colt cobra 32 NP

Proofhouse.com says 1951, an early one.
To be sure, call Colt at 1-800-962-COLT and they will tell you the year made; but no other information without you paying for a factory letter.
 
where can I find what kind of ammo is safe for this model?
Click to expand...
.32 Colt New Police is the same round as .32 S&W Long. Colt routinely renamed S&W revolver cartridges to avoid putting their archrival's name on their guns. :rolleyes:

.32 S&W Long, also known simply as .32 Long, is not sold by most big-box sporting goods discounters. Many local gun stores carry it but prices can be high. However, it is widely available for reasonable prices by mail order.

Word of Warning #1: I strongly recommend against firing .32ACP (aka .32 Auto or 7.65mm Browning) in this gun. Although .32ACP is the same caliber as .32 S&W Long and the cartridges will usually fit in the cylinder, (a) it operates at slightly higher pressure that may cause damage to the gun, and (b) the undersize case rims may wedge in the chambers when the rounds are struck by the firing pin. This can cause the cases to stick, putting added stress on the revolver's ejector star and potentially bending it. :(

Word of Warning #2: .32 Colt NP / .32 S&W Long is NOT compatible with .32 Short Colt or .32 Long Colt. These rounds use a smaller-diameter case with a heeled outside-lubricated bullet similar to .22LR. These rounds are obsolete, hard to find, and generally quite expensive; however, you never know what you might get if you visit a mom 'n pop gun store with lots of old merchandise and ask for ammo for your ".32 Colt". :)
 
Last edited:
If this model was built 1950's, is it better treating it as a valuable piece or just enjoying it for what it can do? It has original grips which are very slick, if regular use is the plan would like to get new grips, are they available?
 
Slick grips?
I would expect a Cobra to have checkered grips, either walnut or Coltwood (plastic.) What are yours?

What is the overall condition of the gun?
It might be something to preserve for posterity if it is NIB or at least beyond Excellent. But if it shows any use, I would take it as a neat light .32 revolver.
Whatever you might find to do with a .32 revolver.
 
You need a box of these for your gun...

Amron32NP.jpg
 
Your Cobra is a very early one if made in 1951. If it has been modified in any way (different stocks, refinish etc) it's collector value is less. Collectors would tell you the three most important considerations are 1.Condition, 2. Condition, and 3.Condition. If yours is a representative shooter grade gun you'll hurt nothing and have a lot of fun if you shoot it. The cobra is an alloy framed gun and it's anodized finish is just a bit fragile. I would avoid high pressure or +P ammunition, but for ANY standard pressure ammunition just fire away. Bear in mind thay arent' making the Cobra anymore and probably never will.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top