Colt King Cobra Carry DAO .357 Magnum 6-Rd Stainless
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About this product
The Colt King Cobra Carry DAO .357 Magnum is a compact, all-steel, double-action-only revolver built for concealed carry, combining a 6-round .357 Magnum capacity with stainless steel construction and a Hogue overmolded rubber grip. This revolver represents Colt's modern interpretation of a traditional platform, engineered specifically for daily carry where durable simplicity is paramount. Its design prioritizes a 7-inch overall length and a non-threaded muzzle for maximum carry functionality within typical civilian holster specifications.
What is the Colt King Cobra Carry DAO used for?
This revolver is designed as a dedicated concealed carry and duty-ready defensive firearm, not a range toy or competition piece. Its double-action-only trigger eliminates the single-action option, a deliberate choice to prevent negligent discharges under stress and streamline the draw-to-first-shot sequence. The 6-round cylinder capacity and .357 Magnum chambering (which also fires .38 Special) provide substantial stopping power in a package with a barrel length optimized for a balance of ballistic performance and concealment, making it a serious tool for personnel in security roles or experienced civilians seeking a no-frills wheelgun.
How does the Colt King Cobra Carry compare to the Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus?
The Colt King Cobra Carry is a better choice for dedicated concealed carry, while the Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus is superior for range versatility and target shooting. The Colt's compact, 7-inch overall frame, stainless steel body, and DAO trigger are purpose-built for concealed deployment, weighing approximately 28 ounces unloaded. In contrast, the S&W 686 Plus offers a 7-shot capacity and a double-action/single-action trigger, making it bulkier and better suited for recreational shooting or competition, but less ideal for all-day carry.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Colt King Cobra Carry maintains a solid, carry-ready weight of approximately 28 ounces (794 grams) unloaded, with critical dimensions of 7 inches in overall length and a barrel length engineered for its compact role. This specific weight, derived from its stainless steel frame, provides enough heft to manage the recoil of full-power .357 Magnum loads without becoming a burden on the hip, a crucial balance often missed in polymer-frame alternatives. The cylinder width and grip circumference are designed to fit standard compact revolver holsters, which you can read more about in our guide on holster selection.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for first-time shooters, those seeking a versatile range gun, or anyone requiring a high-capacity, semi-automatic platform. The double-action-only trigger requires a consistent, deliberate 12-pound pull for every shot, a skill that demands practice and is unforgiving to novice shooters. If your primary use involves recreational target shooting or you prioritize magazine capacity over mechanical simplicity, a modern pistol like the Stevens 334 Rifle for distance work or a semi-automatic handgun would be a more suitable investment of your funds and training time.
What's in the box?
You receive the Colt King Cobra Carry revolver, one 6-round stainless steel cylinder, and the installed Hogue overmolded rubber grip as the complete, ready-to-use package. Unlike many modern firearms that include cable locks, multiple backstraps, or cleaning kits, Colt ships this as a straightforward tool, reflecting its professional-use heritage. Expect the revolver to arrive in a single, foam-lined cardboard case with the serialized firearm and its permanently affixed grip — no spare parts, manuals beyond a basic safety sheet, or accessories are typically included, so factor in an immediate purchase of a quality holster and ammunition.
Is the Colt King Cobra Carry worth it at $991.99?
At $991.99, this revolver is worth the price if you specifically need a compact, utterly reliable .357 Magnum for concealed carry and value the Colt name and stainless steel construction. You are paying a premium for the brand heritage, the durability of an all-steel frame, and a design refined for a singular purpose. If your budget is under $700 or you want a firearm for multiple roles like hunting, competition, and carry, a used Smith & Wesson or a new Ruger GP100 offers more features and versatility for less money, making the King Cobra Carry a specialist's tool, not a generalist's bargain.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- All-stainless steel frame and components provide corrosion resistance and a durable 28-ounce platform.
- DAO trigger system eliminates single-action mode, reducing risk of negligent discharge during high-stress draws.
- 7-inch overall length and compact frame are optimized for concealed carry in standard holsters.
Trade-offs
- Double-action-only trigger requires a consistent, heavy ~12-pound pull for every shot, demanding significant finger strength and practice.
- Non-threaded muzzle prevents direct attachment of suppressors or compensators without aftermarket gunsmithing.
- Six-round capacity is standard for the frame size but is low compared to modern semi-automatic pistols holding 15+ rounds.
Key attributes
| upc | 098289001696 |
| manufacturer | Colt |
| manufacturer part number | KCOBRA-SB2RBB |
| action | Revolver |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 2'' |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 7'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 6-Round |
| model | King Cobra |
| product type | Double Action Only |
| shipping weight | 0.0 |
| sights | FS:Brass Bead | RS: Int Notch |
| sights type | FIXED |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Colt King Cobra Carry is fully compatible with .38 Special ammunition due to its .357 Magnum chambering. The .38 Special is a lower-pressure, shorter-cased round that fires safely and allows for cheaper practice and reduced recoil training. Always confirm your specific ammunition's pressure ratings and overall length are within SAAMI specifications for the .38 Special cartridge before use.
- Does it fit standard compact revolver holsters?
- Yes, its frame and 7-inch overall length are designed to fit most standard compact 'K-frame' sized revolver holsters from major manufacturers like Galco or DeSantis. However, due to its specific Hogue grip profile, you should verify holster compatibility for open-bottom or molded designs, as the rubber overmolding may cause fitment issues with tighter leather rigs intended for original factory grips.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes and ships all firearms to your selected FFL dealer within 2-3 business days after cleared payment and a verified FFL copy is on file. Transit time via our carrier partners typically adds 3-7 business days depending on your location, meaning you can expect the transfer-ready firearm to arrive at your dealer 5-10 business days from your order date.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical defect?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns for exchange or refund within 30 days of delivery for any firearm with a verified, unfired mechanical defect as determined by our armorers. The firearm must be returned in its original, unaltered condition via a pre-authorized shipment to our facility; once received, our inspection process takes 7-10 business days before a replacement is shipped or a refund to your original payment method is issued.
- Does this work with Trijicon RMR or red dot optics?
- No, the Colt King Cobra Carry's frame is not machined for an optics mounting plate and does not have a Picatinny rail, making it incompatible with red dot sights like the Trijicon RMR. This revolver is a strictly iron-sights platform, designed for traditional sight acquisition; if an optics-ready defensive handgun is a requirement, you will need to select a modern semi-automatic pistol model that includes a milled slide or adapter system from the factory.