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

Gotw Heritage 92 Web
Gotw Heritage 92 Web

Gun Of The Week: Heritage Manufacturing 92

American Rifleman staff are on the range with one of the most iconic lever-actions ever created, except this one has a bit of a plot twist—it is a model made overseas and imported by Heritage Manufacturing.

The Armed Citizen® July 25, 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.

Victory In The Air: One Smith & Wesson Victory Revolver's Story

A primary source investigation into the service history of a Smith & Wesson Victory revolver used by the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

Firearm Industry Responds To Aid Texas Flood Victims

Only a few days after the tragedy struck, two of the firearm industry’s foremost companies were raising funds for the victims and organizations dedicated to providing support through devastating floods in Texas.

I Have This Old Gun: Woodward .500 Express Double Rifle

Produced by J. Woodward & Sons at the end of the 19th century, this double rifle, chambered for the .500 Express cartridge, was tailor-made for dangerous-game hunting.

New For 2025: Springfield Armory Saint Victor Pistols In 5.56 NATO & 9 mm Luger

Springfield Armory added two new pistol variants to its popular Saint AR-15 lineup, and the new models are chambered for 5.56 NATO and 9 mm Luger, respectively.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.