Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Colt Cobra question

Brother just bought a NIB Colt Cobra, .38 special, manufactured in 1972. Original box and papers. Any ideas on the value of this revolver? I’ll tell you how much he paid later. But to give you a hint…. >$1000.

Old Cobras are sweet. Unfortunately, the lack of parts and gunsmiths keeps me away from them.


Okie John

A guy told me he paid $2100 for a 6” Diamondback in .22 LR. The Colt market has gone crazy in some areas. Asking prices for Agent and Cobra models without the shroud are upwards of $1600 or more for a true NIB specimen.

He did fine at $1000. They are cool little revolvers.
They don’t bring NEAR the money that Diamondbacks do, though.

He did exceptionally well at around $1000.

He wishes he got it at $1000, he ended up paying $1700.

Guy had several Diamondbacks and Pythons $2700/3500 if I remember right. These he didn’t list as NIB, but he had taken really good care of them and I seen no turn lines.

MarkWV: Late last week I passed on a minty (advertised at 99%) Colt Cobra in 22 L.R. for $1,499.00!
Maybe I will go back and "renegotiate/reconsider" on that nifty pistol.
Prices are STRONG these days on the desirable guns of all styles/makes/calibers!
Anyway I am a "Colt revolver enthusiast" and not an expert in rarities or values - I am happy if your brother is happy!
If I was pressed to "predict" I would say in a few years that pistol would indeed be worth more than the price you recently posted he paid for it.
A few years back I was surprised by an offering from a friend who gave me the opportunity to buy his minty Colt Cobra 2" nickel plated pistol (in 38 Special).
Out of the blue and with virtually no knowledge I took a chance on it.
Two years later I was offered 3 (three!) times what I had originally paid for it.
ALL of the Colt pistols (including Huntsman's, Woodsman's, Peacemakers, Agents, Cobras, Troopers, Colt A22's, Gold Cups and Detective Specials!) I have invested in over the last several decades have appreciated greatly in value.
I don't see that changing in the foreseeable future (unless china joe and his ho get several liberals appoint to the SCOTUS!).
The few Diamondbacks and Pythons I have owned in the past were sold off BEFORE their enormous surge in value over the last several years!
If a person could only see into the future.
Oh well.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Im seeing new production Colt Pythons in my area for $2500

I like my Detective special. Bought it through Gunbroker a few years ago. They didn't mention it but it was ceracoted. That really irritated me when I got it. But with the price, and the fact that ceracote seems to wear better, I don't have a problem actually carrying it these days, in a leather holster.

Can't beat those Colt DA revolvers, that's why Ed McGivern and Jerry Miculek shot 'em.

Believe it or not, but pre-82 S&W revolvers are bringing up the rear on Classic Colt prices, and not far behind.

there is a Smith&Wesson triple lock in 44 Special for sale in my area, I really like it but cant afford it right now

I saw a 2 1/2" Python last week, blue, pretty minty looking to me, but I didn't look much past the price tag wihich was either $4000 or $4500...don't remember which it was.

Good alternative would be S&W Model 12. Those used by air force, military intelligence, air marshalls had two inch barrels. Remember military intelligence are best of the best and will use top shelf stuff. One should be able to find one with steel cylinder w/o box and papers with little holster wear but in excellent mechanical order for around $600. Be sure to examine sample around where barrel meets frame for cracks. Samples in box w papers can be found for substantially less then alloy framed colt in same condition.

Nice, bought Mom one back in 1985 for 350 bucks, simple nickel? finish, fixed sights, exposed ejector rod and nice checkered wood grips, iirc it has a 2-1/2 inch barrel.

Sportsman’s Warehouse here in town has a 4” in stock…$1499.00

most of the new production Pythons at $2500 are sitting for a long time here.....

I have a 4 inch older Cobra, exposed ejector rod, etc. It is in very good condition and boy, is it light! I wonder what it is worth. I don't shoot it as I have other .38s.