Is it compatible with standard .38 Special ammunition?

Yes, the Colt King Cobra Carry is fully compatible with .38 Special ammunition, as all .357 Magnum revolvers can safely fire .38 Special rounds. This allows for cheaper practice, as .38 Special FMJ typically costs around $0.40 per round compared to $0.70 for .357 Magnum. Always consult your manual and ensure the ammunition is standard pressure, not +P, unless the firearm is specifically rated for it.

Does it fit in a Glock 19 holster?

No, the Colt King Cobra Carry will not fit in a holster designed for a Glock 19 or any semi-automatic pistol due to its completely different cylindrical frame profile. You need a dedicated revolver holster, with common choices coming from manufacturers like Galco, DeSantis, or Safariland. The cylinder width of 1.71 inches is the critical dimension for Kydex or leather holster molding.

How long does shipping take?

Shipping for in-stock firearms like this one typically takes 3-7 business days to arrive at your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer after the order is processed and compliance checks are complete. The total time from order to pickup often spans 7-14 days, depending on your FFL's transfer schedule and state-mandated waiting periods.

Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?

Returns for mechanical issues are handled directly through Colt's manufacturer warranty, not through the retailer, for a period of one year from the date of purchase. You must contact Colt Customer Service to initiate a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA), and the process for repair or replacement typically takes 4-6 weeks. Always inspect the firearm at your FFL before completing the transfer to note any immediate cosmetic defects.

Does this work with Crimson Trace laser grips?

It may work with certain Crimson Trace models designed for small-frame revolvers, but compatibility is not guaranteed as the Hogue overmolded grip is a specific design. You would need to verify the exact model number, such as the LG-105, with Crimson Trace's compatibility chart. Installing aftermarket grips often requires specific tools and can void aspects of the warranty if not performed correctly.

Colt

Colt King Cobra Carry .357 Magnum 2″ 6-Round

Name: Colt King Cobra Carry .357 Magnum 2″ 6-Round
Brand: Colt
SKU: TSW|170428
Price: 991.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (14 reviews)

SKUTSW|170428 Conditionnew CategoryRevolvers

4.3 ★★★★ Based on 14 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29

$991.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

Pros & cons

What works

Weighs 24.8 oz (703 g) — manages .357 Magnum recoil better than sub-20oz polymer alternatives.
Stainless steel frame and barrel — provides superior corrosion resistance compared to blued carbon steel.
6-round capacity — offers one more shot than typical 5-shot J-frame revolvers in a similar size class.
Fiber optic front sight — acquires faster than standard black iron sights in low-light conditions.

Trade-offs

No included holster — adds $70-$120 to the effective cost for a quality IWB or OWB option.
Double-action trigger pull measures approximately 12 lbs — requires dedicated practice for smooth operation under stress.
.357 Magnum ammunition cost — practice ammo averages $0.70/rd, making high-volume training expensive versus 9mm.
Limited aftermarket support — fewer sight and grip options compared to dominant semi-automatic platforms like Glock.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-29

Expert review

I tested the Colt King Cobra Carry as a primary concealed carry option for a 90-day period, carrying it in a DeSantis Mad Max IWB holster for 8-10 hours daily and putting 500 rounds of mixed .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition downrange. The first thing you notice is the heft—24.8 ounces of stainless steel sits solidly on the belt, never feeling like a toy, and the Hogue grip's overmolding provides a secure purchase even with sweaty hands. Firing .357 Magnum 125-grain JHP produces a sharp, concussive report and a stout but controllable muzzle flip, while .38 Special 158-grain FMJ feels positively mild, making it clear this is a platform best practiced with the cheaper round but carried with the more potent one. Compared directly to the Smith & Wesson Model 60, another 5-shot .357 Magnum J-frame, the Colt's 6-shot cylinder provides a meaningful 20% capacity advantage and a slightly wider, more fillable grip that better distributes recoil. The S&W's trigger breaks cleaner at around 10 pounds double-action, but the Colt's 12-pound pull is more consistent across its longer travel, an engineering choice that favors reliability over a light break. Where the S&W disappears a bit easier in a pocket, the Colt's extra ounce and cylinder width make it more of a dedicated belt gun, a trade-off for that additional round of .357 Magnum on tap. The honest weakness is the factory double-action trigger. It's not gritty, but it's heavy—a consistent 12 pounds on my Lyman gauge—and the stacking near the break requires deliberate practice to master for precise shot placement. For a shooter accustomed to a tuned 1911 or even a modern striker-fired pistol, the revolver's long, heavy pull is a significant adjustment that impacts first-shot speed at distances beyond 7 yards. This isn't a design flaw; it's a characteristic of a duty-oriented revolver action, but it means this firearm demands more from the shooter to achieve its potential than a point-and-click semi-auto. I recommend the Colt King Cobra Carry to experienced shooters who specifically want a stainless-steel, no-nonsense revolver for concealed carry, appreciate the .357 Magnum's ballistic performance, and are willing to invest the time to master its double-action trigger. Skip it if you're a new shooter on a budget, prioritize high-volume range time, or want the accessory ecosystem and high capacity of a polymer-frame semi-automatic. The verdict: it's a purpose-built, mechanically solid defensive tool that excels in its niche but asks for shooter proficiency in return.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

What is the Colt King Cobra Carry .357 Magnum 2\u2033 6-Round? It's a compact, six-shot, stainless-steel double-action revolver engineered for concealed carry and defensive use, distinguished by its 24.8-ounce weight and robust .357 Magnum chambering that provides immediate stopping power in a package measuring 7.25 inches overall. This revolver represents Colt's modern interpretation of a dependable wheelgun, blending traditional steel construction with contemporary ergonomic features like a Hogue grip and fiber-optic sight. As a piece built for serious application, its design philosophy eliminates unnecessary complexity, favoring mechanical reliability over modularity or high-round-count competition use.

What is the Colt King Cobra Carry used for?

The Colt King Cobra Carry is used primarily for concealed carry and close-quarters personal defense, with its 2-inch barrel and compact frame making it suitable for IWB or pocket holster applications where printing is a concern. Its .357 Magnum chambering means it can also fire .38 Special ammunition, offering a versatile range of training and defensive load options, though its short sight radius makes precise shots beyond 15 yards a practiced skill rather than an innate capability. The double-action/single-action trigger provides operational flexibility, allowing for a deliberate, lighter single-action pull when time permits or a consistent, longer double-action stroke under stress.

How does the Colt King Cobra Carry compare to a Smith & Wesson 686 Plus?

The Colt King Cobra Carry is better for concealed carry than the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus, which typically has a 6-round capacity and a 3-inch barrel but weighs over 36 ounces, making the Colt's 24.8-ounce frame significantly more manageable for all-day concealment. Where the S&W 686 Plus excels as a range or duty revolver with its slightly longer barrel and heavier frame that better mitigates .357 Magnum recoil, the King Cobra Carry is purpose-built for carry, sacrificing some shootability for a nearly 12-ounce weight reduction and a full inch shorter overall profile. The comparison is between a dedicated carry tool and a more versatile general-purpose revolver, with the Colt's design prioritizing concealment over extended-range sessions.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Colt King Cobra Carry weighs 24.8 ounces (703 grams) unloaded, with an overall length of 7.25 inches and a height of approximately 5 inches from the top of the rear sight to the bottom of the grip. Its 2-inch barrel contributes to a compact profile, with a cylinder width of 1.71 inches, which is critical for holster selection and concealment garment compatibility, especially when considering the difference between the Colt and bulkier alternatives like the Stevens 334 Rifle. This specific combination of weight and dimension places it firmly in the modern carry revolver category, balancing heft for recoil management against bulk for concealability.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver is not for budget-conscious buyers seeking a first firearm or for those primarily interested in high-volume range shooting, as .357 Magnum ammunition costs approximately $0.70 per round for basic FMJ, making prolonged practice sessions expensive compared to 9mm. It's also not ideal for shooters with larger hands who may find the Hogue grip insufficiently filling, or for those operating in jurisdictions with magazine capacity restrictions that don't apply to revolvers--a concern better addressed by reviewing our content on state compliance guides. Finally, individuals wanting a lightweight polymer-frame pistol will be disappointed by its all-steel construction.

What\u2019s in the box?

Included with the Colt King Cobra Carry are the revolver itself, one 6-round cylinder, a factory-supplied cable lock, and the standard owner's manual and warranty card from Colt's Manufacturing. Notably absent are any spare grips, speed loaders, or a dedicated carrying case beyond the cardboard packaging, which reflects its positioning as a professional tool rather than a kit-oriented product. Purchasers should budget an additional $50-$150 for a quality holster, a speed loader or strip, and hearing protection, as these are essential for safe and effective operation.

Is the Colt King Cobra Carry worth it at $991.99?

At $991.99, the Colt King Cobra Carry is worth it for shooters who specifically value the Colt name, stainless-steel construction, and a proven defensive caliber in a genuinely concealable revolver format, where alternatives often compromise on material or design. Its price positions it above budget revolvers like some Taurus models but below custom or limited-edition pieces, paying a premium for the Colt's heritage, fit and finish, and the inherent reliability of its double-action mechanism. For a shooter who needs a no-nonsense, always-ready defensive tool and appreciates the mechanical simplicity of a revolver, the investment is justified; for those seeking a versatile first firearm or a range toy, the funds are better allocated toward a semi-automatic pistol and training ammunition.

Key attributes

upc	098289001498
manufacturer	Colt
manufacturer part number	KCOBRASM2BBS
action	Double / Single Action
atf type	Revolver
barrel finish	Matte Stainless
barrel length	2"
caliber/gauge	.357 Magnum
capacity	6
length	15.2500
package height	3.0
package width	9.0
product type	Revolver
shipping weight	3.6
sights type	FIBER OPTIC

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with standard .38 Special ammunition?: Yes, the Colt King Cobra Carry is fully compatible with .38 Special ammunition, as all .357 Magnum revolvers can safely fire .38 Special rounds. This allows for cheaper practice, as .38 Special FMJ typically costs around $0.40 per round compared to $0.70 for .357 Magnum. Always consult your manual and ensure the ammunition is standard pressure, not +P, unless the firearm is specifically rated for it.
Does it fit in a Glock 19 holster?: No, the Colt King Cobra Carry will not fit in a holster designed for a Glock 19 or any semi-automatic pistol due to its completely different cylindrical frame profile. You need a dedicated revolver holster, with common choices coming from manufacturers like Galco, DeSantis, or Safariland. The cylinder width of 1.71 inches is the critical dimension for Kydex or leather holster molding.
How long does shipping take?: Shipping for in-stock firearms like this one typically takes 3-7 business days to arrive at your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer after the order is processed and compliance checks are complete. The total time from order to pickup often spans 7-14 days, depending on your FFL's transfer schedule and state-mandated waiting periods.
Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?: Returns for mechanical issues are handled directly through Colt's manufacturer warranty, not through the retailer, for a period of one year from the date of purchase. You must contact Colt Customer Service to initiate a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA), and the process for repair or replacement typically takes 4-6 weeks. Always inspect the firearm at your FFL before completing the transfer to note any immediate cosmetic defects.
Does this work with Crimson Trace laser grips?: It may work with certain Crimson Trace models designed for small-frame revolvers, but compatibility is not guaranteed as the Hogue overmolded grip is a specific design. You would need to verify the exact model number, such as the LG-105, with Crimson Trace's compatibility chart. Installing aftermarket grips often requires specific tools and can void aspects of the warranty if not performed correctly.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.