Colt debuted the Night Cobra at the 2018 SHOT Show. (Photo: Colt/Facebook)
Colt is kicking off 2018 with a new revolver designed with everyday-carry in mind. They’re launching the Colt Night Cobra, a sleek and compact handgun based on their updated Cobra frame.
The Night Cobra is a compact six-shot revolver chambered for .38 Special. Built with modern materials and engineering, the gun can handle any serious self-defense load. With a six-round capacity the handgun also carries an extra round compared to most small-frame revolvers in production today.
The Night Cobra features a machined G10 grip by VZ Grips and weighs in at around 25 ounces, which means that recoil won’t be an issue outside of the hottest over-pressure ammo. It’s slim overall. At its widest, it’s 1.4 inches along the cylinder.
After many years of hiatus, Colt is raring to go in the double-action revolver business. The Night Cobra is the second gun in the revamped series, with a linear leaf mainspring to ensure a smooth and consistent trigger stroke. The Night Cobra sports additional features people have come to expect on modern revolvers for concealed-carry.
First up is a low-glare finish. While the re-vamped Cobra has a subtle matte stainless frame, the Night Cobra has an additional flat diamond-like carbon finish on top.
This not only reduces glare and lowers the gun’s profile it adds a layer of protection from sweat and skin. It also adds an edge in extraction and reliability in adverse conditions.
See Also: Colt Issues Limited-Edition run of Non-NFA 37mm M203 Grenade Launchers
The Night Cobra is a double-action-only revolver with a bobbed hammer. This means it has a more consistent trigger and less to snag on the draw than a conventional double-action revolver. It also makes the gun safer to carry in a pocket or bag if a holster is not an option.
Also, the Night Cobra is factory-equipped with a dovetailed front night sight. The handgun features a snag-free U-notch rear sight machined into the frame.
The new model Colt Cobra has a base suggested price of $699, which is pretty consistent with quality mainstream revolvers. The Night Cobra, with its added features, has an $899 MSRP. These guns are still pretty fresh and new and often command full price, so if you see one you like, go ahead and grab it.
These new Colts are making a fast impression with shooters everywhere. Whether you’re interested in these updated handguns or buying an original, classic pony, shop GunsAmerica.com for Colt firearms today.
Colt Night Cobra .38 Spcl, 2”:
I wonder if part of its appeal includes other unique preferences, such as needing that exact caliber, low profile hammer, six rounds, less snagging risks, heavier weight, even its color. I like the way it looks and feels; Balanced and smooth actions. I’m not brand loyal, but I’m a fan of the Colt name, nothing personal, just that some competitors’ names have different meaning for me individually. I normally have trouble finding lower prices unless I travel much further, but I was lucky that I found it at $683, where I shopped in the Fall of 2019. Tried out about six different brands of rounds including a Hornady FTX Critical Defense, and they each fit and worked well.
Not for all, not for all times, but for my own needs, it fit well. Two suggestions, invest in a very good and more secure holster. I preferred the holster not feel too small, else risk it falling out, especially since there is no big hammer to strap or hook onto. Second, I found the cylinder latch lever to work perfect, but when the cylinder is closed, the latch wobbles a little bit. I took it to my local “Smith”, who said it should not cause any malfunction nor worsen; so now it is just my qualm or pet-peeve.
my night cobra isn’t dovetailed like the article states….Is it a reject?
I prefer the 2017 new Colt Cobra to the 2018 Night Cobra, although I don’t care for the fiber optic front sight or the overly large Hogue grips on the former. I don’t like bobbed hammers and find stainless steel more appealing than black revolvers. Why doesn’t Colt offer the 2017 Cobra with the same nighy sight and grip as the new Night Cobra?
Agree with earlier comment re: hammer – I despise a “bobbed” hammer. It should go without saying, but no fan of hammerless either. I’m sure they’ll be ok without me, just saying. I feel the same about handguns that come with keys. If I want a damn lock on a gun, I’ll put one on there myself. Just more unecessary, useless and potentially life threatening (to the shooter) crap. I’ll stick with my pre-lock S&W’s. Picked up a beautiful 686 in .357mag today as a matter of fact.
Why ALWAYS a bobbed hammer? Make it an option, not just a feature. I don’t like bobbed hammer guns and never will. Colt had me sold until that.
Agreed Gary, wouldn’t take much to have it as an option!!
Time for Colt to break out this year with a pioneer prodict, like a….not sure but I would like to see them get serious about doing well by winning a government contract instead of everyone else winning. They are turning into a museum.
Is Colt going to be in business long enough to deliver what they are promising?
I am curious. What did Colt “promise” you? And if you prefer other manufacturers, why would you care if Colt stays in business? I would encourage you to live free and exercise your right to go buy whatever brand you prefer.
Do let us know when Colt stops flipping us the bird with both hands. Thanks.
Not sure why you feel that way. I got the 2017 Cobra last spring with just a little searching. The quality, ergo’s and accuracy are great! And in my humble opinion, to get the Cobra’s features at $699.00 is very fair. Smooth action, all steel, 6-shots +p, great sights (okay…not shiny, but non-glare is tactically better) There is nothing comparable at that price. This is no J-Frame. Big thumbs up from me on the new Cobra! I think it is great we have a free market…to each their own. Two inch .357??
Agreed. Colt is making outstanding products and all the “haters” out there are just leaving more guns available for us. Colt still has the highest resale value and the products are excellent. I shoot IDPA here in the Carolinas and I have a 2012 Combat Elite that refuses to malfunctions even when the mags get sandy etc. Yet at least once a month I’ll see a Sig or Glock malfunction and it’s always the fault of the ammo. Again, I agree with you, two thumbs up for Colt.
Colt AR’s are still hands down the best value.
Where is the .357 version????????
That would a Python if i remeber correctly.
. . . it is in my safe, that’s where it is! 🙂