So, let's get down to the nitty gritty. The new Cobra is an all steel gun. At 25 ounces, weight and size is similar to an all steel J frame Smith 38, but the Colt gets you six shots, instead of the Smith's five.
The fixed sight setup is excellent, with a wide gutter rear and a fiber optic front. Sights are very easy to see. The front sight, interestingly, is user removable via an allen wrench. Colt does plan to offer different front sight option at some point, but nothing I could find right now.
As for fit and finish, action smoothness and lockup, my Cobra was one of two my dealer had on the shelf. I could not tell a difference between the two. Both were silky smooth, tight, with identical triggers. Says a lot for build quality.
The trigger pull in both SA and DA is outstanding. No other word for it. To get something equivalent in a Smith, you'll need to step up to a Performance Center tuned gun. Absolutely no stacking in DA, butter smooth and fast. This Cobra is a joy to shoot in DA.
Colt also redesigned the grip angle from the original Cobra to enhance balance and shoot ability and I think they scored a home run, here. This is one of the best balanced and pointing stubbies I've ever owned, not to mention control on follow up shots is easy. That's NOT something that can be said on some lightweight 38s, by the way. No exposed backstrap on the grip, so shooting even the hottest 38s is nothing. Be warned, once you start shooting one of these, it's hard to put down. Again, that is something you CAN'T say about a lot of 38 snubbies.
Accuracy has been excellent and easily attained, thanks to the trigger, grips and balance. Here's a typical 12 yard target shot with a two hand hold in single action.
I don't buy DA revolvers to shoot them a lot in single action, though. The DA trigger makes or breaks a gun for me. I totally LOVE the DA trigger on this one. Here's two hands, slow fire in DA.
screenshot toolsHere's one hand hold in DA. This is entirely practical way to shoot the Cobra, thanks to the excellent DA trigger, grips and balance. Not a stunt, at all.
For a holster, the Colt fits in a Blackhawk J frame model, perfectly.
So any complaints? Not really. My Cobra tends to shoot low with light bullet SD loads, but is right on with 158s. No big deal. I can manage any 38s with the right hold over or hold under, now that I know the gun.
If there is a negative for some folks, it will be the price. The Cobra is a Colt, after all. Yes,you can buy a standard Smith Airweight 637 for a LOT less if all you want is a 38 you'll carry a lot and shoot seldom. Won't offer that sixth shot, though ... won't have the superb trigger of the Colt ... won't have the easy to use sights ... won't have the balance and grips ... Me, I buy guns to shoot and shoot a lot. The Colt Cobra is a pure joy to shoot, as good as it gets in a 38 snubbie. This one has been a home run for me.
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Your target POIs show how well you two work together, too! Good shooting as usual.
