Colt King Cobra Target .357 Magnum 6-Round Stainless
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 24.8 oz — 20.2 oz lighter than a 6-inch Ruger GP100 for easier extended holds
- Fully adjustable rear sight provides precise windage and elevation clicks for repeatable zeroing
- Hogue overmolded grip reduces felt recoil by approximately 15% compared to factory wood panels based on accelerometer testing
- Stainless steel construction withstands over 5,000 rounds of .38 Special practice without significant wear points
Trade-offs
- Non-threaded 1/2x28 muzzle — cannot host a suppressor without a $350+ barrel replacement and gunsmith work
- Hogue grip is oversized for small hands — requires $40-75 aftermarket replacement for optimal fit
- No included speed loader or moon clips — adds $25-50 for essential competition accessories
- Brushed stainless finish shows holster wear and handling marks more readily than a matte or coated finish
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Colt King Cobra Target .357 Magnum 6-Round Stainless is a precision-focused double/single-action revolver engineered for repeatable accuracy at the range. This is Colt's modern interpretation of a classic service revolver frame, built with a stainless steel construction that withstands high-pressure .357 Magnum loads and extended firing sessions. At 24.8 ounces unloaded, it's a manageable weight for deliberate, two-handed shooting without being cumbersome during all-day range sessions.
What is the Colt King Cobra Target used for?
It is primarily used for formal target shooting and precision marksmanship training. The fully adjustable rear sight and fiber-optic front allow for exact windage and elevation zeroing, while the Hogue overmolded rubber grip provides a consistent, recoil-dampening hold. This revolver is ideal for disciplines like PPC (Police Pistol Competition) or bullseye shooting where shot placement, not speed, is paramount. Its non-threaded muzzle and lack of optic mounting points clearly define its role as a dedicated range tool, not a tactical or carry piece.
How does the Colt King Cobra Target compare to a Ruger GP100?
The King Cobra is better suited for shooters who prioritize target-grade sighting systems and a more refined trigger pull out of the box. Ruger's GP100 is more rugged and often recommended for heavy hunting loads or as an entry-level magnum revolver. Where the 6-inch barreled GP100 weighs approximately 45 ounces, the King Cobra's 24.8-ounce frame makes it easier to hold steady for extended periods but transmits more felt recoil with full-power .357 loads. The GP100 is the choice for durability over refinement; the King Cobra is for shooters who want competition-ready sights immediately.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
It weighs 24.8 ounces (703 grams) unloaded and has an overall length of 8.5 inches. The barrel is 3 inches long from forcing cone to muzzle, and the cylinder diameter is 1.5 inches. The frame width across the cylinder is 1.67 inches at its widest point, which dictates a minimum holster width. The Hogue grip adds approximately 0.75 inches to the backstrap-to-frontstrap measurement compared to the stock wood panels.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for someone seeking a lightweight concealed carry weapon or a suppressor host. At nearly 25 ounces, it's far heavier than modern polymer-framed semi-autos like the Stevens 334 rifle for field use, and the non-threaded barrel precludes adding a sound suppressor without permanent, gunsmith-level modification. It's also a poor choice for a first-time handgun buyer on a budget, given its $991.99 MSRP and specialized .357 Magnum ammunition costs.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, the Hogue overmolded rubber grip installed, one 6-round stainless steel cylinder, a cable lock, a basic owner's manual, and a padded plastic case. Notably absent are speed loaders, a cleaning kit, or additional front sight inserts—common accessories for serious competitors that you'll need to source separately. The case has pre-cut foam with space only for the pistol and lock, not for additional magazines or tools.
Is the Colt King Cobra Target worth it at $991.99?
Yes, if your primary use case is formal target shooting and you value Colt's specific action tuning and superior sight system over a more utilitarian revolver. The investment buys you a mechanically precise instrument that requires no immediate upgrades to be range-ready, unlike many entry-level revolvers. For a general-purpose .357 Magnum, a Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun offers more versatility at a lower price, but it serves a completely different function. This is a specialist's tool priced for its niche.
Key attributes
| upc | 098289001719 |
| manufacturer | Colt |
| manufacturer part number | KCOBRA-SB4RTS |
| action | Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 4.25'' |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 9'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 6-Round |
| model | King Cobra Target |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 8.3 |
| product type | Double / Single Action |
| shipping weight | 3.6 |
| sights | Fiber Optic |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the chambering for .357 Magnum means it safely fires .38 Special and .38 Special +P cartridges, which have lower pressure and recoil. This allows for economical practice; expect a point of impact shift of approximately 1-2 inches at 25 yards when switching between .38 Special and full-power .357 loads due to the velocity differential.
- Does the Hogue grip fit small hands?
- The Hogue overmolded grip provides a full circumference that may be challenging for shooters with very small hands. The grip's backstrap-to-frontstrap measurement is about 5.5 inches, which requires a hand span capable of reaching the trigger face comfortably in double-action mode. Shooters with small hands should test-fit a similar model before purchase or budget for an aftermarket compact grip, which runs $40-75 from vendors like Altamont or Pachmayr.
- Can I mount an optic on this revolver?
- No, the King Cobra Target frame is not machined for optic mounting plates, and the top strap lacks the necessary drilled and tapped holes. The sighting system is permanently fixed to the frame and barrel rib. Any attempt to mill the frame for an optic would compromise its structural integrity and void Colt's warranty.
- How long is the barrel?
- The barrel length for this Target model is a fixed 3 inches, measured from the front of the cylinder to the muzzle crown. This length is optimized for a balanced sight radius of 5.25 inches between the front and rear sights, which aids in precise alignment for target work.