Colt Cobra: A Celebrated Self-Defense Revolver

by
posted on January 19, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
colt-cobra.jpg

The first prototypes of Colt’s Cobra line of double-action revolvers were produced in 2016. American Rifleman’s review last August explains, “The design is a slightly larger J-Frame-size compact revolver made of stainless steel. Chambered for .38 Spl., the Cobra features a 2" barrel that is +P rated for the .38 Spl. cartridge. The barrel is also fully lugged to house and protect the cylinder's ejector rod.”

Combine the legendary “Colt” name and quality—at a time when interest in concealed carry were reaching record proportions—and response to the first DA revolver to come out of the factory in some time was enthusiastic. In 2019, the latest figures available, it was one of the most popular revolvers in sales volume among FFLs using the services of GunBroker.com.

Colt Cobras are available in six different models, each with a six-round capacity and MSRPs running from $699 to $1,299. The entire line is chambered for .38 Spl. and the handguns measure either 7.2 or 7.25 inches long, depending on model and corresponding barrel length, which is 2 or 2.1 inches.

Two versions come in at the lowest price point. One has a matte-stainless steel finish and comes with Hogue Overmolded rubber grips. Sights are fiber optic up front, trench at the rear. The same grips come on the second budget-friendly version, but the finish is the company’s 38 Special look and barrel length goes to 2.1 instead of 2. A brass bead serves as the front sight.

Colt revolver fans will be happy to know Cobras are also available with wood grips, one with and another without the company’s inset medallion. There’s also a Night Cobra with an Ion Bond Stainless Steel finish and night sights. Its MSRP is $899.

At $1,299, the Bright Cobra has a Mirror Polished Stainless Steel finish, brass bead up front and trench to the rear for sights. The model’s black composite grips come with the Colt logo.

Latest

springfield armory kuna
springfield armory kuna

Springfield Kuna: A PDW For The Masses

Small, yet fierce, the namesake of Springfield Armory’s latest large-format pistol is a revered forest dweller in the land of its Croatian manufacturing partner, HS Produkt. The new Kuna is poised to be just as welcome in America.

The Armed Citizen® June 30, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Book Review: Clockwork Basilisk: The Early Revolvers Of Elisha Collier & Artemas Wheeler

The result of a decade of research, Clockwork Basilisk is a comprehensive, two-volume history of the rare revolvers that preceded the development of the well-known Colt guns of the 1830s.

Preview: 1791 Gunleather Cobra Gun Belt 01

Employing the same rugged and rigid 0.25"-thick American steerhide as 1791 Gunleather’s original Gun Belt 01, the new Cobra Gun Belt 01 offers enhanced ease of use by taking advantage of a high-strength Cobra quick-latch/release buckle.

NRA CEO Hamlin and President Bachenberg Hold First Virtual Townhall

In the interests of transparency, NRA CEO and EVP Doug Hamlin and NRA President Bill Bachenberg held a live Townhall event, where both answered direct questions from NRA members.

Benelli Adds New 28-Gauge Models to Super Black Eagle 3 Line

Benelli initially introduced the 28-ga. chambering to its Super Black Eagle 3 line in 2022, but this year, the company added three new models tailored specifically to hunters.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.