Old or New King Cobra?

[Justincase]

So, I've wanted a Colt King Cobra since I was in high school back in the late 80's early 90's. I put off buying one since by the time I could actually have and/or afford one, they were stupid expensive. Their prices have come down a bit in recent years for whatever reasons, but I'm torn between an original which are just beautiful (is want it in the polished version), and a new target model both in 4". The new one doesn't come polished but I could always have it professionally done. A pristine original would be about $2000 whereas a new one is half that. I would likely use the new one more and the original would likely be a safe queen, but I would have an original King Cobra so there would be more sentimental value whatever that's worth. What do you guys think?

 

[ArmedCorgi]

Get what you really want. Otherwise you will regret it and still long for it.

 

[Justincase]

Get what you really want. Otherwise you will regret it and still long for it.

That's the thing. I'm not sure what I want anymore. The sentimental side of me wants the original. The practical side would rather have the stronger, likely improved mechanicals, but not as pretty new version that I can actually use

 

[That_FNG]

If you could have one for free, which one would you pick?

 

[Justincase]

If you could have one for free, which one would you pick?

That's a great question. Definitely the original in that case. Hmmm

 

[ArmedCorgi]

For me, I certainly get wanting the comfort of new. However, I think it's sort of a knee jerk thing for people to assume that the newer models are inherently better. This isn't always the case. What you already know you won't get with the new Colt, is the same craftmanship of the old one. Craftmanship goes a long way in my opinion. Craftmanship is what makes something stand out from other mass produced things. Craftmanship is something that holds up over time and is what enables something to keep it's value.

 

[That_FNG]

That's a great question. Definitely the original in that case. Hmmm

Then that is the one you want the most and the one you would be happiest with.

 

[libertysnake]

Get what you really want. Otherwise you will regret it and still long for it.

 

[ArmedCorgi]

 

[Podmonkey]

The new King Cobra Target model looks awfully sharp:

 

[Getzville 068]

Original. It is a superior revolver to the current King Cobra.

 

[Podmonkey]

Original. It is a superior revolver to the current King Cobra.

Why?
I guess the issue is that while modern manufacturing methods and materials are superior to what was available before, better, more precise tolerances and such, Colt's QC can be suspect these days.
Colt is really on the rocks right now, if one were a fan of the company it would be a good idea to support them with a purchase of the new product.

 

[Getzville 068]

In truth, I have not shot the new King Cobra. I have handled one and it seems a competent gun. I own two examples of the old KC and have shot them extensively. They are outstanding guns and just better IMO.

 

[turbobike]

I looked into the new versions...many reviews said they are not as well made as the old ones, and also have current quality control issues....YMMV

 

[Justincase]

Why?
I guess the issue is that while modern manufacturing methods and materials are superior to what was available before, better, more precise tolerances and such, Colt's QC can be suspect these days.
Colt is really on the rocks right now, if one were a fan of the company it would be a good idea to support them with a purchase of the new product.

That's what I was thinking based on the reviews of the new Python. Everyone says it's much sturdier and just built better because of new manufacturing process, although the trigger may not be up to par with the original.

 

[Justincase]

In truth, I have not shot the new King Cobra. I have handled one and it seems a competent gun. I own two examples of the old KC and have shot them extensively. They are outstanding guns and just better IMO.

You've really handled both? If I were able to do that, it would make this an easier decision but obviously that not possible. If you say the originals are better I'll take your word for it. I just don't want one with a sloppy cylinder or lockup. Those are super tight on the original?

 

[Justincase]

The new King Cobra Target model looks awfully sharp:
View attachment 102709

That's the one I'd get. I'd have it polished to a mirror and have the underlug beveled like the original though.

 

[repete]

I have no real way of knowing but I'd bet the older ones are smoother and tighter (at least if not abused)

 

[Jmac00]

I know a guy that was selling a Python (NIB never been fired, with original paper work) for $3400 and that was over a year ago. The price keeps going

I looked into the new versions...many reviews said they are not as well made as the old ones, and also have current quality control issues....YMMV

a lot of folks said the same thing about Remington/Marlin lever guns (RemLins) I was skeptical so I did some research before buying my 47-70, I couldn't be happier, the thing is dead-nuts at 100 yards with Skinner Alaskan Peep sites

So when I see reviews about anything, I take it with a gain-of-salt and make my own decision

 

[thegatman]

If you can find one reasonable, go for the original.

 

[Robin]

I would opt for the original, even wait if I had to. It appears to be a superior fire arm in all aspects.
Robin

 

[Podmonkey]

So, has the new Python unfucked yet? That's the revolver I want. I would never spend 3-4k on an original.

 

[Podmonkey]

That's the one I'd get. I'd have it polished to a mirror and have the underlug beveled like the original though.

Mirror Polished Colt Revolvers - Patriot Gun Polishing

Colt revolvers including, Pythons, Anacondas, Cobras, and King Cobras, polished to a brilliant mirror finish by Patriot Gun Polishing

www.patriotgunpolishing.com

 

[BDinPutnam]

I would opt for the original, even wait if I had to. It appears to be a superior fire arm in all aspects.
Robin

Same.

 

[Cooolone]

Problem with original is you don't know and have to take the word of the owner as to how it was cared for. At the process they demand, I'm not sure it's worth it for anything but being a safe queen! I would shoot the finish off of it if I had it though... So it's a hard choice. But yes, get what you really, REALLY want! That will bring the most contentment and joy!

Good Luck!

 

[dsdmmat]

That's the thing. I'm not sure what I want anymore. The sentimental side of me wants the original. The practical side would rather have the stronger, likely improved mechanicals, but not as pretty new version that I can actually use

Almost the Same problem I have with the Nylon 66. The kid inside me would really love to have a NIB original vs a used one but the practical me isn’t sure he wants the gun anymore because it might not meet childhood expectations of awesomeness.

with the new models coming out it is doubtful the older used models will continue to hold their value at the prices they fetch today. In five years you may have overpaid by hundreds as the older models continue to decline in value.