https://www.colt.com/product-category/revolvers/anaconda-series
The Colt King Cobra is a double-action .357 Magnum revolver featuring stainless steel construction and a Linear Leaf spring mechanism. You’ll find it in 3-inch (28 oz) or 4.25-inch (36 oz) barrel options, with a clockwise rotating cylinder that locks securely against the frame. Modern models (2017-present) retail between $899-$999, offering both .38 Special and .357 Magnum compatibility. Its full-length underlug and 6-groove rifling with 1:14 left-hand twist deliver 2-3 inch groups. Exploring its distinctive features reveals why it’s considered a worthy successor to Colt’s “Snake Gun” legacy.
Key Takeaways
- The Colt King Cobra is a double-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, featuring stainless steel construction and a smooth Linear Leaf spring mechanism.
- Modern King Cobra models (2017-present) retail between $899-$999, with target and custom variants starting at $999 MSRP.
- The revolver handles both .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition reliably, delivering 2-3 inch groups with .38 Special loads.
- Available barrel lengths include 3 inches (28 oz) and 4.25 inches (36 oz), with a full-length underlug and 6-groove rifling.
- The King Cobra features a clockwise-rotating cylinder, Hogue rubber or Altamont wood grips, and competes with Ruger GP100 and S&W 686.
Description
The Colt King Cobra stands as a modern revival of Colt’s renowned “Snake Gun” series, featuring a stainless steel construction with a brushed finish.
You’ll find this revolver equipped with a Linear Leaf spring mechanism that delivers smooth double-action trigger pulls. The King Cobra’s clockwise-rotating cylinder locks securely against the frame during firing, while barrel options range from 2 to 4.25 inches to suit your needs.
Price Range
While original King Cobra models from the 1986-1998 production run retailed around $500, modern iterations command higher price points reflective of today’s market. You’ll find the current Colt King Cobra revolver lineup priced between $899-$999 MSRP, with the Target .22 LR model at the upper end.
| Model Type | Production Era | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Original | 1986-1998 | $500 MSRP |
| Used Models | Various | $400-$1,000 |
| Modern Standard | 2017-Present | $899-$999 |
| Target .22 LR | Current | $999 MSRP |
| Custom Variants | Current | $999+ |
Specifications
The Colt King Cobra offers you two barrel-length options: a compact 3-inch version weighing 28 ounces and a longer 4.25-inch variant at 36 ounces. You’ll find this six-shot revolver constructed from durable stainless steel with a brushed finish, featuring a robust 0.60-wide top strap and full-length underlug. The barrel’s six-groove rifling has a 1:14 left-hand twist, with a diameter of 0.702 inches and a slightly recessed crown for enhanced accuracy.
| Specification | 3-inch Model | 4.25-inch Model |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 28 oz | 36 oz |
| Barrel | 3.0 inches | 4.25 inches |
| Material | Stainless | Stainless |
| Chambering | .357 Magnum | .357 Magnum |
| Capacity | 6 rounds | 6 rounds |
Weight
Built with stainless steel construction, Colt’s King Cobra lineup offers two distinct weight profiles: 28 ounces for the 3-inch model and 36 ounces for the 4.25-inch Target variant.
You’ll find the Target model’s extra weight comes from its full-length underlug and heavy-duty frame construction. This additional mass helps manage .357 Magnum recoil while providing a solid, well-balanced feel in your hands.
Barrel Length
Sporting multiple barrel configurations, Colt’s King Cobra lets you choose between 2-inch, 3-inch, 4.25-inch, and 6-inch variants to match your specific needs. You’ll find a 0.702-inch diameter barrel with a recessed crown across all barrel length options.
Target Models feature a ventilated rib on 4.25-inch and 6-inch versions, while if you carry the King Cobra with shorter barrels, you’ll get a 0.195-wide squared channel top strap.
Material Made Out Of
Crafted entirely from stainless steel, the King Cobra’s construction features a brushed finish that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. You’ll find its heavy-duty frame incorporates a robust 0.60-inch top strap and full-length underlug, maximizing durability.
The material choice extends throughout the revolver, while the grips alternate between Hogue rubber Overmolded stocks on shorter models and Altamont wood stocks on the Target variant.
Chambered In
The Colt King Cobra’s chambering offers versatility across its product line. You’ll find the standard King Cobra chambered in .357 Magnum, available with barrel lengths from 2 to 4.25 inches.
If you’re looking for a target shooting variant, the King Cobra Target model comes chambered in .22 LR, featuring either a 4.25-inch or 6-inch barrel length.
Capacity
Designed for optimal capacity without compromising reliability, the King Cobra’s cylinder holds 6 rounds in its standard .357 Magnum configuration, while the Target model in .22 LR accommodates 10 rounds.
The cylinder rotates clockwise and locks securely into the frame during firing. You’ll find the cylinder latch conveniently positioned at the frame’s rear for smooth reloading operations.
Trigger Pull
Building upon the King Cobra’s impressive capacity comes a sophisticated trigger system featuring a Linear Leaf spring mechanism. You’ll find the double-action trigger pull smooth and non-stacking, authentically replicating the feel of original Colt revolvers.
While the trigger’s width is slightly narrower than polymer-framed alternatives, this traditional design proves to be a significant advantage with continued use, enhancing your shooting experience.
Safety?
Safety mechanisms on the King Cobra follow time-tested Colt double-action revolver principles, incorporating a transfer bar that prevents hammer-to-firing pin contact unless the trigger is fully depressed.
The heavy-duty stainless steel frame and smooth double-action trigger pull work in concert with this system, while the linear leaf spring mechanism ensures reliable safety engagement throughout the firing sequence.
Action
Every King Cobra features a robust double-action mechanism housed within its stainless steel frame, with a 0.60-inch wide top strap and full-length underlug adding structural rigidity.
You’ll find the revolver’s clockwise cylinder rotation complements its double-action pull, while the double-action mode operates smoothly through the brushed stainless steel components. This action system integrates seamlessly with the barrel’s 1:14 left-hand twist rifling.
Optic Ready?
While many modern revolvers come optics-ready from the factory, the Colt King Cobra doesn’t include this feature in its standard configuration. You’ll find its 0.60-inch wide top strap comes equipped with an adjustable rear sight and brass-bead front sight instead.
If you’re considering optics, you’ll need aftermarket solutions that require gunsmith modifications, as the revolver isn’t pre-drilled or tapped for mounting systems.
Review
You’ll appreciate the King Cobra’s Linear Leaf spring system, which delivers consistent, smooth trigger pulls without the typical stacking found in many double-action revolvers. The robust stainless steel construction and full-length underlug contribute to excellent reliability with both .38 Special and .357 Magnum loads, though the 36-oz weight of the Target model may be excessive for some users.
Range testing confirms the pistol’s practical accuracy, with successful plate rack engagement at 15 yards regardless of ammunition choice.
Pros
The Colt King Cobra’s Linear Leaf spring design delivers a consistently smooth trigger pull without stacking, making it stand out among modern double-action revolvers. You’ll find the stainless finish both durable and attractive.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Linear Leaf Spring | Smooth double-action trigger pull |
| Stainless Steel Construction | Weather resistance and durability |
| Multiple Grip Options | Hogue rubber or Altamont wood |
| Weight Distribution | Excellent balance and recoil control |
The Cobra Target variant, at 36 oz., offers superior stability for precision shooting while maintaining the platform’s renowned reliability.
Cons
Several notable drawbacks deserve consideration when evaluating the King Cobra’s performance. You’ll find the narrow trigger face and initial double-action trigger pull challenging, though this improves with use. The trigger guard’s design, combined with .357 Magnum recoil, affects follow-up shot accuracy.
| Issue | Impact | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger Width | Initial Control | Breaks in over time |
| Front Sight | Poor Visibility | Use .38 Special loads |
| Early Bugs | Quality Control | Factory improvements |
Reliability
Despite its drawbacks, real-world testing confirms impressive reliability in the King Cobra platform. You’ll find this Colt revolver handles both .38 Special and .357 Magnum loads with consistent accuracy, delivering 2-3 inch groups with .38 Special and maintaining precision with various .357 Magnum loads.
Through extensive testing, the Cobra demonstrates dependable performance and manageable recoil, even with full-power magnum ammunition.
Similar Models
While sharing design elements with the legendary Colt Python, the King Cobra stands alongside other notable Colt double-action revolvers like the Trooper Mark V and the .357 Magnum-chambered Python. You’ll find the clockwise cylinder rotation and trigger pull characteristics would carry through these models.
The new King Cobra’s signature emblem and Hogue grips distinguish it from its premium-tier siblings in the Colt lineup.
Similar Models From Other Manufacturers
The Colt King Cobra faces stiff competition from other major manufacturers in the .357 Magnum revolver market. You’ll find the Ruger GP100 and Smith & Wesson 686 offering similar build quality to the King Cobra, while the Taurus Raging Bull provides a budget-conscious alternative.
For unique engineering, the Chiappa Rhino features a distinctive cylinder alignment, and the Charter Arms Bulldog offers a compact .44 Special option.
Maintenance
Maintaining your King Cobra .357 Magnum revolver demands meticulous attention to detail and proper cleaning protocol. You’ll need to apply high-quality gun oil for lubrication and use appropriate solvents for thorough cleaning.
Store your firearm in a dry environment to prevent corrosion. While routine maintenance includes inspecting the action, cylinder, and bore, remember that disassembly should only be performed by a qualified gunsmith.
History
Introduced in 1986, Colt’s King Cobra revolver established itself as a premium .357 Magnum offering at a more accessible price point than its legendary Python counterpart. Colt engineers equipped the original King Cobra with distinctive features, including a full lug barrel with an etched cobra emblem, clockwise cylinder rotation for enhanced lock-up, and pebble-finished Hogue grips.
The trigger characteristics matched other classic double-action revolvers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Colt King Cobra Worth It?
You’ll find exceptional value in this investment due to its reliable recoil management and impressive accuracy for both .357 Magnum and .38 Special loads. The consistently smooth trigger pull enhances your shooting experience, while the stainless steel construction ensures long-term durability.
At its price point, you’re getting premium features like the full-length underlug and Hogue grips that make it a worthwhile purchase for both carry and range use.
Do They Still Make Colt King Cobra?
Yes, you’ll find that Colt actively manufactures the King Cobra today, offering multiple variations to suit your needs. Since its 2017 reintroduction, you can choose from various barrel lengths (2″, 3″, and 4.25″) for different concealed carry options.
The .357 Magnum model provides robust self-defense capabilities, while the newer .22 LR Target version offers practice-friendly shooting. You’ll appreciate the smooth trigger pull characteristics thanks to its linear leaf spring mechanism.
What Is the Difference Between the Colt Viper and the King Cobra?
You’ll notice the King Cobra’s heavier frame provides better muzzle flip reduction compared to the lighter Viper. The King Cobra features a more refined hammer action design and smoother trigger pull weight, making it better suited for .357 Magnum loads.
While both share the same caliber, the King Cobra’s beefier construction and longer barrel options (up to 6 inches) offer superior control and accuracy versus the Viper’s compact frame and shorter barrel choices.
Can You Shoot 38 Special in a Colt King Cobra?
Did you know that .38 Special generates about 40% less recoil than .357 Magnum? You can absolutely shoot .38 Special in your King Cobra, and many shooters prefer it for improved accuracy performance and recoil management during practice sessions.
The lighter cartridge won’t compromise your trigger pull experience, and it’s a cost-effective way to train. Since the King Cobra’s chambers are designed for .357 Magnum, they’ll safely accommodate the shorter .38 Special rounds.
Conclusion
You’ll find the Colt King Cobra stands out like a finely-tuned racing engine in the .357 Magnum revolver market. Its stainless steel construction, 3-inch barrel, and double-action/single-action trigger mechanism deliver reliable performance at ranges up to 25 yards. With proper maintenance of its six-round cylinder and internal lockwork components, you’re investing in a precision weapon that’ll maintain its 1,450 fps muzzle velocity for decades.
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