Editors’ Picks 2019: Colt King Cobra Revolver

by
posted on March 19, 2019
** 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. **
edpicks2.jpg

COLT’s latest “snake gun” is the resurrected King Cobra, featuring a heavy-duty stainless steel frame complete with a full-underlug, 3" barrel and a six-round, fluted cylinder. It’s the first new .357 Mag. in 20 years from the company that invented the revolver. Upgrades include an enlarged trigger guard and a user-interchangeable brass-bead front sight. Even better, this hard-hitter isn’t punishing to shoot thanks to Colt’s innovative LL2 spring trigger that produces an in-line hammer drop, along with form-fitting Hogue Overmolded rubber stocks with finger grooves. No doubt shootability is also aided by the fact the new King weighs 28 ozs., and while that’s a little heavy by today’s carry-gun standards, it conceals nicely. True Snake Gun fans will naturally see parallels to first-generation King Cobras from the 1980s-’90s, but given the new King’s specs and bright polish, it also conjures up the very rare nickel-finish Combat Python. colt.com

Latest

Match Ready M1 Garand 1
Match Ready M1 Garand 1

Making a Match-Ready M1 Garand

For decades, fans of the M1 Garand have gone to Camp Perry to shoot the John C. Garand match, a test of their shooting skills and rifles. Here, one M1 Garand enthusiast prepares his rifle and ammo for the shoot.

Will the USPS Allow Handguns to Be Mailed?

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) on April 2, 2026, published a proposed rule that would permit the mailing of lawful handguns through the U.S. mail for the first time in nearly a century.

The Trijicon AccuPoint 1-8x24 mm: A Flexible Optic for Dangerous Game Hunting

Trijicon is probably best known for its military and law-enforcement optics, but the company is also serious about its commercial line of riflescopes designed for hunting.

U.S. Army Bases Will No Longer Be Gun-Free Zones

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced this week that U.S. Army bases will no longer be gun-free zones.

Gun of the Week: CZ Shadow 2 Carry

One of the latest concealed-carry handguns to hit the consumer market is the CZ's Shadow 2 Carry. Watch our "Gun of the Week" episode to see the details of this carry-oriented design.

The Armed Citizen® April 3, 2026

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

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.