex-LEO gun and not especially pretty, but I wish I still had it. If you find one, get it. It is still every bit as good or better than any current snub made by S&W or Taurus. Just remember that it is not a heavy duty .357 framed package (like a Ruger SP 101). It was designed to be light and easy to carry .38 for close range use. I priced a nice (85-90%) nickel DS in southern Ohio about 2 years ago for $445. I'd think that you might find a decent Cobra in the $425-$500 range depending on what part of the country you're in. Colt revolvers are scarce everywhere and anything in good shape under $400 is a great deal. I'd hate to pay anything over $500 unless I just HAD to have a particular weapon. Besides, you won't lose any money on it if you hang on to it for more than a year. __________________ Figure The Odds...

November 14, 2009, 04:02 PM	#7
Tommy Vercetti Senior Member Join Date: June 26, 2004 Location: Fairhope, Alabama Posts: 1,119	I saw a nickel plated Colt Cobra recently for $800, a bit too steep for me __________________ "When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying the cross." Sinclair Lewis, (It Can't Happen Here, 1935) "Orators are most vehement when their cause is weak" Marcus Tullius Cicero

October 17, 2006, 02:37 PM	#3
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,478	The Colt snubbies were noted for higher quality, better accuracy, and for being stronger than the small S&W "J" frame guns of the day. The Colt snubby, starting with the Detective Special in 1927, was the "Gold Standard" in small revolvers up until the 1970's, and still delivers the goods today. The post-1972 heavy, shrouded barrel models were factory rated for "up to" 1500 rounds of +P ammo in the aluminum Cobra and Agent version.

October 17, 2006, 02:50 PM	#4
SIGSHR Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 4,700	I am a Colt Man but I am also a Steel and Walnut Man. To me aluminum frame guns are meant to be carried much but fired little, but I have found if you don't fire them much you will not develop the familiarity and proficiency you will need if the need arises. I find the weight savings ephemeral, if you are that sensitive to the weight when "packing iron" then perhaps you need to start "pumping iron". Just my $.02.

November 14, 2009, 08:24 PM	#8
cocojo Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2000 Posts: 500	That's what I carry. 1967 Cobra with agent grips and tyler grip adapter. My agent is 1956 set up the same way. I like them better than my J frames. Six shots v five shot. My timing is on with six shots. What year is the one your looking at? I much prefer unshrouded Colts plus I think they are better built and have better triggers. How to tell ware on Colts. Lockup after you pulled the trigger all the way through, hold the trigger back and check tightness of the cyclinder. Next right under the barrel with the cylinder opens, check for cracks at six o'clock. Next check the ratcheting face on the recoil plate for deep gouges from the ratchets. Shows +p's used or excessive loads if really gouged out. The face plate around where the round goes off for ware. Lastly cock the hammer back and push on the back of the hammer slightly, if it falls, the sears worn. There are other areas but this is a good start. Never can go wrong with an old Colt.

November 14, 2009, 08:41 PM	#9
Pbearperry Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 2008 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 283	Great gun.Wish I owned one.

November 14, 2009, 10:20 PM	#10
doc540 Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 1,430	gets my vote Cobra Agent

November 15, 2009, 10:38 AM	#11
unit 900 Senior Member Join Date: August 16, 2001 Location: Maryland Posts: 130	My well used Cobra gets carried a lot. Current pricing has been trending higher, I guess that a 80% gun (not sure if it has the lug or not) would be close to $400 in my neck of the woods. Shooting regular pressure ammo and the occasional +P should have the gun last longer than us. The bottom revolver with the T grip is the Cobra. The upper one is a 1970 NIB DS

November 15, 2009, 11:46 AM	#12
Glenn E. Meyer Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2000 Posts: 20,064	I got one like Doc's for $350 a couple of years ago. Nice gun. __________________ NRA, TSRA, IDPA, NTI, Polite Soc. - Aux Armes, Citoyens

November 15, 2009, 01:11 PM	#13
dgludwig Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2005 Location: North central Ohio Posts: 7,486	The Cobra/Agent carries 20% more ammo than an Airweight and weighs the same. What's not to like? __________________ ONLY AN ARMED PEOPLE CAN BE TRULY FREE ; ONLY AN UNARMED PEOPLE CAN EVER BE ENSLAVED ...Aristotle NRA Benefactor Life Member

November 15, 2009, 01:32 PM	#14
trigger happy Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2006 Location: Pensacola Posts: 759	mine is nickel plated and goes wherever me and my right front pocket go, I bought a Galco horsehide pocket holster and loaded it up with Winchester 158 grain lead hollowpoints unbelievably easy to carry __________________ "You cannot invade mainland United States. There would be a rifle behind each blade of grass" Admiral Yamamoto "You have enemies ? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life" Winston Churchill

November 15, 2009, 04:46 PM	#15
Terry A Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2008 Location: Washington, Pa Posts: 764	From a semi guy also rellascout I've always like the Detective Special, Agent and Cobra. My grandpap had the D.S. and one of his hunting buddies had the Agent. Solid and neat looking guns. Another one from this family was the Colt Police Positive Special, which my grandpap had in 6" barrel. All good handguns. I especially liked the original checkered wooden grips that came with these models. Besides being built solid and looking nice, they were good shooting guns. I personally have never shot the Agent, but I have the other ones and they impressed me much. __________________ 2 Thes 3:16 "Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all! "

November 15, 2009, 08:10 PM	#16
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 10,446	I had an older one (serial # put the mfgr. date at 1953) and found it to be an excellent pocket gun. My carry loads of choice were 110grn Standard Pressure Hornady Critical Defense or Winchester 148grn HBWC (this gun was old enough not to be rated for +P). I sold it about three months ago to a lady I know that was in need of a lightweight CC revolver.

November 15, 2009, 09:45 PM	#17
doc540 Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 1,430	Agent shoots better'n I do

November 17, 2009, 06:51 PM	#18
avakadava Member Join Date: July 11, 2008 Posts: 49	Cobra Carry I have been carrying a Colt Cobra in my front pocket for over 20 years. I have "U

November 17, 2009, 07:30 PM	#19
GLK Senior Member Join Date: June 22, 2000 Location: Brandon FL USA Posts: 527	They are great little guns and can be surprisingly accurate with the right ammo. My lovely Wife has this Cobra(mid 70s example)in her night stand and like someone else already ask, with 20% more ammo what is not to like? I wouldn't sell it for $400.00, I slip it in my pocket from time to time when walking the hounds. With its light weight I hardly even know it is there. __________________ Just face shoot the criminal was the advice I was given. Old tech new tech, face shooting will nearly always take the wrong doing out of a bad guy.

November 18, 2009, 02:29 AM	#20
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,308	wish I had one I carry a S&W 36, only because I have never seen a colt agent, cobra, or DS for sale when I had the money. If I knew where one was, espcially the cobra, I'd trade tomorrow.

November 18, 2009, 02:50 AM	#21
Boomer8404 Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2007 Location: Far West Texas Posts: 109	I carry one with Pachmayr Compac Grips on it. Getting ready to take the plunge and bob the hammer. Over all I love it. It was made in 1974. Paid $500 for it and it had never been fired. I had always thought I'd over paid for the little pistol, but once I started reading about them on the forums, I quickly realized I got a good dang deal cause it was actually being sold on consignment and the guy I bout it from would have wanted about $700 for it if not on consignment. Either way, I love it. Would love to have another to go with it, a pair of 3rd production Agents and 3rd production Dick Specials too. Take them if you can get a chance at them. Last edited by Boomer8404; November 18, 2009 at 03:21 AM.

November 18, 2009, 11:04 AM	#22
doc540 Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 1,430	Dick

November 18, 2009, 04:55 PM	#23
savit260 Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2006 Posts: 702	Just a whisker wider than a J frame, with one more round... plus it's a Colt. This one goes in my front pocket when I need something smallish. ... and for some reason, I shoot this much better than I shoot J frames. Nicer trigger, that's for sure.

November 20, 2009, 12:57 AM	#24
avakadava Member Join Date: July 11, 2008 Posts: 49	Colt Cobra carry Hi Scout: I am an old 67 year man that carries, on a daily basis, a Colt Cobra in an intense, multi-cultural urban area. My 50 year old Cobra is in my front pocket in an Uncle Mikes, in my belt or under a newspaper in my car. I load it with 110 gr HdraShoks. I use Eagle Secret Service grips, which are much more concealable that Badger or Spegel grips The Cobra is the best concealed weapon. Thanks, Dan Last edited by avakadava; November 20, 2009 at 01:05 AM.

November 20, 2009, 10:53 AM	#25
doc540 Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 1,430	avak, can you post a picture of the SS grips that are much more concealable than Badger's? I've heard nothing but good things about them, and I might try a set. These are the only one's I could find on the Eagle site: They don't look a lot smaller than my Badger's, but if they are I'm sure interested!