Question about revolver ammo

[larry3100]

I have a Colt Cobra .38..was made in 1972 is a very tight little gun and is sweet to shoot but recently I acquired some .38 +p ammo in trade and was wondering if it would be safe to shoot in my revolver..I know someone here has the answer,thanks

[Diomed]

It's probably okay, but remember that Colts have finicky lockwork and there are not many qualified Colt revolversmiths left (to say nothing of parts). Personally, I wouldn't, but then I wouldn't own a Colt, either.

[Riposite]

You could try calling Colt directly, they may be able to tell you based off of the serial # if it is rated +P or if the specs show it could handle it. I'd be leery of shooting a 35+ revolver with it until I have clarity

[larry3100]

thanks guys,I will probably not use this ammo and just pass it along to someone that can use it

[newdovo]

Consider the source, but Wikipedia had this to say:

Product development and usage
The Colt Cobra is a six-shot, double-action snubnosed revolver. It was made in two models: The First Model, made from 1950-1971 and weighing 15 ounces unloaded with 2-inch barrel, and an improved Second Model, made from 1972-1986, recognizable by its shrouded ejector rod, with an unloaded weight of 16 ounces.

Ammunition
Some authorities have recommended against the use of higher-pressure +P-rated .38 Special cartridges in aluminum-framed Colt revolvers, as the Cobra was designed well before the advent of such ammunition. In the owners' manual accompanying some post-1972 Cobra revolvers, Colt recommended the use of +P ammunition for 2nd Model Cobra frames only, with the stipulation that the gun be returned to the factory for inspection every 1,000 rounds (compared with a 2,000-3,000 round interval for the 2nd Model steel-framed Detective Special). The Cobra should never be fired with extreme-pressure +P+ ammunition.

As already suggested, I'd call Colt. If yours is a Second Model, you may be able to put a few +p rounds through it. If you find out that you can, it may be worth sending to them to have a look, as well, for the +p 1000 round check-up. It will certainly give you some more options, especially if you decide to carry it.
Let us know if you do call Colt. I'd be interested in hearing what they have to say.

Parry

[larry3100]

well after reading that I guess I need to go back and look again at the age since this one does not have a shroud making it a first model,anyway I think I will skip trying the +p ammo...rather be safe than sorry

[cread]

I think you are making a wise move.

I learned my lesson the hard way with hot loads... nothing like a face full steel...

[clayinva]

I learned my lesson the hard way with hot loads... nothing like a face full steel...

Yikes!