Make: Colt

Model: Cobra

Serial Number: 162028-LW

Year of Manufacture: 1965

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: 6-Shot, Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver

Barrel Length: 2”

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch integral to the topstrap. The top of the frame is serrated for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood with silver-colored Colt medallions. The grips have light handling wear with a few small nicks and minor scuffing. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Black Alloy Frame

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There are some scattered small marks on the alloy frame. The action shows minor operational wear. The markings are clear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. Overall, this revolver is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: Installed is a Colt-branded hammer shroud.

Our Assessment: The Colt Detective Special was basically the same revolver as the Police Positive Special, except it was limited to a 2” barrel with a few made in 3”. The Colt Cobra was the same as the Detective Special, except made with a lightweight aluminum frame. Both the Detective Special and the Cobra were very popular with police detectives because they held 6 cartridges vs. the 5 cartridges of the S&W Model J-frame. The Cobra was in production as the 1st Series from 1950-1972 and as the 2nd Series from 1973-1981.

This revolver is a 1st Issue Cobra with a 2” barrel, chambered in .38 Special. It is in Fine condition showing evidence of infrequent use and handling. Lightweight, compact and with a capacity of six rounds, this classic is still a great choice for defense, especially with its hammer shroud which allows use in single-action while preventing the hammer spur from snagging. It would also be a neat addition to a Colt revolver collection. Please see our photos and good luck!