COLT Cobra .38 Special DA/SA Double Action Revolver, MFD 1971 C&R Nickel
SOLD FOR: $1025
LSB#: 220219SS006
Make: Colt
Model: Cobra
Serial Number: B79458
Year of Manufacture: 1971 (COLT Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “COBRA / .38 SPECIAL CTG.”, the right is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD CONN. U.S.A.” The left side plate has a Rampant Colt logo, the left of the frame has a “VP” in triangle at the front of the trigger guard and “7” at the rear. The crane and crane cut are marked “B79458 / J” and “B79458” respectively.
Barrel Length: 2”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a ramped blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch in a “U” channel on top of the frame.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood with inset Colt medallions at the top. Very minor nicks and a few scuffs can be seen, most notably on the bottom of the panels. The heel of the left panel has a mended crack. There are no chips. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition, as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Nickel over Steel Barrel, Cylinder, and Alloy Frame
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is well-defined. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are scattered light scuffs and a fews spots of minor erosion, most of which can be seen on the lower areas of the frame. The cylinder has a turn line along with scattered light nicks and a few minor scuffs. The markings are clear. The grip screws are sharp. Overall, this revolver is in Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces solid full lockup of all 6 chambers with a smooth double action trigger pull, the single action pull is crisp. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Colt Cobra is a lightweight version of the Detective Special, with an alloy frame rather than steel. This is great for concealed carry as the weight won’t pull down your garments quite so much. This example is in Fine-plus condition and appears to have been carried infrequently. Nearly all of the wear to the finish can be attributed to handling wear, as the worst of it corresponds with where the user holds the gun. This revolver could serve very well returning to the role of concealed carry, or it would make a nice addition to a revolver or Colt collection. Good luck and happy bidding!