Colt Cobra Cracked Frame

[Stu]

Hello all. I am new to the Colt Forum. I have a Colt Cobra First Issue. Unfortunately the frame is cracked underneath where the barrel screws in. I am looking for a new frame to rebuild the gun. All the other parts are still in excellent condition. Does anybody know where I can obtain a new frame. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

Stu

[broknaxl]

I doubt if you'll find a Cobra frame that is intact. Your best bet may be to look for a steel Detective Special frame - all the Cobra parts should fit.

[A1A]

New used frame = new gun to the BATF.

[dfariswheel]

Unfortunately, you're not likely to find a usable aluminum Cobra frame.
Usually, any usable frame is assembled as a complete gun.
Used frames, when they rarely turn up are themselves almost always defective, which is why they're for sale. The defect may not be readily apparent.

Next comes the problem with installing parts from one frame to another.
Colt parts are hand fitted and adjusted at the factory and rarely fit another frame. Since the parts have to be filed, stoned, and bent to fit at the factory, they won't work in another frame because they're too small in critical areas that were fitted.
This is why you don't see people building revolvers from parts kits like you see people building working automatics.
The parts just don't work because they are hand fitted, and won't drop in.

Cracking of the frame in the barrel thread areas is something that's common when someone attempts to remove or install a barrel without having the correct frame wrench and inserts to fit the frame.
This is an especially high risk with an aluminum frame, which is why even the Colt factory will no longer attempt barrel work on the aluminum framed revolvers.

While you might be able to find a steel Colt frame, again the parts won't fit, and depending on the age of the Cobra and the age of the steel frame, the parts may not even be compatible, since they did change over the years.

Unfortunately, with a cracked revolver frame what you have is either a display gun or a parts gun from which the parts can be sold. I recommend not wasting money or time trying to find a used frame. Revolvers are simply "different" and all you'll be doing is spending money on something that simply won't work.

[Malysh]

Welcome to the forum Stu.
Unfortunately, I too think you are out of luck on this. Neither S&W or Colt's will replace aluminum frames that crack, especially ones that they don't make anymore, like Cobras, Agents, and the older S&W aluminum J frames.

The gents who posted before me are very knowledgeable guys. I would take their advice.

[snakehunter]

Just a thought.

I noticed an old .32-20 Police Positive with a bulged barrel on GunBroker for $135. Don't know what it would take for an experienced gunsmith to change out the barrel and cylinder from the Cobra to the PP frame or if it is even possible. The experts on this forum can give their input.
Anyway, if it were possible,the Cobra/Police Positive hybrid would make for great conversation at the range.

Just an old man's 2 cents.

[dfariswheel]

Installing the barrel on a Police Positive or other small frame Colt is do-able.
The cylinder however gets back into that business about parts not interchanging.
While you "can" install a used cylinder in another frame, you very often have to have a brand new ejector so the assembly can be fitted. There are few to no new ejectors other than what Colt has and they won't sell you one.

The trouble in these cases is that by the time you buy the gun and the needed parts, then have a really expert pistolsmith install them, you're over the price of a new Cobra.
The sad fact is, when you have a revolver with a damaged frame, about the only practical option is to part it out or make it a display gun.

[Stu]

Thanks for your input, gentlemen. I guess I have myself a unique paperweight, unless I take it apart and sell the parts. Thanks again.

Stu