Colt King Cobra .22 LR Revolver Stainless
About this product
The Colt King Cobra .22 LR Revolver Stainless is a compact, rimfire revolver built for economical training and range work that maintains Colt's mechanical precision standards. Chambered for .22 LR, it features corrosion-resistant stainless steel construction and Hogue overmolded rubber grips designed to absorb what little recoil exists with this cartridge. The fiber optic front sight and adjustable rear provide clear sight alignment for precise shooting up to 25 yards, which is the effective practical limit for this round.
What is the Colt King Cobra .22 LR Revolver used for?
The King Cobra .22 LR is primarily used for cost-effective training and introduction to double-action revolver mechanics. At approximately 35 cents per round for quality ammunition versus $1.50+ for .38 Special, you can practice fundamentals for about one-fifth the cost while maintaining the same manual of arms as larger defensive revolvers. The 10-round cylinder capacity—double that of most .38 Special revolvers—extends practice sessions without constant reloading, making it ideal for marksmanship development and shooting schools.
How does the Colt King Cobra compare to the Stevens 334 rifle?
The King Cobra .22 LR serves entirely different training purposes than bolt-action rifles like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win. While the Stevens provides precision rifle training for hunters and long-range shooters with consistent sub-MOA accuracy at 100+ yards, the King Cobra focuses on handgun fundamentals at 7-25 yard distances. For developing handgun proficiency, the King Cobra is objectively better for its intended purpose—you can't practice draw strokes or rapid follow-up shots with a 7.5-pound bolt-action rifle.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The King Cobra .22 LR weighs 28.5 ounces unloaded and measures 7 inches in overall length with a 2.25-inch barrel. The Hogue grip adds approximately 1.25 inches to the circumference, creating a purchase area that accommodates medium to large hands without requiring the palm swell of larger frame revolvers. These compact dimensions make it suitable for range bags and secure storage in standard handgun safes without consuming the space of full-size firearms.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not suitable for law enforcement qualification or defensive carry roles where terminal ballistic performance is paramount. The .22 LR cartridge lacks the consistent penetration and energy transfer required for self-defense scenarios, with most rounds delivering under 100 foot-pounds at the muzzle versus 300+ for .38 Special. Additionally, competition shooters seeking speed loader compatibility should look to dedicated competition revolvers—the King Cobra's cylinder release and loading gate prioritize traditional operation over rapid reloads.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the revolver, one 10-round cylinder, and a standard plastic case with foam insert. Unlike many modern firearms, Colt does not include supplementary items like cable locks or cleaning kits, so budget approximately $40 for a basic revolver cleaning rod, patches, and solvent. The cylinder ships empty with the factory test-fired casing included separately to verify function before sale.
Is the Colt King Cobra worth it at $991.99?
At $991.99, the King Cobra .22 LR justifies its premium through Colt's manufacturing tolerances and long-term durability that budget .22 revolvers lack. While you could purchase three Taurus 942 revolvers for the same price, the Colt maintains tighter cylinder lockup and smoother double-action pull that translates directly to improved shooting mechanics. For serious shooters investing thousands in ammunition over the firearm's lifetime, the 15-20% improvement in trigger consistency and sight alignment warrants the additional upfront cost.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 10-round cylinder capacity — double most .38 Special revolvers for extended practice sessions
- 28.5 ounce weight — manageable for all-day training without fatigue compared to 36+ ounce centerfire equivalents
- 1:16 twist rate barrel — stabilizes standard and high-velocity .22 LR ammunition effectively at 25+ yards
- Hogue OverMolded grips — reduce perceived recoil by approximately 40% versus factory wood grips
Trade-offs
- No threaded barrel option — eliminates suppressor compatibility that many .22 LR trainers prioritize
- Premium price point — costs $400+ more than comparable Smith & Wesson 617 models with similar features
- Manual ejection only — lacks speed loader compatibility that competitive shooters require for timed events
- Limited aftermarket sight options — factory sights cannot be easily replaced with night sight systems
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 098289001542 |
| manufacturer | Colt |
| manufacturer part number | KCOBRA22-SP2RFO |
| action | Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 2'' |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 10-Round |
| color | Silver |
| length | 7'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 10-Round |
| model | King Cobra |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 8.6 |
| product type | Double / Single Action |
| shipping weight | 3.8 |
| sights | RS: Target FS: Fiber Optic |
| sights type | FIBER OPTIC |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with suppressors?
- No, the King Cobra .22 LR cannot mount suppressors due to its fixed barrel design and lack of threaded barrel options. The cylinder gap creates significant noise and gas escape that negates suppressor effectiveness, unlike rifles like the <a href="/products/stevens-334-243win-20-3rd-black/">Stevens 334</a> which can accommodate threaded accessories. For suppressed .22 LR shooting, you'll need a pistol or rifle with a threaded barrel measuring 1/2x28 or similar pattern.
- Does it fit standard holsters?
- The King Cobra .22 LR requires holsters specifically designed for the 2.25-inch barrel King Cobra frame rather than universal revolver holsters. The frame dimensions differ slightly from Smith & Wesson K-frames, so expect to purchase a dedicated holster from brands like DeSantis or Galco costing $60-120. For proper retention, verify the holster model specifies compatibility with the King Cobra series revolvers.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearm shipments typically process within 3-5 business days after FFL verification, plus 2-7 days transit time depending on your location relative to our Montana warehouse. All firearms ship via FedEx with adult signature required and tracking provided within 24 hours of shipment. International orders and California shipments may require additional 10-14 days for compliance verification.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Firearms with genuine mechanical defects can be returned within 30 days for evaluation and repair through Colt's warranty service, but non-mechanical returns are prohibited by federal law. Colt's warranty covers manufacturing defects for 1 year from purchase date and typically resolves issues within 4-6 weeks including shipping time. Cosmetic issues or buyer's remorse do not qualify for return under ATF regulations.
- Does this work with speed loaders?
- No, the King Cobra .22 LR does not accommodate standard speed loaders due to its 10-round cylinder configuration and loading gate design. Reloading requires manual ejection and loading of individual rounds, which takes approximately 45-60 seconds for a full cylinder versus 5-10 seconds with speed loader-compatible revolvers. For rapid fire training, consider practicing with moon clip systems available for some centerfire revolvers.