Colt King Cobra Target 22 Review

The Colt name has been a leader in the firearms industry for centuries. The renowned gun maker is perhaps most often associated with the 1911, but it was the revolver that gave the company its start. Taking that a step further, it’s the company’s line of snake guns that really give it a unique claim to fame. The Colt King Cobra Target 22 is a somewhat recent addition to the family, but it’s proven itself in a short time. This is a revolver well worth having, and I’m going to tell you why.

Colt King Cobra

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Colt King Cobra Target 22 Background

The Colt King Cobra Target 22 was introduced in 2022. It’s designed as an exceptionally durable target gun meant for fans of rimfire, whether they’re plinking, teaching, or shooting varmints. There are two barrel lengths offered—4.25 inches and 6.0 inches. If you’re looking for a 22 LR but prefer a revolver, this might be the perfect gun for you. In fact, if you want a gun that’s ideal for teaching shooters who are new to revolvers—or guns in general—this is a good one because there’s really no felt recoil. It’s a good caliber for familiarizing yourself with revolvers without the greater recoil of something like a 357 Magnum. And, of course, it’s fun.

It’s worth mentioning that the King Cobra itself is far from new. The family of revolvers has been e slowly-expanding line of revolvers included that are different sizes and various calibers. The Colt King Cobra Target 22 was the first new rimfire addition to the lineup, although not the first 22 LR Colt Cobra ever made.

Colt King Features

The revolver is designed for target shooting and Colt included features to make it successful. Features of the Colt King Cobra Target 22 include:

1 Optic

Red fiber optic front sight and adjustable rear sight for improved accuracy.

2 Ventilated Rib

Ventilated rib for glare reduction and cooling.

3 Rubber Grips

Hogue overmolded rubber grips for comfort while shooting.

4 Design

Leaf mainspring for strength and to adhere to the classic Cobra design.

5 Underlug

Full-length underlug for greater stability.

The revolver is designed for target shooting and Colt included features to make it successful. Features of the Colt King Cobra Target 22 include:

Other Models

357 Magnum

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Colt King Cobra Carry

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Colt King Cobra Target 22—Our Take

Colt has done an exceptional job reintroducing their snake guns, and the King Cobra Target 22 is yet another good example. While this specific model hasn’t been made before—unlike snake guns such as the Python, which was met with a lot of excitement—there were 22 LR chambered Cobras in the past. This model is made for target use and designed to outperform just about every other rimfire revolver on the market. Fitment of parts is fantastic and the finish is polished beautifully. Yes, this is a higher end model, but it was done right.

Shootability

Thanks to the heft and shape of the Colt King Cobra Target 22, it’s so shootable it’s almost ridiculous. After all, it’s a 22 LR, so there already wasn’t going to be felt recoil, but Colt took steps to take it to the next level of flat shooting. It’s a pleasure to shoot and all controls are easy to operate with no stickiness, stiffness, or other downsides.

Accuracy

Yes, this is an accurate revolver. With the 4.25-inch barrel you can get single-hole, five-shot groups at 10 yards and groups around 1.75 inches at 25 yards if you shoot from the bench (or use optics rather than irons). If you take your time and carefully select the ammo, you can get those 25 yard groups under 1.5-inches. If you switch to the 6.0-barrel model you’ll find accuracy gets even better. It’s a match grade revolver that more than delivers on the promises of its design. 

Ergonomics

For shooters average or larger hands, the ergonomics of the gun are great. The use of Hogue grips was smart because they feel good and are also durable. Colt added an underlug that does increase weight toward the front but it’s still a decently balanced gun. Ergonomically, I don’t see any way they could have done better.

Value

Yes, the Colt King Cobra Target 22 has a higher price point than some revolvers, but its quality justifies that. It outperforms its price point and it’s the kind of gun that becomes an heirloom.

Pros and Cons

Report Card
Shootability	This revolver wins for shootability. With no felt recoil, a comfy rubberized grip, and high-quality factory sights, it doesn’t get better than this. Even with the double-action trigger it’s enjoyable to run this gun at considerable length.	A+
Reliabilty	The Colt King Cobra Target 22 is reliable and not ammo finicky. That isn’t too surprising, but it’s still noteworthy. As a rimfire it requires more frequent cleaning to maintain that reliability (in fact, it’s a good idea to at least do a cursory cleaning after each range session).	A+
Ergonomics	The size of the grips fit my hands well and the weight of the gun isn’t unpleasant. It’s designed well enough that you can manipulate the hammer without having to move your hand around too much and opening the cylinder for reloads is smooth and natural as well. It has a great ergonomically friendly design.	A+
Accuracy	Shooting from the bench, you’re going to find the gun is quite accurate—even precise. You can maintain that accuracy with the factory iron sights or you could get a red dot on it, if preferred. Firing offhand it’s still accurate, the groups are just understandably bigger.	A
Value	This gun can’t quite hit an A+ for value just because yes, it’s pricier than most rimfire revolvers. Even so, it more than outperforms its price point. That means what it comes down to is whether you want to invest this heavily in a rimfire revolver. If you do, we think you’ll be happy you did.	A

Colt King Cobra

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Our Grade

A

Reviewed by Kat Ainsworth-Stevens

Reader’s Grade

A-

Based on 7 Reviews

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My Preferred Ammo

Blazer 22 LR 40 grain

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Remington Golden Bullet 22 LR

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Upgrade and Accessories Options:

1. XS Sights Standard Dot Tritium Revolver Night Sights

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Important Links and Manuals for Colt King Cobra

Are you looking to pick up a Colt King Cobra Target but need a bit more info?  Or maybe you’ve just misplaced your user’s manual?  Either way, check out the links below.

• Colt King Cobra Manual