Cobras are nice little guns. They, like the early S&W alloy frame guns, are designed to be carried lots, shot little.
Shooting mild target loads doesn't seem to affect the alloy guns much but a lot of pounding from high-velocity and +P loads does put more stress on them than their all steel bretheren.
I've never owned a Cobra, however I've fired a few. Most seemed to be decently accurate and they ARE easy to carry. Recoil is stout, of course, but in a close-quarters engagement you're not likely to notice it too much. They're very nice guns and it seems most owners take good care of them.
I personally prefer the Colt models with the shrouded extractor rod, but then I'm partial to the looks of S&W's over Colts. It's a style thing.
Colt's Police Positive Special is essentially a 4" barreled Detective Special so far as I know and mine feels very nice in the hand. Finding their alloy version - the Viper - is next to impossible and an expensive proposition.
