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Colt King Cobra: Resurgence of the Snakes

nutnfancy
Published on October 18, 2020
Category: Reviews
Duration: 34:03

This video provides an in-depth review of the modern Colt King Cobra revolver, comparing it to its predecessors and competitors like the Smith & Wesson 686+ and Ruger GP100. The review highlights the resurgence of Colt revolvers, driven by consumer demand, and discusses the King Cobra's fit, finish, and shooting characteristics. While praising its overall quality and accuracy potential, the review identifies the factory grips as a significant ergonomic flaw impacting shootability.

Tags

Colt King Cobra
Colt Python
Smith & Wesson 686+
Ruger GP100
.357 Magnum
Revolver
Home Defense
Concealed Carry
Collectible Firearm
Target Shooting
Stainless Steel
Double-Action Revolver

Quick Summary

The modern Colt King Cobra is a .357 Magnum revolver that revives a classic design due to strong consumer demand. Praised for its excellent fit, finish, and accuracy potential, its main drawback is the unergonomic factory grips, which negatively impact shootability. It's positioned as a more affordable alternative to the Colt Python, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction: AH-1 Viper Helicopter Analogy
  2. 01:02Helicopter Comparison: AH-1Z Viper
  3. 02:45Introducing the Colt King Cobra Resurgence
  4. 03:00The Resurgence of Colt Revolvers
  5. 03:11Fond Memories of the Colt Python
  6. 03:48Original King Cobra History (1986-1992)
  7. 04:03Colt's Ownership Changes and Reintroduction
  8. 04:28Kudos to Colt for New King Cobra & Python
  9. 04:43Price Point and Availability of New Models
  10. 05:03The Walking Dead Influence on Python Popularity
  11. 05:22Comparison to Smith & Wesson Model 19
  12. 05:53Modern Competitive Options
  13. 06:13Pent-Up Demand for Colt Products
  14. 06:36High Prices of Original Models
  15. 06:47The Mythology of the Python
  16. 07:04Importance of Product Naming (Snake Names)
  17. 07:13King Cobra: The More Price-Efficient Version
  18. 07:27Premium Fit and Finish of Colt Revolvers
  19. 07:42Cobra vs. Python Sizing and Competition
  20. 08:05Python vs. Cobra Purchase Decision in the Past
  21. 08:15Modern Rendition and its Reputation
  22. 08:53Does the Modern King Cobra Live Up to its Legacy?
  23. 09:03Shooting Impressions and Criticisms
  24. 09:17Philosophy of Use: A Dream Gun You Could Afford
  25. 09:36Modern King Cobra Selling Out
  26. 09:49Distinguishing Target vs. Carry Models
  27. 10:09History of Cobra and King Cobra Reintroduction
  28. 10:28Pent-Up Demand and Philosophy of Use
  29. 10:31Potential Uses: Home Defense, Carry
  30. 10:47Time Travel Scenario: Carrying in 1987
  31. 11:00Law Enforcement Cachet
  32. 11:07Collectible vs. Shooter
  33. 11:18Features: The Ugly First
  34. 11:28The Grip: A Major Flaw
  35. 11:40Grip Aesthetics vs. Ergonomics
  36. 12:13Internal Differences: V-Leaf Mainspring
  37. 12:47Grip Un-ergonomics and Inconsistent Hold
  38. 13:24Recoil Issues with Revolver Grips
  39. 13:56Grip Failure to Lock the Hand
  40. 14:10Recommendation: Replace Grips for Shootability
  41. 14:46Comparison: Smith & Wesson 686+ Grips
  42. 15:34Grip on King Cobra Target: A Fail
  43. 15:46Grip Issue is Easily Rectified
  44. 15:56Overall Look and Quality
  45. 16:04Full Underlugged Barrel: Not a Barrel Insert
  46. 16:33Comparison to Smith & Wesson Reissue Barrel Inserts
  47. 17:04Full Underlugged Barrel is Gorgeous and True to Format
  48. 17:14Excellent Stainless Steel Finishing
  49. 17:35Finishing a Step Above Smith & Wesson
  50. 17:40Cover Plate Demarcation Line
  51. 17:57Excellent, Fully Adjustable Sights
  52. 18:01Fiber Optic Front Sight
  53. 18:14Cylinder Release: Similar to Original
  54. 18:39Cylinder Fitment: Tight Lock-up
  55. 18:50Impressive Cylinder Gap
  56. 19:10Locking Mechanism: Rear Only
  57. 19:14Clockwise Cylinder Rotation
  58. 19:20Transfer Bar Mechanism
  59. 19:23Trigger Quality: Single Action (5 lbs) & Double Action
  60. 19:40No Trigger Job Needed
  61. 19:46Trigger Guard Shape Variance from Original
  62. 20:03Trigger Guard Design for Gloves
  63. 20:09V2 Design: Not a 1:1 Copy
  64. 20:27Improved Trigger Guard Clearance
  65. 20:37Gloves Discussion
  66. 20:55Finish Comparison: King Cobra vs. 686
  67. 21:03Polishing on 686 Trigger Job
  68. 21:16686: Adequate Working Finish
  69. 21:19King Cobra: Working Finish, Matte with Polished Highlights
  70. 22:03Thick Top Strap
  71. 22:13Durability Improvement for Timing Issues
  72. 22:20Historical Timing Issues with Pythons/Cobras
  73. 22:34Colt Preventing Timing Issues with Strong Frame
  74. 22:42Hammer Design
  75. 22:50686 Hammer Reference: Wider, Sharper Edges
  76. 23:01Ejection Issues (Minor, Possibly User Error)
  77. 23:15Wood Stocks May Interfere with Ejection
  78. 23:17Target Stocks Not Set Up for Speedloaders
  79. 23:32Summary of Impressive Features: Fit, Finish, Lock-up, Sights, Trigger
  80. 23:42Grip Issue is Minor in the Grand Scheme
  81. 23:44Shooting Impressions: Loved It (Except Grip)
  82. 23:53Grip Wandering Was an Annoyance
  83. 24:07Shooting Target: 20 Yards Rests
  84. 24:14Accuracy: Fantastic for the Reviewer
  85. 24:24Gun Capable of Superb Accuracy
  86. 24:28Difficulty Achieving Accuracy Standing
  87. 24:33Blaming Stocks for Standing Accuracy Issues
  88. 24:44S&W 686 Sights vs. King Cobra Sights
  89. 24:46686 Sight Picture: White Outline Rear, Red Insert Front
  90. 24:58Standing Accuracy Challenges with King Cobra
  91. 25:04Grip Wandering Impacting Concentration
  92. 25:22Online Accuracy Reports: ~2.5 Inches at 25 Yards
  93. 25:33Trigger Was Awesome, Single Action Superb
  94. 25:37Fun Gun to Shoot
  95. 25:40Desire for Extra Round Capacity (7 vs. 6)
  96. 25:48Comparison: 7-Shot S&W 686+ vs. 6-Shot King Cobra
  97. 26:05Comparison: TRR8 (8-Shot Revolver)
  98. 26:22Would We Buy a King Cobra? Conditional Yes.
  99. 26:29Price Point: Under $1000 Street Price
  100. 26:38Thanks to Gunny's the Great American Gun Store
  101. 26:52Conditional Buy: Processing the Cost vs. Original
  102. 27:15Part B of Conditional Buy: Shooting Originals
  103. 27:20Preserving Original Wheelguns
  104. 27:41Shooting Reloads Out of King Cobra
  105. 27:51Target Market: Guys Who Remember Colt, Excited, Affordable
  106. 28:16Target Demographic: 40-70 Years Old
  107. 28:27Part B Continued: King Cobra vs. Python Decision
  108. 28:52Wishlist for Colt: Blued Version
  109. 29:03Demand for Blued Firearms
  110. 29:20Perfect Bluing Job Required
  111. 29:24Example: Model 19 Combat Masterpiece Bluing
  112. 29:35Barrel Length is Excellent
  113. 29:38Preference for 6-Inch Python
  114. 29:46Decision Based on Price and Availability
  115. 29:51Overall Love for the Gun (Except Grip)
  116. 30:01Grips Must Change
  117. 30:05Less Expensive Options: Used S&W 686
  118. 30:115-Star Gun
  119. 30:14S&W 686 Comparison: Price and Features
  120. 30:43Performance Center S&W
  121. 30:50Affordable & Excellent GP100
  122. 30:56Ruger GP100: Burnt Bronze Cerakote
  123. 31:03Goncalo Wood Grips on GP100
  124. 31:10GP100 Grip Locks In
  125. 31:20GP100 Trigger Job (Yoda Trigger)
  126. 31:29GP100 Accuracy
  127. 31:33GP100 as a Second Cool Gun After Work
  128. 31:38Stock GP100: User Gun, Fantastic
  129. 31:46GP100: More Slop/Wiggle Than King Cobra
  130. 31:56GP100 Lock-up When Cocked
  131. 32:07King Cobra Lock-up Achieved Goal
  132. 32:07Price Difference: GP100 vs. King Cobra
  133. 32:18Cobra Cachet: Named After a Snake
  134. 32:30GP100 Sexiness (Not Stock)
  135. 32:42Chiappa Rhino: Disliked
  136. 32:56King Cobra Predicted Best Seller
  137. 33:00Great Job Colt: Happy with King Cobra & Python
  138. 33:04Request for Blued Version
  139. 33:14Caliber Perfect: .357 Magnum
  140. 33:17.38 Special for Economical Shooting
  141. 33:20Fit and Finish Awesome
  142. 33:23Pro Tip: Include Extra Grip Set
  143. 33:31Two Grip Sets for Purchaser
  144. 33:36Best of Both Worlds
  145. 33:38Nutnfancy Project Sign Off
  146. 33:46TMP Patreon Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Colt King Cobra?

The Colt King Cobra is a modern resurgence of a classic .357 Magnum revolver, reintroduced by Colt due to high consumer demand. It's known for its premium fit and finish, and is positioned as a more accessible alternative to the iconic Colt Python.

What are the main criticisms of the Colt King Cobra?

The primary criticism of the Colt King Cobra Target model is its factory grips, which are described as unergonomic and preventing a consistent handhold. This significantly impacts shootability and accuracy, though it's considered an easily rectifiable issue with aftermarket grips.

How does the Colt King Cobra compare to the Smith & Wesson 686+?

The Colt King Cobra offers a superior stainless steel finish and a more iconic design compared to the Smith & Wesson 686+. While the 686+ offers an extra round of capacity (7 vs. 6) and is often more affordable, the King Cobra is praised for its overall quality and aesthetics.

Is the Colt King Cobra a good value for its price?

The Colt King Cobra is considered a good value for its price, especially given its premium fit and finish, and the resurgence of Colt's revolver line. While not inexpensive (around $900 street price), it offers a taste of the Python's legacy at a more attainable cost, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts.

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