Colt Model Cobra 1st Issue, Blue 2″ 38 Spl Special 6-Shot SA/DA Double Action Revolver & Box, 1968

SOLD FOR: $1,369.00
LSB#: 180719JH06

Make: Colt

Model: Cobra 1st Issue

Serial Number: 272427LW

Year of Manufacture: 1968

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 and “H” on the front and rear of the trigger guard, respectively. The crane and cut are marked with the serial number, the cut is also marked “K”. The inside of each grip panel has “427” hand-written in white.

Barrel Length: 2”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a partially rounded blade with a serrated rear face, fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch in a “U” channel on top of the frame.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with nickel plated Colt logo medallions. The grips have no notable damage, only very light handling wear. There are no cracks or chips. The checkering is well defined. The grips rate in about Fine-Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue with 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 98% of its metal finish. The frame has a small mark to the left of the hammer slot, just above the sideplate. The cylinder has a very faint turn line, through the finish only in the lead-in grooves. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about 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 with a one-piece hinge-top cardboard colt box with a label which correctly describes the revolver but does not have a serial number and an assortment of factory paperwork including manual. The box has wear at edges and corners with a tear on the bottom half at the front-right corner, in about Good-Very Good 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 in Excellent condition with only a few very small imperfections in its beautiful finish. While this revolver would still be perfectly suited to concealed carry or home defense, its high condition and period box will likely attract Colt collectors who don’t yet have a Cobra in their stable or who find this to be in better condition than their own. Please see our photos and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This revolver CANNOT be transferred as a dealer sale in California. This handgun CAN be sold as a Private Party Transfer (PPT) at our Simi Valley shop. All cartridge firing handguns (even C&R’s and antiques) sold to a California resident must be DROS’d. This section does not apply to out of state residents.