Colt Cobra .32 2" blued

[Guest cms323]

Hello. I just picked up a 1952 Colt Cobra .32 blued revolver to give to my wife for Christmas. This gun is in the original box with all paperwork, including warranty card included. The gun is NEW and has never been fired. Can anyone give me advice as to weather I should use it, or keep it as a collector's item? Anyone know a value of this in NEW condition. Thanks!

[Guest cms323]

The .32 has a SN of 382###. Doesn't seem to be the same format as the cobras are listed, seems to be the special detective. Any thoughts?

[Guest cms323]

Reading the other posts, I checked the SN again. It Is B82### and the LW is by the hinge. Sorry. Any info would be appreciated.

[TNWNGR]

I can't help you on an exact value but will tell you the revolver is worth far more in it's present condition. It can also be purchased and sold as a C&R should one wish to go that route. The .32 S&W Long was a well regarded cartridge in the past and is very accurate. Many of the Colt revolvers were in 32-20 which is a great round that Magnum .32 round's of today are measured against.

[Garufa]

It's a collector's item. Keep it as such and buy a new smith J frame or later model Cobra in .38.

That caliber is also kind of an oddball these days. If I'm not mistaken it is the same as .32 S&W Long. That ammo is not exactly inexpensive.

For what it's worth the 31st Ed. of the Blue Book values a 100% example at $850.

Edited December 24, 2011 by Garufa

[gregintenn]

I'd personally keep it unfired, but it IS yours, so make yourself happy. I'd guess Garufa is close with the $850 figure.

That's a darned nice Christmas present! You must've been very good boy.