The 2019 King Cobra is a do-all six-shot .357 for range use, self-defense and concealed-carry. (Photo: Colt)
It’s been just over a year since Colt got back into the double-action revolver market, and they’ve been careful not to release products too hastily. Still, this left a major gap in their lineup, a gap they have just closed.
Colt is pleased to announce the introduction of the all-new King Cobra, a compact 6-shot revolver chambered for .357 Magnum. Featuring a stainless steel barrel and a heavy duty frame, the first model King Cobra has a 3-inch barrel with a full-length underlug.
“Our customers started asking for a .357 version of our Cobra immediately after the release, and at that moment we knew we had to prioritize this great addition to the Cobra family” said Colt product director Justin Baldini. “We couldn’t be more excited to add the power of .357 Magnum back into Colt’s Double Action Revolver lineup.”
Colt will showcase the reborn King Cobra at this year’s SHOT Show later this month. It will also be on display at the Great American Outdoor Show in February.
Until now the Cobra series was made of revolvers chambered for .38 Special. While it’s a popular round for self-defense, especially with modern over-pressure loadings, it doesn’t have the same cachet as the full-power magnum cartridge.
Outfitting the King Cobra with a 3-inch barrel is an interesting move on Colt’s part. Even just a few years ago it would have made more sense to lead with a full-size service-length barrel in the 4-5-inch range. Today service revolvers play a secondary role, but for concealed-carry, they are very popular.
See Also: Colt Launching New High-Polish Bright Cobra
Other features include an exposed hammer, low-profile U-notch rear sight, oversized trigger guard and a Hogue overmolded grip. It has a brushed finish and brass bead front sight for high visibility and quick target acquisition.
The King Cobra is based on the redesigned Cobra and uses the same user-interchangeable front sights and linear leaf spring trigger. The redesigned trigger system delivers a double-action pull in the 7-9-pound range in double-action and a light 3-4-pound pull in single-action.
The suggested retail price is $899 which is in-line with the higher-end Cobra revolvers and should work out to a street price between $700 and $800. If the return of the Cobra is any indicator of things to follow, Colt will be sure to follow it up with other models and configurations. Still, they’re starting strong with their first model.
Colt is one of the best gunmakers around, you notice they make a mod. and every maker copy them.
Bought a Python in 67 and still carry it.
I was surprised that Colt did not release a .357 Magnum first when they started making revolvers again. Perhaps they were testing the markets with a .38 Special? Regardless, I wish them luck! It was sad watching Colt teeter on the edge of bankruptcy all those years.
Will it be as good as the original King Cobra? I was initially very pleased but comparing it to pictures of the original gun and the GP100 it looks as if it might be a little anemic!
Now lets have one in .327 Federal please!
Rather than pay for a re-make of the classic .357 King Cobra ($2,000+), get a stainless Ruger GP-100 .357 mag with adjustable rear sights, 7-shot, 7-inch barrel and fiber optic front sight for the same price as the new Colt.
WHY on earth they would produce that without a typical adjustable rear sight is beyond me. Even a fixed rear that is replaceable, ala Kimber.
COLT the CO. that caved to anti gunners
Already have an old Python in flawless condition with the original box and paperwork. Would love to add a 44 mag to my collection. Not sure if I will wait for the return of the Anaconda or get a S&W.
I love revolvers, got a lot of them from 22lr to 460, but this the new cobras just don’t stand out. The really don’t have anything in common with the original other than brand name and the fact they are revolvers.