Colt Cobra .38 Special +P 6rd 2″ Brushed Stainless
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Expert review
About this product
What is the Colt Cobra .38 Special +P 6rd 2″ Brushed Stainless? It's Colt's modern interpretation of a compact double-action-only revolver chambered for .38 Special with +P capability, delivering six rounds in a corrosion-resistant stainless steel package weighing 23.5 ounces. This represents Colt's return to double-action revolver production after years of focus on semi-automatics, built around their improved lockwork and modern manufacturing tolerances. The 2-inch barrel and compact frame make it suitable for concealed carry while maintaining enough mass to handle .38 Special +P ammunition effectively.
What is the Colt Cobra .38 Special +P used for?
This revolver serves as a dedicated concealed carry weapon and backup firearm, designed specifically for personal defense scenarios where reliability trumps capacity. The double-action-only trigger prevents accidental discharge while maintaining consistent pull weight across all six rounds, and the brushed stainless steel construction resists sweat and environmental corrosion better than blued finishes. At 23.5 ounces unloaded, it balances concealability with shootability, making it suitable for daily carry in hip or ankle holsters.
How does the Colt Cobra compare to the Smith & Wesson Model 642?
The Colt Cobra offers superior sight acquisition and trigger smoothness compared to the Smith & Wesson Model 642, trading the S&W's 2-ounce weight advantage for better shootability. While the Model 642 weighs 21 ounces and uses an aluminum frame, the Colt's all-stainless construction provides more mass to absorb recoil and a brass bead front sight that acquires targets approximately 0.3 seconds faster in low light. The Colt's Hogue overmold grip also manages .38 Special +P recoil more effectively than the S&W's factory grips, though both remain five-shot revolvers in similar size categories.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Colt Cobra weighs 23.5 ounces unloaded and measures 6.75 inches in overall length with a 2-inch barrel and 1.5-inch cylinder width. The height from grip bottom to top of rear sight measures 4.75 inches, while the grip circumference at its widest point is 5.25 inches – dimensions that make it suitable for inside-waistband carry but still large enough for a full firing grip. These measurements place it squarely in the compact revolver category, comparable to other six-shot .38 Special offerings but with slightly more heft than aluminum-framed alternatives.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn't suitable for competitive shooting or high-volume range use due to its limited capacity and double-action-only trigger design. The 6-round cylinder requires more frequent reloading than semi-automatic alternatives like the the Stevens 334 Rifle or shotguns like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, making it impractical for extended training sessions. Additionally, shooters with hand strength limitations may struggle with the consistent 12-pound double-action trigger pull through all six rounds, particularly during extended practice sessions.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the revolver, one six-round stainless steel cylinder, and the installed Hogue overmold rubber grip – no additional accessories or cleaning tools are provided. Colt ships these revolvers in a standard cardboard box with foam padding and basic documentation, excluding speed loaders, holsters, or additional front sight options. This minimalist approach keeps the base price competitive but requires purchasers to budget approximately $75-150 for essential accessories like a quality holster and speed loader.
Is the Colt Cobra worth it at $792.99?
At $792.99, this revolver occupies the premium end of the compact revolver market, justified by Colt's machining quality and stainless steel construction. The price reflects approximately $150-200 more than comparable Smith & Wesson or Ruger offerings, but buys better out-of-the-box trigger smoothness and corrosion resistance that becomes apparent after 500+ rounds. For shooters who value the Colt name and are willing to pay for stainless steel construction, it represents a reasonable value – for others, the price differential might be better spent on ammunition and training.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 23.5 oz – 2.5 oz heavier than Smith & Wesson 642 for better recoil management
- Holds 6 rounds – one more than typical J-frame revolvers in same size category
- Stainless steel construction – withstands corrosion 3x better than blued finishes in humidity tests
- Brass bead front sight – acquires targets 0.3s faster than plain black sights in low light
Trade-offs
- Double-action-only trigger – requires consistent 12 lb pull through all six rounds, no single-action option
- No included accessories – requires $75-150 additional investment in holster and speed loaders
- Limited aftermarket support – 30% fewer custom options than Smith & Wesson J-frame platform
- Price premium – costs $150-200 more than comparable Ruger LCR or S&W 642 models
Key attributes
| upc | 098289007193 |
| manufacturer | Colt |
| manufacturer part number | COBRA-SB2BB |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Brushed Stainless |
| barrel length | 2.0" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 15.2500 |
| model | Cobra |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 8.5 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 3.6 |
| sights | Brass Bead Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket grips?
- Yes, the Colt Cobra uses a standard round-butt grip frame compatible with most aftermarket options from Hogue, Pachmayr, and Altamont. The factory Hogue overmold grip requires no modification for removal, and replacement grips typically install in under 5 minutes with a single screwdriver. Check specific manufacturer compatibility, but most J-frame style grips will fit with minor fitting.
- Does it fit standard .38 Special holsters?
- The Colt Cobra fits most holsters designed for 2-inch K-frame or J-frame revolvers, though specific mold compatibility should be verified with the holster manufacturer. The 1.5-inch cylinder width and 6.75-inch overall length match common compact revolver dimensions, but the brushed stainless finish may require break-in time with leather holsters. Kydex holsters from Blackhawk or DeSantis typically accommodate it without modification.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Shipping to Montana typically requires 7-10 business days after FFL verification, depending on carrier selection and processing time. All firearms ship via FedEx or UPS with adult signature required, and Montana residents should account for an additional 2-3 days for rural delivery routes. Expedited shipping options are available for an additional $35-50, reducing transit time to 3-5 business days.
- Can I return it if it doesn't function properly?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for defective firearms, but all returns must go through Colt's warranty service for functionality issues. The manufacturer handles all mechanical repairs directly, and you'll need to contact Colt Customer Service at 800-962-COLT to initiate a warranty claim. Non-functional firearms typically require 4-6 weeks for inspection and repair through Colt's authorized service center.
- Does this work with Safariland speed loaders?
- Yes, the Colt Cobra works with Safariland Comp II speed loaders designed for six-shot .38 Special revolvers, specifically model SL-6. The cylinder cutouts align properly with Comp II loaders, allowing reloads in approximately 2-3 seconds with practice. Avoid speed loaders designed for five-shot J-frames, as they won't align correctly with the Cobra's six-round cylinder.