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

trench.jpg
trench.jpg

The Fighting Shotgun: Myths, Legends & Facts

For a host of reasons, the Winchester Model 1897 "trench gun" probably never really made it into combat on the Western Front. But, the fact remains that Americans have always revered the shotgun as the ultimate fight-stopper.

Leupold Celebrates USA 250th With Limited-Edition "Mark 250" Riflescope Package

Leupold has commissioned a Limited-Edition Mark 250 Riflescope Package to commemorate the United States semiquincentennial, and it is now available exclusively through Scheels.

A Successful Friends of the NRA Dinner at Compton Hunting & Fishing Club

On Saturday, June 20, 2026, the Compton Hunting & Fishing Club in Southern California hosted another outstanding Friends of the NRA dinner.

President Trump Touts the NRA and National Concealed Carry Reciprocity

At the Mack Trucks facility in Macungie, Pa., President Donald Trump reiterated his support for the National Rifle Association as well as his support for national right-to-carry legislation.

Rifleman Review: Savage Arms Revel Classic

Offered as an affordable, rimfire, takedown design, the Savage Arms Revel line of lever-actions has expanded to include several popular chamberings, as well as a deluxe version.

A Modernized Classic: Chiappa's S.A. 1873 Black Thunder

Italian manufacturer Chiappa makes an interesting mix of historical designs, modern firearms and guns that combine both of those elements into one. In the latter category is the S.A. 1873 Black Thunder .44 Magnum revolver.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.