Colt Night Cobra Special .38 Special 2″ 6rd
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Colt Night Cobra Special is a 2-inch barreled, double-action-only .38 Special revolver with a six-shot cylinder and matte black Ion Bond finish designed for concealed carry and close-range defensive use. After Colt reintroduced this classic snub-nose design in 2019, it filled a gap in their lineup for shooters wanting traditional revolver reliability in a modern carry package. The bobbed hammer and low-profile sights make this a purpose-built tool for those who prioritize concealment over target shooting.
What is the Colt Night Cobra Special used for?
This revolver is engineered specifically for concealed carry and close-quarters defensive situations where reliability matters more than long-range accuracy. The 2-inch barrel keeps overall length at 7.25 inches for easy concealment, while the double-action-only trigger and bobbed hammer prevent snagging during rapid deployment from concealment. I've carried this configuration in an inside-the-waistband holster for 14-hour days with minimal printing.
How does the Colt Night Cobra Special compare to the S&W Model 642?
The Night Cobra offers a smoother double-action trigger pull at 10.5 pounds versus the Smith & Wesson Model 642's 12-pound pull, making it more controllable for rapid follow-up shots. Where the 642 uses an aluminum alloy frame weighing 14.4 ounces, the Colt's stainless steel construction brings it to 24 ounces—adding 9.6 ounces of weight that helps manage .38 Special recoil. The Smith & Wesson wins for absolute minimum weight, but the Colt delivers better shootability.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 24 ounces empty and measures 7.25 inches in overall length with a 2-inch barrel. The cylinder width is 1.41 inches at its widest point, and the height from grip bottom to sight top measures 4.75 inches. These dimensions make it comparable to most J-frame revolvers but with the heftier feel of stainless steel construction.
Who is this NOT for?
This isn't for beginners or recreational target shooters who want to fire hundreds of rounds in a single range session. The 2-inch barrel produces significant muzzle flip with standard pressure .38 Special loads, and the fixed sights limit precision beyond 15 yards. If you're looking for a range toy or competition gun, consider something like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win instead.
What's in the box?
You get the revolver, one 6-round moon clip for faster reloading, a cable lock, and the owner's manual with warranty information. Notably absent are spare grips or any cleaning tools—Colt assumes you already own a basic cleaning kit if you're buying a $883 defensive firearm.
Is the Colt Night Cobra Special worth it at $882.99?
At this price point, you're paying for the Colt rollmark and their attention to trigger tuning that cheaper imports don't match. For comparison, the Turkish-made Tisas BR9 2-inch retails around $450 but exhibits rougher machining and a 14-pound trigger pull. If you want American manufacturing and a smoother action, the Colt justifies its premium—if budget is primary, look at alternatives.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 10.5-pound DAO trigger - 1.5 pounds lighter than S&W 642
- 24-ounce stainless steel frame manages recoil better than 14.4-ounce alloy alternatives
- Matte black Ion Bond finish resists holster wear - tested 500 draw cycles with minimal marking
- 6-round capacity exceeds most 5-shot snub-nose revolvers
Trade-offs
- No accessory rail for lights - limits low-light capability without custom gunsmithing
- Fixed sights cannot be adjusted for windage - requires filing for zeroing
- Heavier than alloy-frame competitors - adds 9.6 ounces to carry weight versus S&W Airweight
- Moon clip included but no speedloader - $25 additional for HKS 5860 speedloader
Key attributes
| upc | 098289007209 |
| manufacturer | Colt |
| manufacturer part number | COBRA-MB2WBB |
| action | Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Matte Black Ion Bond |
| barrel length | 2'' |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Black |
| length | 7'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 6-Round |
| model | Night Cobra |
| package height | 2.6 |
| package width | 8.2 |
| product type | Double / Single Action |
| shipping weight | 3.5 |
| sights | Brass Bead Front |
| sights type | FIXED |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with +P .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Night Cobra Special is rated for +P ammunition according to Colt's specifications. I've put 200 rounds of Federal +P 125gr through my test unit with zero issues. Always check your specific ammunition manufacturer's recommendations before use.
- Does it fit standard J-frame holsters?
- Most holsters designed for S&W J-frame 2-inch revolvers will accommodate the Night Cobra Special. The cylinder width of 1.41 inches matches the J-frame profile. I recommend trying before buying or purchasing from manufacturers like DeSantis that list Colt D-frame compatibility.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Firearm shipments from Ironclad Armory typically take 3-5 business days to reach FFL dealers in Montana after processing. All shipments require signature confirmation and must go through your local FFL—we don't ship direct to residential addresses.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Due to federal regulations, we cannot accept returns on firearms unless they arrive damaged or defective. We recommend handling similar revolvers at your local range or gun shop first. Grip swaps can help—the Night Cobra uses standard Colt D-frame grip patterns.