Colt Cobra 2nd Issue 6-Shot 2″ .38 Spl Revolver & Display Case, MFD 1974
SOLD FOR: $1136
LSB#: 220420JR017
Make: Colt
Model: Cobra 2nd Issue
Serial Number: H63304
Year of Manufacture: 1974 (https://colt.com/serial-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 side plate has a Rampant Colt logo, the left of the trigger guard has a “VP” in triangle at the front, the rear has an incomplete inspector mark. The crane and cut are marked with the serial number, the cut is also marked “G”.
Barrel Length: 2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a ramped blade integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch in a “U” channel on top of the frame. The edges of the rear sight channel are serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with each panel swelling at the top of the checkering providing a slight thumb-shelf or palm-swell. There are a few light nicks along the back edges toward the bottom. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Black Alloy Frame
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The cylinder has an extremely faint turn-line, not through the finish. Otherwise, there is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine-Excellent 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 handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a wood presentation case with red felt French-fit interior, a 6-round wood cartridge block and a key for the case. The exterior of the case has a few scattered light marks and minor storage wear, the interior shows only faint wear from the contents. Overall, the display case is in about Fine-plus condition.
Our Assessment: The Detective Special had been very popular with law enforcement and civilians who carried a concealed revolver as it allowed for a 6-shot revolver in the same frame size as other revolvers which only offered a 5-round capacity. With the introduction of the Cobra, Colt had the same capacity and frame size with a weight that was competitive with Smith & Wesson’s Airweight models. This example is a 2nd Issue with a shrouded ejector rod in Excellent condition with only a few small imperfections in its stocks but showing little to no wear in its metal finish. It comes in a beautiful French-fit display case. While this Cobra would still make a great carry revolver, in its high condition and with its case, it would make an even better display for a Colt collector. Please see our photos and good luck!