From the economical choice (Taurus Model 85) to the upscale player. Part II of our .38 Special comparison focuses on a revolver known far and wide for its tough looks, buttery action, premium price and a name that’s the envy of malt liquor companies everywhere: The Colt Cobra .38 Special.
In operation, the Colt Cobra is a double action (DA), .38 Special, six shot, swing-out cylinder, exposed hammer revolver that can also be fired single action (SA) by manually cocking the hammer before pulling the trigger. The Cobra was built on the compact Colt "D" frame and is the aluminum alloy framed version of the famous Colt Detective Special.
For roughly sixty years, from the mid-1920s to the mid-1980s, the small-frame short barrel .38 Special revolver was the mainstay of American detectives and plain clothes officers, bodyguards, and armed private citizens.