Colt King Cobra Stainless .357 Mag Double Action 2.5″ Revolver, 1990
SOLD FOR: $2,025.00
LSB#: LSB251107RG017
Make: Colt
Model: King Cobra
Serial Number: KV9953
Year of Manufacture: 1990 (Factory Letter) / Modern
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “KING COBRA” with an engraving of a Cobra’s head between the two words. The right side of the barrel is marked “–357 MAGNUM CARTRIDGE / COLT’S PT.FA.MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. USA”. The crane cut is marked with a VP within a triangle proof. The left side of the frame is marked with a Rampant Colt logo. The crane and crane cut are marked with the serial number “KV9953”.
Barrel Length: 2.5″ with Full Length Underlug
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with an orange insert attached to the rib per a pin above the muzzle. The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation in a base pinned to the top-strap. The top of the barrel rib and the top strap have a matte finish to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are one-piece checkered black overmolded rubber with finger grooves and gold Colt medallions. There are no rips or tears. There is modest handling wear and dulling of the peaks. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is stubborn fouling present. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 92% of its metal finish. There are light handling marks throughout and smudges on the frame. There is a thin turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and the cylinder lockup is tight. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Colt Factory letter, Original matching Colt box and paperwork.
Our Assessment: The Colt King Cobra Carry represents Colt’s late 1990s answer to the demand for a compact, powerful defensive revolver, combining stainless steel durability with the proven King Cobra platform in a concealable snub nose configuration. Produced during the final years of Colt’s traditional double action revolver era, the King Cobra Carry reflects a period when Colt was refining its revolver designs to meet modern carry preferences while retaining the smooth action and robust construction that defined the brand. By 1997, revolvers such as this stood at the crossroads between classic Colt craftsmanship and the emerging dominance of semi automatic pistols.
This 2.5 inch example features the full length underlug and adjustable sights more commonly associated with larger framed revolvers, a combination that sets the King Cobra Carry apart from typical snub nose designs. The pinned front sight with orange insert and adjustable rear sight provide a practical and refined sighting system rarely found on compact .357 Magnum revolvers of the era. The stainless steel finish and distinctive cobra head barrel marking reinforce the model’s identity while offering corrosion resistance suitable for daily carry use.
Overall condition remains very solid, with strong finish retention, crisp markings, and a bright bore showing sharp rifling. Honest handling wear is consistent with responsible ownership, and the action exhibits the tight lockup and smooth operation expected from Colt revolvers of this period. The presence of the original matching Colt box and paperwork further enhances desirability. Taken together, this King Cobra Carry stands as a compelling example of Colt’s late production defensive revolvers, blending concealability, magnum performance, and classic Colt character. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and best of luck with your bids!!!
BF