COLT King Cobra .357 Mag 3″ 6-Round Stainless TALO
About this product
The COLT King Cobra .357 Mag 3″ 6-Round Stainless TALO is a limited-edition stainless steel revolver chambered in .357 Magnum with upgraded TALO snake-scale walnut grips. This TALO-exclusive model combines Colt's classic double-action revolver mechanics with collector-grade finishing touches. Built on Colt's modern King Cobra platform, it maintains full compatibility with .38 Special +P loads while offering the distinctive handling characteristics that made Colt revolvers legendary.
What is the COLT King Cobra TALO used for?
The King Cobra TALO serves primarily as a collectible range firearm with practical concealed carry potential. Its 3-inch barrel provides optimal balance between concealability and ballistic performance, generating approximately 1,250 fps with standard 125-grain .357 Magnum loads. The six-round capacity and stainless construction make it suitable for recreational shooting, home defense, or as a backup weapon for experienced carriers who appreciate traditional revolver reliability.
How does the COLT King Cobra TALO compare to the Smith & Wesson Model 686?
The King Cobra TALO offers superior collector appeal and smoother trigger action compared to the Smith & Wesson Model 686. While both are stainless .357 Magnum revolvers, the Colt features a more refined double-action pull measuring 9.5 pounds versus the S&W's 11-pound pull, though the Model 686 maintains an edge in aftermarket sight availability. The TALO's snake-scale walnut grips provide better recoil management than the S&W's standard rubber grips, particularly noticeable with full-power .357 loads.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 32 ounces unloaded and measures 8 inches in overall length with a 3-inch barrel. The cylinder width measures 1.67 inches, making it comparable in size to most compact semi-automatic pistols while maintaining a profile thickness of 1.45 inches. These dimensions place it squarely in the compact carry revolver category, though it's 4 ounces heavier than the polymer-frame the Stevens 334 Rifle we stock for hunting applications.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not ideal for beginners or budget-conscious shooters seeking a high-round-count training firearm. The TALO edition's premium pricing and collector orientation make it poorly suited for those who prioritize round capacity over craftsmanship. Shooters requiring optics compatibility or night sights should consider modern semi-automatic alternatives, as the King Cobra's fixed sights limit low-light effectiveness compared to our Stevens 555 Sporting O/U with its fiber optic front sight.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, one 6-round moon clip, and a Colt-branded lockable hard case. Unlike many production revolvers, the TALO edition ships with documentation verifying its limited-edition status and specific serial number range. The moon clip allows for rapid reloading but requires proprietary loading tools sold separately, adding approximately $35 to the total setup cost for practical use.
Is the COLT King Cobra TALO worth it at $875.99?
At $875.99, the King Cobra TALO justifies its price for collectors and Colt enthusiasts seeking a modern interpretation of classic revolver design. The investment covers the premium walnut grips, special engraving, and TALO exclusivity that typically appreciate better than standard production models. For shooters requiring purely functional performance, the standard King Cobra model at $150 less provides identical mechanical performance without the collector premium.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 32 oz — 4 oz lighter than comparable S&W Model 686
- 3-inch barrel provides 1,250 fps velocity with 125-grain JHP
- Brushed stainless finish resists corrosion better than blued models
- TALO walnut grips reduce perceived recoil by approximately 15%
Trade-offs
- Fixed sights limit low-light effectiveness — requires $120 aftermarket upgrade
- Moon clips not included for speed loading — add $35 for proper setup
- Walnut grips show wear after 500+ draw cycles — plan $80 replacement cost
- Limited to 6 rounds — 50% capacity reduction versus modern semi-autos
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 098289001375 |
| manufacturer | Colt |
| manufacturer part number | KCOBRA-SB3BB-TLS |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel length | 3" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 15.5 |
| model | King Cobra |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 8.8 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 3.85 |
| sights | Brass Bead Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the King Cobra TALO fires both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds interchangeably. The chamber dimensions accommodate .38 Special +P loads safely, though we recommend cleaning the cylinder chambers after shooting .38 Special to prevent carbon buildup. Expect approximately 50 fps velocity reduction compared to dedicated .38 Special revolvers.
- Does it fit standard holsters?
- It fits most holsters designed for K-frame revolvers with 3-inch barrels, though the TALO's walnut grips may require slightly larger openings. We recommend Simply Rugged holsters or DeSantis thumb-break models specifically. The 1.45-inch width matches most compact revolver holsters, but verify compatibility before purchase.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping to FFL dealers takes 3-5 business days after verification, with an additional 24 hours for processing. All firearms ship via FedEx Priority Overnight with adult signature required. International orders require 10-14 days for export compliance documentation through our Ironclad Armory export team.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearm returns require unopened factory packaging and must be initiated within 3 business days of receipt. We charge a 15% restocking fee and original shipping costs are non-refundable. All returns must go through your receiving FFL dealer and include the original certificate of authenticity.
- Does this work with HKS speedloaders?
- Yes, it accepts HKS Model 10-A speedloaders designed for 6-shot .357 revolvers. The cylinder cutouts align perfectly with HKS mechanisms, allowing reloads in approximately 4 seconds with practice. Avoid cheaper plastic speedloaders as they may not withstand .357 Magnum recoil forces.