Ran into a Colt Cobra..

D

Deaf Smith

New member
Pawn shop special. Older one with ejector rod exposed. Blue , 2 inch .38.

Basically tight and should work fine but... springs not messed with. Kind of mousy on the outside and under the grips a guys name had been transcribed on the frame (but being the long frame I can get that out if need be.)

So it was $300. I slapped 20 bucks down. Now is $300 an ok price for the Cobra?

Thanks,

Deaf
 
I think you paid a decent price for a Cobra that's only "rough" (mousy) on the outside-but not a great price if you have to hire a gunsmith to remedy any problems existing in the inside (i.e., to correct a timing or trigger pull issues). Cobras are certainly one of my favorite pocket carry guns and ones in really nice condition can seldom be found for anything much under $500.00.
 
At today's prices, (assuming the gun is mechanically ok) its a good deal. Like new ones are going $500+ at the gun shows.

I have an Agent (shrouded rod, alloy frame), in fine condition, and it's worth a lot more than $300 today.

These little guns are seldom shot much, most of the time, the only thing wrong is the finish. HOWEVER, take a good look at the crane/frame fit.

That is the other thing that goes wrong, somebody "Bogarting" the gun, flipping the cylinder open and shut. That can bend the crane, and means gunsmith work (assuming you can find one who can work on the colt). If there is a noticable gap between the crane and frame when closed, $300 isn't such a good deal, and you should see if they will come down any, because it will need repair.
 
When I tried it the action was tight. No crane shake, end shake, etc... Opened and closed easily. And the springs felt normal. No gap at all between crane and frame.

I didn't see any cartridge rings on the recoil shield face (you see them alot if the gun as been fired much.)

Will see when I pick it up in a few weeks.

Deaf
 
It's not the lockup that is normally the problem with Colts. If they don't lockup "bank vault tight," then there's a serious problem. The more common issue is with the timing. You need to check for cylinder drag on all cylinders.
 
I did so Jim. Check crane shake, end shake, cylinder shake, and dragged thumb while cocking. Even dropped bic pen down barrel (blunt in first) and found the hammer spring quite powerful when I pulled the trigger (pen flys and hits ceiling.)

Only thing they would not let me do is SHOOT IT!!!!

I pointed out there was a good lamp post outside for a back stop but they still said no.

Party poopers..

Deaf
 
$300 around here would be a great deal. The prices on Cobras have shot up lately. Still one of the finest lightweight snubs ever made.
 
I also ran into one and it followed me home. Sweetest snubby action I have ever tried!

IMG_66121.jpg
 
For better or worse, several have followed me home over the years. I now have them in both issues, two finishes, three calibres and with barrel lengths of 2, 3, and 4 inches. Still looking for that elusive 5 incher in good condition. Also looking for late model (shrouded barrel) guns with 3 inch barrels, should any of you sharp eyed people happen to see one.
 
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