Colt King Cobra Target: Precision, Power, and Performance in .357 Magnum

For discerning shooters seeking a revolver that blends iconic heritage with modern competitive design, the Colt King Cobra Target in .357 Magnum stands out as an exceptional choice. Engineered specifically to excel on the competitive range, this revolver offers a compelling combination of power, accuracy, and classic aesthetics. Whether you're a seasoned competitor, a dedicated target shooter, a collector, or someone looking for a robust and reliable firearm for home defense and recreational shooting, understanding the unique attributes of the King Cobra Target is essential.

What makes a revolver truly excel for precision shooting, and how does the Colt King Cobra Target meet these demands? It begins with a meticulous design process that prioritizes stability, sight acquisition, and a consistent trigger pull – all hallmarks of a competition-ready firearm. This detailed exploration will delve into the features that define this magnificent revolver, its ideal applications, and why it continues Colt's storied legacy of producing world-class firearms.

Engineered for Excellence: Key Features and Benefits

The Colt King Cobra Target isn't just a powerful revolver; it's a finely tuned instrument designed to deliver repeatable accuracy shot after shot. Every component has been carefully considered to enhance the shooter's experience and performance.

The Versatile .357 Magnum Caliber

• Power and Performance: The .357 Magnum cartridge is renowned for its formidable power and flat trajectory, making it an excellent choice for target shooting at various distances. Its energy transfer is significant, ensuring positive target impact.
• Ammunition Flexibility: One of the most significant advantages of a .357 Magnum revolver is its ability to also chamber and fire .38 Special ammunition. This versatility is incredibly beneficial for a range of uses:
  • Reduced Recoil for Training: .38 Special rounds offer significantly less recoil and muzzle blast, making them ideal for extended training sessions, introducing new shooters to the platform, or simply enjoying a more comfortable plinking experience without the intense kick of a full-power .357 Magnum.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Generally, .38 Special ammunition is more affordable than .357 Magnum, allowing for more frequent practice and skill development.
  • Target Specific Loads: Both calibers offer a wide array of bullet types and weights, allowing shooters to select specific loads optimized for precision target work, such as wadcutters for paper punching or jacketed hollow points for self-defense applications.

Precision Barrel and Robust Construction

• Optimal Barrel Length for Accuracy: The 4.25-inch matte stainless steel barrel strikes a critical balance between sight radius for improved accuracy and manageable overall length. A longer sight radius inherently aids in precise aiming, crucial for competitive environments.
  • Enhanced Velocity: This barrel length also allows for excellent powder burn, contributing to consistent muzzle velocities for both .357 Magnum and .38 Special loads, which translates directly to predictable projectile flight and tighter groups.
  • Weight Distribution: The barrel's weight forward design helps mitigate muzzle flip, assisting the shooter in maintaining control and quickly reacquiring the target for follow-up shots.
• Durable Stainless Steel Build: The King Cobra Target is constructed almost entirely from matte stainless steel, including the frame, barrel, and cylinder. This choice of material offers several distinct advantages:
  • Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel is inherently resistant to rust and corrosion, making the revolver highly durable and easier to maintain, especially in varying environmental conditions.
  • Strength and Longevity: The robust nature of stainless steel ensures the firearm can withstand the pressures of repeated .357 Magnum firing over many years, contributing to its long-term reliability and value.
  • Weight for Recoil Absorption: The substantial weight of the stainless steel frame effectively absorbs recoil, making even the powerful .357 Magnum more manageable and comfortable to shoot, particularly during extended range sessions.

Advanced Sighting System

• Elevated Fiber Optic Front Sight: The front sight features a bright fiber optic insert that gathers ambient light, providing a highly visible aiming point. This dramatically improves sight acquisition speed and clarity, especially in diverse lighting conditions found on a range. The elevated design ensures it can be easily picked up over the barrel.
• Adjustable Rear Sight: Paired with the fiber optic front sight is a fully adjustable rear sight. This crucial feature allows shooters to precisely dial in their point of impact for different ammunition types, distances, and shooting styles. The ability to adjust for windage and elevation is indispensable for competitive shooting, where fine-tuning for accuracy is paramount. This system helps answer the question, "How do I get my revolver to shoot more accurately with different loads?"

Ergonomic Altamont Wood Grips

• Comfort and Control: The custom Altamont wood grips with the iconic Colt medallion are not merely aesthetic; they are designed for optimal ergonomics. The contours are crafted to fit naturally in the hand, promoting a firm and comfortable grip. This is vital for managing recoil and maintaining control, reducing shooter fatigue during prolonged sessions.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Beyond their functional benefits, the Altamont wood grips add a touch of classic elegance and premium feel to the King Cobra Target, distinguishing it from many modern polymer-framed alternatives. They contribute to the revolver's overall high-quality appearance and enhance the user's connection to a timeless design.

Smooth Double-Action/Single-Action (DA/SA) Trigger

• Versatile Action: The King Cobra Target operates in both double-action (DA) and single-action (SA) modes.
  • Double-Action: Pulling the trigger in DA mode simultaneously cocks the hammer and releases it, providing a consistent pull weight ideal for self-defense scenarios or rapid firing drills where speed is prioritized over ultimate precision.
  • Single-Action: In SA mode, the hammer is manually cocked (either by hand or by the preceding shot), resulting in a much lighter and crisper trigger pull. This is the preferred mode for precision target shooting, allowing for minimal disturbance to the sight picture during the critical moment of shot release. The exposed hammer design facilitates easy manual cocking for single-action shots.
• Refined Trigger Pull: Colt is known for its excellent trigger systems, and the King Cobra Target continues this tradition. Shooters can expect a smooth and predictable trigger pull that facilitates consistent accuracy.

Six-Shot Capacity

• Balanced Capacity: A six-round cylinder capacity provides a practical balance for a .357 Magnum revolver. It offers sufficient capacity for most target shooting applications and self-defense scenarios without making the cylinder overly large or cumbersome, maintaining the revolver's sleek profile.
• Reliability: Revolvers are inherently reliable, and a six-shot design ensures the cylinder is robust and well-proportioned for the powerful .357 Magnum cartridge.

Who Is the Colt King Cobra Target For?

The King Cobra Target is a versatile firearm, but its design shines brightest in specific hands and applications.

The Competitive Shooter

• Precision and Repeatability: This revolver was explicitly engineered with competitive range use in mind. Its adjustable sights, stable platform, and refined trigger make it an ideal choice for disciplines requiring high levels of accuracy and consistent performance, such as bullseye shooting or various revolver-specific competitions.
• Durable Performance: Competitive shooters put a high round count through their firearms. The stainless steel construction ensures the King Cobra Target can withstand the rigors of frequent training and competition.

The Dedicated Target Practice Enthusiast

• Enjoyable Range Sessions: For those who simply love spending time at the range, honing their skills, and enjoying the process of precision shooting, the King Cobra Target offers an incredibly satisfying experience. The ability to switch between powerful .357 Magnum and milder .38 Special loads allows for diverse practice sessions.
• Recoil Management: Its weight and ergonomic grips contribute to better recoil management, making it less fatiguing to shoot over extended periods, fostering better habits and allowing for more focused practice.

The Revolver Aficionado and Collector

• Colt Legacy: Colt revolvers hold a special place in firearms history. The King Cobra Target represents a modern iteration of a classic design, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary features. For collectors, it's a piece that embodies Colt's commitment to quality and innovation.
• Investment in Quality: Owning a Colt is often seen as an investment in a high-quality, durable firearm with a strong reputation for retaining its value.

Considerations for Home Defense

• Reliability and Simplicity: Revolvers are renowned for their mechanical simplicity and unwavering reliability, making them a strong contender for home defense. The King Cobra Target's ability to fire powerful .357 Magnum defensive loads, coupled with its robust construction, makes it a formidable tool for personal protection.
• Ease of Use: While larger than some concealed carry options, for home defense, the King Cobra Target's intuitive operation, clear sights, and manageable recoil (especially with .38 Special +P loads) can be advantageous for many users.
• Trust-Building Performance: In a critical situation, unwavering performance is paramount. The King Cobra Target offers that peace of mind.

Owning and Maintaining Your Colt King Cobra Target

To ensure your King Cobra Target performs optimally for years to come, understanding proper care and handling is crucial.

Ammunition Selection

• Choosing the Right Load: Experiment with various brands and bullet weights in both .357 Magnum and .38 Special to find what performs best in your specific revolver. For target shooting, lighter, match-grade .38 Special loads often yield excellent accuracy. For self-defense, reliable jacketed hollow point (JHP) .357 Magnum or .38 Special +P rounds are recommended.
• Understanding Ballistics: Familiarize yourself with how different ammunition types affect recoil, muzzle rise, and point of impact. This knowledge is key to maximizing the adjustable sight system.

Cleaning and Maintenance

• Regular Cleaning: After every shooting session, a thorough cleaning of the bore, cylinder chambers, and frame is essential to remove powder residue and lead fouling. Pay particular attention to the forcing cone and the area around the cylinder gap, where carbon tends to accumulate.
• Lubrication: Apply a light coat of high-quality gun oil to friction points, such as the cylinder pin, hammer pivot, and trigger assembly (referencing the owner's manual for specific points).
• Inspection: Periodically inspect your revolver for any signs of wear, damage, or loose screws. Ensure the crane swings smoothly and locks up tightly, and that the cylinder rotates freely. Proper maintenance preserves the firearm's function and extends its lifespan.

Safe Handling and Storage

• Fundamental Safety Rules: Always follow the four fundamental rules of firearm safety:
  1. Treat every gun as if it were loaded.
  2. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
  3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target and you are ready to shoot.
  4. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
• Secure Storage: When not in use, your Colt King Cobra Target should be stored securely and unloaded, ideally in a locked safe or strongbox, to prevent unauthorized access. This is especially critical in homes with children.

Training and Practice

• Consistent Practice: Regular practice is key to developing and maintaining proficiency with any firearm. Focus on fundamentals such as grip, stance, sight picture, and trigger control.
• Dry Firing: Dry firing (practicing trigger pull with an unloaded firearm) is an excellent way to improve trigger control without expending ammunition. Always ensure the firearm is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction.
• Professional Instruction: Consider taking a professional firearms training course. An instructor can provide personalized feedback, teach advanced techniques, and reinforce safe handling practices.

The Enduring Legacy of Colt Revolvers

Colt Manufacturing Company has a rich and storied history, synonymous with the development of the American West and military innovation. From the Paterson to the Peacemaker, Colt revolvers have defined eras and set benchmarks for quality and design. The King Cobra series, first introduced in the 1980s, built upon this heritage, offering a robust and modern double-action revolver. The reintroduction and refinement of the King Cobra Target underscore Colt's ongoing commitment to meeting the demands of contemporary shooters while honoring its legendary past. This model is a testament to Colt's ability to blend classic aesthetics with modern engineering for superior performance.

Where to Find Your Colt King Cobra Target

If you are ready to experience the blend of power, precision, and performance that the Colt King Cobra Target offers, you'll find this exceptional revolver available at DEGuns. As a reputable source for firearms, DEGuns provides access to the quality and reliability you expect from a brand like Colt.

This revolver, identified by its UPC 098289001306, represents a pinnacle of modern revolver design, ready to enhance your shooting experience, whether on the range, in competition, or as a reliable piece for personal protection. Its blend of classic Colt aesthetics, robust stainless steel construction, and competition-ready features make it a truly distinguished firearm.

Colt King Cobra Target Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Colt Mfg
Model	King Cobra Target
Caliber	.357 Magnum
Barrel Length	4.25 inches
Capacity	6 Rounds
Action	Double Action / Single Action
Frame Finish	Matte Stainless
Frame Material	Stainless Steel
Sights	Fiber Optic Front / Adjustable Rear
Grip	Altamont Wood
Cylinder Material	Stainless Steel
Cylinder Finish	Matte Stainless
Overall Length	9.25 inches
Hammer Style	Exposed
UPC	098289001306
MPN	KCOBRASB4TS
SKU	KCOBRA-SB4TS