Colt Cobra First Issue .38 Special  2” Double Action SA/DA Revolver, 1962 LW

Make: Colt

Model: Cobra

Serial Number: 130557LW

Year of Manufacture: 1962 (Colt Serial Lookup)

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: Double Action SA/DA Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 2”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade with a rectangular base fixed to the barrel above the muzzle. The rear sight is square notch grooved into the top strap. The top strap is serrated to help reduce glare.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered Black plastic featuring Colt medallions on the right & a thumb rest on the left. The grips show faint handling and storage marks. The checkering has a couple of worn peaks but overall remains sharp. The grips are in Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: NICKEL / CERAKOTE

Finish Originality: Original & Refinish

Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a  9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This pistol  originaly stated out as a completly Nicleled gun.  The frame was refinished in by Green Yeoman Industries with Cerakote.  The Barrel, Cylinder & Crain  retains about 96% of its original Nickel finish. The only finish issue is some thining on the cylinder.   There are no turn lines. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine condition
as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks in each position with no play when the trigger is pressed. We did not fire this firearm. We have cleaned this firearm and performed a mechanic's check but expect many will want to clean the firearm again depending on their standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Colt Cobra Period Box, for a Blue gun.

Our Assessment: The Detective Special had been very popular with law enforcement and civilians who carried a concealed revolver as it allowed for a 6-shot revolver in the same frame size as other revolvers which only offered a 5-round capacity. With the introduction of the Cobra, Colt had the same capacity and frame size with a weight that was competitive with Smith & Wesson's Airweight models.  A lot of these guns had an "LW" on the frame or at the end of the serial number which stood for Light Weight.  When Colt changed the serial numbers starting with a letter they droped the LW.  This example is a "LW"  light weight model First Issue in Fine condition as refinished with almost negligible wear in the metal, a great bore, and strong mechanics. Whether you want to add to your Colt revolver collection or are interested in a six-shot compact revolver for carry, this is definitely a great choice for your roster. Please see our photos.

Please note: this firearm is also listed for sale on other platforms.