Colt King Cobra Target Revolver .357 Magnum

This wonderful article first appeared on AmmoLand Information in September of 2023 and seems right here now with contemporary updates.

In 2017, Colt launched their latest revolver within the type of a 6-shot stainless-steel, double-action snub nostril chambered in 38 Particular known as the Cobra. They adopted this one up with the Evening Cobra, King Cobra, and King Cobra Carry. Nevertheless, earlier this 12 months, they caught my consideration with a brand new mannequin: The King Cobra Goal. Just like the earlier 2 King Cobra fashions, this one is chambered in 357 Magnum.

Colt King Cobra Goal Revolver .357 Magnum

Personally, I like target-grade firearms of any sort, however particularly revolvers. I learn each article I might discover on this. I found that it had a 4 ¼” barrel, adjustable rear sight, elevated fiber optic entrance sight, and customized wooden medallion grips made by Altamont.

The 4 ¼” barrel threw me for a little bit of a loop. “I believed they stated ‘Goal’?”. I’ve correct wheel weapons in 3″ and 4″ configurations, however once I consider a manufacturing unit goal revolver, I are inclined to assume a 6″ bbl on the very least.

I ordered one from Colt, and it took some time for me to get it. Once I acquired it, I understood the reasoning.

If you happen to had been pondering of the outdated King Cobra launched in 1986 that was primarily based on the Colt Trooper within the medium-sized “V-frame,” you is likely to be in for a little bit of a shock. The brand new King Cobras are primarily based on the smaller “D-frame,” just like the Detective Particular and Cobra strains. The naming conference does trigger some concern as components between this and the King Cobras from the final century won’t interchange.

It made sense for the 4 ¼” barrel now. An extended barrel would undoubtedly throw off the stability of the revolver.

The body and barrel are solid from stainless-steel. Match and end had been nothing in need of wonderful, and the Altamont grips had been stunning.

The set off was extraordinarily clean and broke at 8.5 kilos in double-action mode and three kilos in single-action.

Vary Time

I examined the Colt King Cobra Goal at 25 yards (75 ft) with an assortment of 38 particular and 357 Magnum ammunition. One of the best teams had been achieved with 148-grain HBWC (Hole Based mostly Wad Cutters) that I loaded myself with 3 grains of Winchester 231 for a 1.65″ group. These are very delicate goal hundreds that common 750 fps. I moved on to Hornady’s 110 grain +P FTX (Flex Tip Growth) 38 Particular Vital Protection rounds, which achieved 1000 fps out of the Colt King Cobra Goal, and the group opened as much as 2.51″.

Subsequent, I chosen a field of Federal 125gr JHP in 357 Magnum. These bullets left the bore at 1435 fps, and whereas recoil was not disagreeable, you knew that you weren’t capturing a 38. The typical group dimension was 2.28″.

I used to be truly a bit stunned that the Federal 357 carried out so properly, however that’s what the revolver was rated to deal with. I might warning towards a gentle weight-reduction plan of 357 Magnum in a revolver of this dimension. I’ve been capturing, gathering, and tinkering with Colt revolvers for a really very long time. In my expertise, their wonderful lock work is liable to capturing out of time sooner than different revolver manufacturers, and a gentle weight-reduction plan of sizzling hundreds will solely speed up that.

Ultimate Ideas

I personal and shoot a whole lot of goal revolvers, however I have no idea if I might put the King Cobra Goal in that class.

Suppose options just like the sights and people grips are what make it a goal pistol on some stage, and the barrel size helps Colt get this revolver into different markets. I’m undoubtedly all for it, however I see one other use right here as an correct 4” carry handgun.

Only a few individuals would really feel outgunned with this revolver as a sidearm. It may well pack a stout load and ship photographs on track. I simply don’t assume it’s as much as the makings of a aggressive capturing revolver. The match accuracy is just not fairly there, and the smaller body will beat the internals alive with hundreds of rounds of ammunition. It’s nonetheless an correct handgun and a quality-made one, and it’s simply not what I might select for a aggressive goal revolver.

After my final foray right into a double-action Colt, I’m not wanting ahead to attempting to repair one other one on this lifetime!

All that stated, I’ve been extremely impressed with Colt’s post-2017 double-action revolvers.

A line of larger-sized stainless-steel double-action revolvers primarily based on the traditional snake weapons is main the cost for Colt to personal the revolver market as soon as once more. They clearly have the power.  The Colt King Cobra Goal is one other step in the suitable path.

Mannequin: King Cobra Goal
Kind: Double Motion Revolver
Caliber: 357 Magnum/38 Particular
End:  Matte Stainless Metal
Inventory:    Altamont Wooden Grips
Sights:   Fiber Optic Entrance, Adjustable rear
Barrel Size:    4.25″
General Size: 9.25″
Capability: 6
Weight: 36 oz.
MSRP: $1200.00 (much less on-line)

Rediscovering the Wheel Gun, Because of the Colt Cobra Double-Motion Revolver

https://www.ammoland.com/2025/04/the-coveted-short-barrel-colt-python-is-back/

About Mike Searson

Mike Searson’s profession as a shooter started as a Marine Rifleman at age 17. He has labored within the firearms business his whole grownup life as a Gunsmith, Ballistician, Marketing consultant, Salesman, Creator, and was first licensed to show firearms security in 1989.

Mike has written over 2000 articles for a number of magazines, web sites, and newsletters, together with Blade, RECOIL, OFF-GRID, Tactical Officer, SWAT, Tactical World, Gun Digest, Examiner.com and the US Hid Carry Affiliation in addition to AmmoLand Capturing Sports activities Information.

Residence web page: www.mikesearson.com
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