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.
See Also: 6 New Year’s Resolutions for a Fitter Colt
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.
I’m 77 years old. I’ve handled, shot, and hunted with handguns since I was 13. Spent 27 years in uniform handling handguns and other very large caliber weapons. I then worked in the Federal Gov. testing handguns.
After all that experience my wife has in her night stand the new Colt Cobra. I have in my night stand the S&W 686 in .357.
All other hand guns are locked up in my safe.
While we don’t live in a high crime area I feel very comfortable with our defensive posture.
I have many older Colts, both automatics and revolvers. They are hands down my favorite, especially the double action revolvers. This new Cobra does not disappoint. I picked one up a month ago. At the range I was consistently banging a 8 inch plate at 50-60 yards. That’s really decent for a short barrel/ sight radius. And I was doing in single and double action with a variety of ammo. I’m really pleased with it and it is already one of my favorite snubbies. I’d like to see it in 357 but I like it better than both my K6 and a 2” Lawman MkV. Kudos to Colt for getting back into the market and hitting a home run. I highly recommend this little gem.
If Colt wants a real winner in its return to the DA revolver market, bring back the Diamondback. Built on the same “D” frame as their new Cobra with a Python-esque barrel. But don’t just offer it in .38 Special but also offer it as a 7 shot .327 Federal magnum.
I like it but wish Colt had used a plain steel sight, and how about a blued version.
I’m a new guy to handguns and in fact have not yet pulled the trigger on my first and only purchase of one. I am leaning towards the new Cobra for several reasons. One is that it’s got a place for my pinky finger. I think I’ve got a good strong pinky and I would like to involve it in controlling my gun. Second, I don’t mind the 38+P round especially since the new little Colt will give me six chances instead of five to land a round where it needs to go. Third, my gun will be a nightstand gun, so for me, I like the extra mass of the new steel framed Cobra. Fourth, I’ve got this notion that I’d like to practice at the range with the same load as I’ll be using at home for self defense. I know a lot of folks tell me to practice with 38 and defend with 38 +P (or even better 357 magnum) but I still think that for me I’d rather just get used to +P loads all the time but of course that opinion could change after I put in some range time with my new gun.
I was all set to buy the Kimber K6 but there’s no pinky finger room and the front sight is pinned instead of screwed in place so that’s even more money to cough up for the K6 to get a front sight that I like. (but oh my! What a nice trigger!) The Colt has already got a good front sight and is easy to change if I want to try something different. And the Colt is $200 cheaper so that buys a lot of ammo. Thoughts anyone?
You cannot shoot .357 cartridges in a .38. The Kimber has double action only, so will naturally be less precise in hitting a target. Cocking the trigger, then shooting, vastly increases accuracy, albeit at close range in self defense, that kind of accuracy is negligible. Also, shooting regular round nose .38 specials for practice is economical, unless you have lots of money to throw away using +P defense hollow points. The fact is, most of us, thankfully, will never have to shoot those rounds. A box of self defense cartridges should last your entire life, unless you get attacked a lot! Bottom line, the difference between target specials and +P’s are not that different when you consider the added adrenaline you will have in a real world self defense situation. If you shoot very much, you are talking about hundreds of dollars using +P’s for target practice!
I will take a Colt 1911 in .45 caliber over any handgun you have and be VERY happy!
I have both a .45 1911 and a .38 special loaded with +p ammo as nightstand guns. I’m happy shooting the former; my wife is happier with the latter.
In the end, Marine, I always tell folks to shoot what they feel most comfortable shooting. Better to hit the target in a self-defense situation, and the .38+p can be a formidable load.
Please ring back the high quality Python and Diamondback. If of the quality of many of the old ones, I would by these in a heart beat!!
I am so glad that Colt is still in business. I have two of their 1911’s.
When I was 18 years old, I bought a Colt Python .38 special “TARGET”, nickel plated with an 8″ barrel. I immediately took it to my gunsmith and had him ream the cylinder depth slightly deeper for .357 mag. I am now 59 years old and my Python still shoots just as accurately as when it was new. I absolutely love my Python. It is not a CC firearm, but it is definitely hanging on my side every time I go into the field on hunting trips where I might encounter a predatory animal (on two legs OR four). I also have a Colt AR-15 “Target” with a 18″ bull barrel that I purchased more than 20 years ago, and it too is extremely accurate and I would never want to be without it in my collection. I will be looking into purchasing the new Cobra to add to my Colt collection as well. However I will likely wait until all the excitement dies down a bit a therefore the price too. I am looking forward to it.
.357 MAGNUM W/ MAGNA-PORT
I had picked up a Colt Agent years ago. Still use it as my carry arme when I can.
Wish it had a hammer shroud.
Some must be around somewhere!
The screaming headline is, of course, all wrong; this could be as much a pig in a poke as the trumped up claims (pun?) I own a pre-70s lightweight Cobra which I cherish, and traded in a similar Detective Special to get it because I wanted the lighter weight. The large combat grips, the front sight that could snag, and the weight (about 25 ounces) clearly take this out of the pocket pistol class, and move it into the middle of concealability in the cc class. New Detective Special, maybe; New Cobra? Never! I own many Colts, from Python to SAA, and would be unlikely to have this one on my wish list.
I would love to see Colt bring back the Lawman MK V .357 revolver. I prefer fixed sights and I missed out on one of those when Colt had them the first time. Wishful thinking.
I would like to see Colt make its Single Action Army more available and in a variety of calibers: .32-20, .38-40, .44-40. .44 Special, .45 Colt, and barrel lengths. It’s nearly impossible to find one now. Would also like them to lower the price. Reintroducing the New Service would also be grand.
I’d be howling like a 12 year old girl at a 2008 Justin Bieber concert if they made this in a 3inch barrel!!!!
But it’s looking good still,interested!
Seconded!
Theyll be talking jive with thier 45 while im shooting strait with my 38
Nothing like all these Walking Dead 44 magnum Colt Python Lovers !
Now Colt wants to make a come back after the Military dropped them ! LIKE THEY DID TO The CIVILIAN GUN BUYERS !
There are a lot better GUN MFG. out there to choose from that make better guns cheaper !
P.S. Colt didn\’t make a 44 Python but they did make the 44 Anaconda
Python, Diamondback, Cobra, Anaconda, King Cobra, Boa and Viper When the real COLT made GUNS NOT REPRODUCTIONS from a bankrupt company !
I have a gold titanium plated king cobra, 6 in barrel 357, do you know the what it is worth? I got it in 1998, fired six shells only, it was a 1 of 1000 made
I am glad to see Colt re-enter the revolver market. I would prefer a blued-steel model and a 2 and 1/2 and 3 inch barrel as an option. I once read an article where the writer said something like: “Colt had discontinued more great guns than most other manufacturers have ever made.” Does anyone remember the pocket 9? I think that they were the first to market with a 9mm pistol that was that small and thin. They introduced it, it was a huge hit, and then they decided to stop selling guns to the civilian market. I do hope that these new Colt revolvers do not have those damned safety locks like the S&W line has. That in itself would be a great selling feature. And as someone else has already mentioned, get the hell out of Connecticut.
Amen on that despicable S&W “safety” lock. I spent years carrying various S&W revolvers as a peace officer and private citizen, including a Model 29 (.44 magnum).
But what S&W makes these days don’t measure up to the older revolvers. The lock has ruined them, IMHO, and I’ve boycotted S&W revolvers since they first appeared. The lock is just one more way for dirt, grime and other crud to get in, and it certainly hasn’t helped the triggers either.
It’s about time Colt starts making revolvers again! Let’s hope they reintroduce the Python and the Anaconda, as well as the King Cobra. All were excellent guns and in great demand. They just have to maintain Colt quality, which they seem to be doing with the autos. The price is competitive with the S&W Model 60. I wish them all the luck in the World. We have been loosing to many historic gun companies and I hope that Colt will live on forever.
OK, the Colt Cobra is a nice little 38 special, and that’s about it, but with a retail price of $700, it’s losing a lot of appeal…..
First a snubby is better as a 5 shot than 6,,,, and there are other choices for 2-300 bucks that also get the job done,,, I mean, how much of an advantage is a high prices 38 snubby compared to a budget 38 snubby…?
Not much, A Charter off duty will perform just as well at about a third the price.,,, so Colt can keep their $700 38 snubby because that kind of dollar is reserved for a primary carry gun, not a back up gun or an emergency hide away piece.
After all, it’s a snub nose revolver, one shouldn’t expect 4 inch barrel performance and certainly not expect to pay the price of a performance gun.
I don’t see how you can compare a Charter to anything, other than maybe an RG. Charter Arms cost more, in the long run, because you have to repair it after every shooting session. That’s why mine is sitting in a box, disassembled. Selling the parts to Numrich, to help other Charter owners have a supply of spare parts…
Put me on your email list.
Colt needs to avoid trying to recreate the past, the world has moved on. They seem to be stuck either in a military market or old unappealing designs in too many instances. If they are ever to survive, they need to once again become innovators, creators and industry leaders instead of trying to play catch up staying just one step ahead of bankruptcy and fighting to stay alive.
With the newer revolver designs in a declining segment, this old design with a marginally improved trigger, a hammer that looks like it’s guaranteed to snag and fiber optic front sight for a street price over $600 is not an option many will be excited about.
I appreciate your comments about Colt shouldn’t live in the past, but there are some of us that welcome a retro type revolver from or all places- Colt! Hopefully this will spur on sales to start up the Python line again. Some of us still have an affinity and appreciation for fine revolvers.
Amen! I loved my Colt Python and would buy another in a heartbeat for a decent price. Everyone who has one now is mighty proud of it when it comes to selling price. I loved the royal blue and the glasss smooth trigger.
I had a Colt python and wish I never sold it, couldn’t carry it for LEO work so I went to the S&W model 28, Hope Colt brings back the Python
Yessir! There are a few of us revolver guys out there. I started carrying revolvers decades ago, and have also carried semi-autos. Now that I’m retired, I’m carrying a .38 snubbie again. Reliable, accurate, not ammo sensitive, comfortable to carry … Glad to see Colt bring back the Cobra. Excited to see Kimber offering a line of 6-shot snubbies. Now, if only S&W would bring back a 6-shot K-frame snubbie.
I would love to see S&W build a Model 66 with 2.5″ barrel – – and WITHOUT that damnable “safety lock”. They are making a few models, such as the Model 640 Pro .357 Magnum, without it.
I carried the 66 for years as a backup piece and it was a true gem!
Got one ‘o them! It IS a beauty. No damn internal lock!!
Oh yeah, it’s a 3″ barrel.
Colt just doesn’t “Get It”…
Amazing how a single person chooses to speak for the masses. I for one love colt revolvers. And with most of the originals going for thousands i would happily pay $600.
That sounds like they are ALREADY undercutting the market price!! Is it internal lock free though???
What colt gets is dollar signs im sure they have more sbake gun parts lying around than they know what to do with and they see anaconas ,i have one and love it bought it new in 93 ,pythons, king cobras, dimondvacks,boas selling for rediculous amounts of cash say 5gs for a pristine pythone and 2gs for the anacondas ,cobras are the least expensive at like 1200 bux for a shooter.sounds like good business to me and theres alot of people in line including yours truly
The replies to your comment alone are evidence that you are incorrect . Colt made great revolvers at one time. There is a very large group that still like to shoot revolvers. Even Kimber came out with a revolver.
This would have been great, if only in .357. However, I paid around $175 back in the day for my .38spl Colt Detective, there isn’t any reason to pay over 3X as much for about the same thing.
It’s not the gun that got more expensive it’s dollar that declined in value.
Why label it “Cobra”? It is more of a Detective Special. The Cobra name was for the air weight alloy frame model of the Detective Special. I own a couple of each. all excellent. Failure to go with a lighten frame will condemn this gun in the age of light weight alternatives. It actually weighs more than the old S&W Model 10.
Just a wild guess but, label it the cobra because of the caliber being .38 special? I bought a Colt King Cobra once, calibrated in .357 magnum. Maybe there is a correlation?
Exactly!
I have an old Cobra, and have owned a Dick Special in the past.
Why they’d call an all steel snubbie a Cobra is beyond me.
It should be a stainless Dick Special.
A revolver? Why don’t I just carry a bow or a hammer made of bronze. Isn’t it the 21st century?
and the World Trade Centers were brought down with box cutters. A revolver works for me, just fine, Thank you.
You “Dullards” need to just sit down and be quiet with your stonehenge era revolvers…. lol
Say what you wish about those stone age revolvers but in a life or death situation I have never heard of one jamming or stove-piping. A good double action snubby or other revolver is like the old Kodak Instamatic Camera… Point and Shoot. Total Simplicity !!!
How do you feel if people look down their nose at you because of the car you drive, or clothes you wear? These are your choices, and you are free to decide in this country, what you prefer to do, wear, eat, and drive. Revolvers are outstanding delivery systems; and in many circumstances afford the carrier, distinct advantages over semi-auto loaders. More important, is the performance characteristics of the round; caliper and load you select since the bullet does the real work; not the handgun. Sort out the issues before criticizing someone as you only reveal how little you know.
JoshO…..It’s fine if you prefer semi-auto pistols over revolvers. You may come to appreciate revolvers later in your life. I own both. When the arthritis in my hands and fingers make it tough to grip the slide of a semi-auto, I really appreciate the revolver design.
Stand 6 feet in front of me,the flash from my 1968 Cobra is the last thing you’ll remember. You guys make me laugh. Not happy unless you’re toting a 45. My friends at Hornady, among a few others , made sure that comments like yours, might be the last comment you make. No worries, got my 45’s got my 44’s got my 9mm, got my 40 s&w, got my 357, blah blah blah.. as a retired cop, saw more doa’s done in with a 22 than any other. Times have changed, gotta be cooler, gotta be badass. Make no mistake, a 38 special in a jacket pocket will change your mind… forever.
Very well said Gary. I will never understand why some feel they need to put down those of us who still appreciate our wonderful and very useful revolvers. They are entitled to their opinions, but there is no need to ridicule those of us who recognize revolvers useful and very well founded place in the world of firearms. They must be closed minded or just simple minded, hard headed, opinionated fools. I have a nickel plated Colt Python “Target” with an 8″ barrel. When I purchased it (when I was 18 years old) it was a .38 Special (stamped “Target” right on the barrel). Immediately after picking it up from the FFL dealer, took it to my gunsmith and had the cylinders drilled deeper for .357 mag. I love my Colt Python (HAMMER as someone else previously put it). I am now 59 years old and it is still just as accurate (and dependable) as when it was new. Though it is not a CC firearm, I have carried my Colt Python strapped to my side on hunting trips as a back up to whatever rifle I was carrying for 41+ years. I also have a Colt AR-15 (it too is stamped “Target” on the lower receiver), it has an 18″ bull barrel. I purchased my AR-15 “Target” more than 24 years ago, and it is still extremely accurate today. I am looking forward to the new Colt Cobra and I will be purchasing one to carry as a back up CC weapon to my .45 auto loader. However I will likely wait until all the excitement of the new Cobra subsides (along with the higher initial pricing) before I, pull the trigger, so to speak. Nevertheless, I look forward to adding the Cobra to my collection.
I am surprised Colt didn’t make the hammer more conceal friendly and for the price I feel the finish should be a polished SS instead of going with a cheap look mat finish.
I feel there is a great deal of competition in the revolver concealed market for this Colt to be much of a threat. Perhaps if the trigger is Python like then that will be a big boost for the new Cobra.
BTW I have shot the Taurus 85 and the trigger sucks eggs IMO. A woman wanting a small concealable revolver wouldn’t even buy one after they tried pulling the trigger in DA. A poor trigger on a revolver IMO is the biggest deal breaker even if the rest of the gun looks good..
Trigger feel like a Python would be great, as long as the trigger mechanism itself isn’t as dainty as the original Python.
I’m glad to see it being brought back. I’m sure if it does well they will start bringing back other models too- Python etc. I have a 90’s King Cobra, polished stainless, chambered in .357. The gun shoots like a champ, one of the best triggers I’ve felt on a factory gun and deadly accurate. Nice to blast some .38 spcl out of it at the range, you can pretty much hit whatever you’re aiming at out to 50+ yds depending how steady of a hand you have. Anyway whenever I unpack the CKC at the range it’s a lot of “ohhhh” going on from everyone around. That thick long barrel always makes a statement, as does the jewelry-like polished finish.
A bit pricey at $699 but you have to pay to play right?
I own one of the final series of double action revolvers made by Colt in 1999, the Magnum Carry .357. Workmanship is quite good, with no tool marks, good lockup, and an overall sense of quality. And, like the Detective Special on which it was based, it’s a six shooter.
The only negative is that it’s too darned valuable to shoot! The few on the market are bringing outrageous prices and so my Colt Magnum Carry remains a safe queen, never fired.
I’ve carried a colt detective special since 1975 and I still love the gun. Although I’ve gone through various concealed carry auto loaders I still go back to that old gun. i always feel secure because of it’s reliability.
Why spend @ $699 (or just slightly less) for this 6 shot Colt when you can get a 5 shot SS Taurus 85 for just under $300. I own an original Cobra in .38 Special and find it no better than my Inexpensive Stainless Taurus that everyone tries to tell me is a piece of junk… well it shoots just as good as the Colt and after several thousand rounds it has never failed to function and at the $225 that I paid 12 years ago it has turned out to be a real winner. Guess it’s just the prestige of having that Colt name and that little pony stamped on the frame… and yes it holds 6 rounds but if 5 does not get the job done, I’m already in serious trouble.
Probably because Taurus produces an inconsistent product that will result in either something marginally Ok, or a steaming pile of crap. When Taurus fails, they fail spectacularly. To me, that’s nowhere near enough reason to carry one to protect my life.
As for the new Colt? It’s got a solid market. Price DOES need to be lower, but then they are stuck with union labor in deep blue CT while Taurus can import their product made in a factory where their workers are paid far far less. Yes, there is a premium for that “My Little Pony” Cutie mark as well.
Well said.
Evidently, you got one of the good ones — I didn’t. I’ve had Taurus revolvers and autos that were junk, and I’m not ready to try again. Their quality control sucks and they let out too many to be sold to the public that need to be trashed, or given another half-hour of work to make them right. I don’t doubt that they make good ones, but they also sell bad ones, and I don’t want any more.
All manufacturers sell a few dogs… even the high end companies. I once had a very expensive High End Manufacturers 44 mag. (will not mention manufacturer) that split a cylinder and curled the back-strap into a nice little pig tail almost resulting in an underwear change. The gun was less than half way through it’s first box of 50 rounds of standard factory loaded Remington 240 gr Jacketed FP’s… I’ve owned many different High End and Low End Handguns over the past 55 Plus years and have experienced both good and bad in all. I agree that some of the early Taurus Revolvers and Striker Fired Auto’s were not the best quality, but over the past 4 or 5 years their Quality Control has greatly improved. If they should fail, there is a Lifetime Warranty to original and all future owners and they seem to do a pretty good job honoring it… sometimes you have to prod all manufactures about shipping costs. I know that Colt will not give you a lifetime warranty on any of it’s older guns because I tried twice. Fortunately; I have many years of gunsmith experience and decide to make the repair myself for far less dollars. From what I understand, their Limited Lifetime Warranty only covers firearms made after 1996 and not sure if it transfers to future owners. As for Taurus… Look at the PT-1911 they produce… it’s as good a quality as anything on the market… All Forger Lower and Slide, Match Grade BBL, Full Length Guide Rod, Hand Fitted and Very High Quality… I own two different SS versions of them and they perform as good as my Colt Gold Cup National Match Series 70. I currently own several other Taurus Handguns and would depend on any of them in a Life or Death situation because I have thoroughly tested them and know their history. If a gun malfunctions it is no longer welcome in my collection.
All? What S&W handgun was not a fine weapon, in your high opinion?
I always liked S&W handguns… very good quality overall… Owned a couple dozen of them over the years and only had a problem with one which was a Model 29. However I just got a bad one and S&W replaced it.
I had a Taurus Model .44 and a .357 Tracker model and I had major problems with both of them. The .44’s cylinder wouldn’t close back in it kept falling out and the Tracker’s cylinder release was loose and very hard to control. So I sent both back and the .44 was fixed but came back with nicks and scratches all over it and the Tracker’s cylinder release was still crappy and also came back looking like it got shipped back in a bag of rocks. Nearly 2 months of waiting all for this. Waste of time and especially money, I’ll never deal with this shit head of a company ever again. Junk Junk Junk, everything about this company is JUNK. Good luck with other buyers in the future.
Because it is there.
Needs to be .357
Well a .357 is a much more powerful cartridge than the .38 Special but when you are shooting it out of a 2″ barrel there is only a slight gain in velocity because most of the power is still burning a foot or so after the slug departs the barrel… which does nothing to increase velocity. Try choreographing a .357 mag. and 38 special + P using same bullet weights out of that 2″ revolver barrel and you’ll notice the velocity gain will only be marginal… but if you get off on shooting a 12 inch flame out of that short barrel…go with the .357. Yes, I know the .357 will also shoot the .38 Special.
Choreographing a .357 mag? Now that’s a dance I’d like to see.
Yea, Saw that after posting and I agree… but you’ll have to contact my spellchecker who changed Chronographing to Choreographing… they may have a lead on where tickets are available.
With Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth.lol.
I suspect that we will see Colt reintroduce the King Cobra with the larger steel frame in .357 mag.
5-shot .45 Colt.
I have always liked the Colt revolvers of which I have two. I have my fathers Officers Model Match made in the early 50s which I shot in competition. I also have a Detective Special from the same era. The Detective Special was the first center fire hand gun I to shoot when I was about 12 years old. Unfortunately I don’t have that one my dad traded it for a Cobra which I did not get after his passing. He was a Police Officer and Country Detective.
Colt is like baseball and apple pie it is part of American history. I would love to see Colt get it together and make there way back to the top in the industry. With good management and good public relations people in place there is no reason they should fail.
Let’s get behind them support and encourage them to bring back to the sportsman the high quality revolvers and semi auto 1911
firearms they once built.
We would all love to see Colt come back with the Python, Diamondback, Anaconda, Woodsman, and the 1911.
One thing people like is .22 cal there are many good wildcat calibers also what a good custom shop offer to have your own
Custom shop wildcat caliber built by the manufacture. Colt you know how to do it so get it done get yourself to a gun friendly state like Texas and get back to work building the best.
By god this is the best comment I have heard in sometime cheers to you and Colt
Great idea.
I am retired L.E. and now carry a revolver. Would love to have another Colt as I had owned 3 in the 70’s as a deputy sheriff in La. I am waiting to see if this will be on the “D” frame and will it be user friendly to after market woods and synthetic grips. I’d also like to see a 3″ bbl. on this frame.
Totally agree. My first thoughts exactly, plus my preference is remove that hammer spur for concealment, if the trigger is so nice.
When it comes to revolvers, the only Colts I enjoy are the single actions. Every “snake” gun I have owned has been a disappointment in trigger feel and/or accuracy.Too bad I didn’t hang on to them all, as they seem to be fetching incredible prices! Meanwhile I will continue to hoard my S&Ws and an occasional Ruger. Early Redhawks have some of the best DA trigger pulls ever made. Glad to see Colt expanding their product line as it is good for all shooters! God bless DJT!
that’s odd to hear- i have a 90’s Colt King Cobra, 6″ barrel, polished stainless. one of the best triggers out of the box I’ve felt on a factory gun. You can shoot the rear off a gnat at 50yds, and that is with .38spcl fmj target ammo. It’s always been one of the most fun guns in my collection even though it is the only revolver I have, and it’s beautiful to look at. I paid $300 for it new back in ’92. No waiting period back then either, and …. whaddya know….. no atrocities committed. lol
I encourage all pistol enthusiasts to read the book,”No Second Place Winners” by Colonel Bill Jordan of the US Border Patrol. He will give you enough reasons to carry a revolver, and teach you a thing or two about combat shooting. As a former LEO myself, I suggest that there are few reasons to carry large capacity semi-auto handguns. Those reasons have little to do with actual circumstances anyone other than on-duty patrol officers or tactical units would encounter. You should think through the likely scenarios whereby you can legally draw and deploy a handgun in true self defense. I say this because if you deploy a weapon without justification under the law, you’ll have more than just a lot of ‘splainin’ to do. Aside from the criminal implications, don’t forget to consider the civil liability; often overlooked. It is considerable enough to make you want to formally study law before packing “heat”.
The Cobra???? Do everyone a big favor and bring back the PYTHON, a true collectors gun
Pythons would be nice, but the Diamondback family making a comeback would be a very welcome sight. I have a .22 Diamondback, which is always fun to shoot.
Maybe Colt is first trying to build up revenue to conceal carry folk before they bring out the “Big Guns” 🙂
Who wants cc gun with external hammer to snag on stuff? Not me.
I agree George, I’ll keep my Colt “Airweight” with the concealed hammer. Less money too!
Nice but I still have my 4″ Python in mint condition so I’m set! 🙂
i agree with tim when colt decided to sell only to stocking dealers i could care less what they do. don’t do any thing for the little guy
couldn’t care less.
Colt lost my support a long time ago when it ignored the shooting enthusiast for the big military contracts. Now they need us and in my case I won’t spend my money on their products. Glock on.
Revolvers will always be popular SD weapons–nothing screams “run or die” like that classic design which lets a perp actually see the very bullet that’s going to kill him. Though a compact semi-autos doesn’t have that intimidating feature, IMO it makes a better CCW in just about every other way (except maybe reliability if you never do any maintenance at all).
That said, what Colt is obviously doing is getting back on the bandwagon of what they originally made popular (Sam didn’t invent wheel guns). Good to see they’re doing them again even if it’s just a plain-vanilla .38 that looks obviously and intentionally very similar to my old Police model. Like Triumph making modern motorcycles that look like Brando’s bike, exploiting the “retro” craze is ok if it helps keep iconic companies in business.
I just can’t get all that excited about overpriced Colts personally, but if it helps bring back revolver consciousness and shelf space that would be good.
I happen to carry revolvers much of the time because I love them, but some people need them. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen people trying to decide which semiautomatic to buy while they, their significant other and even the gun shop guy ignore that this person cannot work the slide on any of them. It’s gunshop and mentor malpractice and I see it all the time. Revolvers are worth carrying on their own merit, but are also the only reasonable choice for some. Yet even many professional gun sellers have forgotten it.
Colt lost my support when they quit selling to non-stocking FFLs. I’m retired and sell special order only. I cannot afford to provide inventory for Colt as shipping to Alaska kills me. Yet they would rather not allow me to sell the few guns I could sell because of their stupid rules. Tat’s their prerogative just as it’s mine not to support them.
LOL DIDN\”T COLT DROP IT\”S CIVILIAN SALES BACK IN THE 80-90\’s ! THERE ARE A LOT BETTER THINGS BEING MADE BY OTHER FOLKS ! EVEN UNCLE DIDN\’T WANT STUFF MAKE ON Worn out machines !
Dropped by the U.S. Military, Colt Goes Bankrupt
The company that armed generations of American soldiers has filed for bankruptcy.
Jacob Siegel
Jacob Siegel
06.17.15 5:15 AM ETAfter decades arming American soldiers, first with the Vietnam era M16 and later the modern M4 rifles carried in Iraq and Afghanistan, famed gun manufacturer Colt lost its contract with the military in 2013. It never recovered. Last Sunday Colt Defense LLC filed for bankruptcy after 179 years in business.Colt’s chapter 11 filing comes after earlier, failed attempts to restructure its $350 million debt were rejected by the company’s bondholders. Last November, The Wall Street Journal reports, Colt borrowed $70 million from Morgan Stanley in a bailout loan to allow the company to pay down interest on its debts. Under an article of the bankruptcy code, Colt is now headed to auction, where it’s hoping for a quick sale. The company lists its sponsor Capital Management LLC, as its “stalking horse bidder,” meaning that Sciens, which which owns close to 90% of the company, has agreed to buy out Colt’s assets and secured liabilities.
Always follow the money to see the real reason behind the hype
Colt has emerged from bankruptcy, just barely. Other than the Colt Commander, all of Colt’s 1911s and all of these new revolvers are made on brand new state of the art equipment. Which is why, due to its funky Gun Roster rules, only the Commander can be sold in California (and maybe the new revolvers). Not having a military market, Colt has focused on rebuilding its consumer base, knowing full well that a failure to bring solid products to market will mean the end of the brand.
Looking foward to this i owned to anacondas i hope they bring those back as well
Love revolvers, love Colt, love snubbies, love the Cobra, HATE the matte finish!
I would love to finally have one, even if it is a repop. I will wait for the reviews first though but I suspect they will be good. I will likely buy one because my dad had one and I love snubs for pocket guns. I hope Colt brings back the Python, I would buy that for sure.
The cylinder will still turn the wrong way. 🙂
i had a colt python but sold it back to store because the barrel was turning with each shot & i was dating my future wife at the time & wanted to buy her a nice ring. i also want to thank b/o for making guns so popular again. glad to see colt coming back with good quality revolvers
I would be in today’s economy the Python is worth more than the ring, since markup on jewelry is tantamount to highway robbery
I’m glad to see the Serpents return to regular production. The hay day buying them for normal usage was 50’s until the Wonder Nines took substantial market share from all revolvers. I am impressed that Colt is not just bring back the same design but what should be welcome refinments. IMHO the 1911 Series 80 was not good. I do think that with Colts dropped contracts and bankruptcy they are making what was old, new again. Price point is pretty good for a quality revolver but will there be enough demand to keep the line viable? No doubt they will sell to snake hunters that can’t afford collector value guns but I think they will need higher numbers. What will happen to collector values of old Snakes, will they hold? It will be like current design Colt AR to a Sporter Colt I. If your a shooter you buy the New, collector you buy the old but the that price dropped. There was a huge battle between Colt and Ruger on the SAA.
Will it be the same with the night stand revolver?
Colt has shot it self in the wallet several times with self imposed no AR sales to civs decision, statments supporting training and testing for ownership leading to boycotts of its products, a couple failed SA pistols and quality control issues. The reasons Colt quit making revolvers in 1999 is still present. I don’t want any gun mfg to fail (there are quite a few I wish would improve, Lol) but Colt has a long hard road ahead.
Nice to see brands like Kimber and Colt stepping up to the plate against S&W, Ruger and Taurus. The demand for firearms has really brought about a golden era in development and choices. Thanks again, Obama!
Damn, Guess Obama did actually accomplish something… Will go down in History as the United States best Promoter of Guns and High Capacity Magazines. I know a few years ago that he basically sold off the entire US Supply of 30 round AR Magazines.