A friend that got a blued snub nose Cobra years ago (wife’s stepfather owned it, family gave it to my friend when the step died) told me if he ever sold it he would give me first dibs. If I remember correctly, it’s a 1980s vintage. Not mint but in good shape. Anything I should know about the Cobra?

It's essentially the Detective Special (DS) from that timeframe but with an aluminum frame. Had to check the Wiki on it; back when, some folks said not to use +P ammo in the Cobra or Agent. That recommendation raged for several years even though +P was reportedly okay for use in the 2nd version ('71 to '82-ish production run). I went for two DSs in the '90s.

I may have a test of it in an early '80s copy of Handgun Tests magazine here someplace; will check that magazine.

ETA: sorry, it was the Commando they tested back around '86.

As the previous Poster mentioned, there is some question whether ANY of the Aluminum-framed Colt D-Frames--Cobra or Agent--Are safe for extended use with Plus-P-level loads. I have several, and since they are not making any more, parts are sometimes difficult to find and Gunsmiths who do competent work on them are harder to find than a Cheap, Fast AND Good Auto Mechanic, I have taken to using only standard-pressure loads in MY Cobras and Agents. I can tell you that their reputation for being a little more "Delicate" than similar-sized Smiths or Rugers is well-deserved, but if you treat one well--Use it SPARINGLY and feed It reasonable loads--It will last you a good long while--HTH

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mikey357,

Don't use +P in a Cobra.

Unless you just want to ruin it.

They are great carry revolvers that give you a one shot advantage over a J Frame with minimal size difference with a light years better trigger pull. It's substantially smaller than a K Frame 6 shot.

As the other members said +P not recommended in the Colt Cobra and Agent of any vintage, stick with standard pressure. For all practical purposes designed as a backup or for concealment like pocket carry, not a high volume range target revolver

The asshole that tried to lowball him for $200 offered $305 when my friend told him he sold it to me for $300. HA ha!