Putting a stock on a pistol truly is the idea that just won't die. People have been trying it for over 100 years. In the right application its NOT a stupid idea, after you hear out. I am aware of how dumb the stocked pistol seems and to say it has been tried already is absolutely true.
I saw potential with the cobra stock from Zahal as at least a novelty. There is hardly any info these or even the concept because of American laws. There is a youtube channel called "Tier one Citizen" that also plays around with the concept in some older videos. I got Mine in January but have not been able to try it because life and its problems got in the way. When those problems got sorted out covid hit and the ranges closed. I finally got to take it out and shoot it after months of dry firing with it.
What is this thing?
Extended with a G17 magazine. I will explain why if you can't see the reason
This is it folded up. It can be shot like this
This is their link complete with promotional video. I believe they make this stock for the M&P and Jericho but can't confirm at this time.
https://zahal.org/product/fab-defense-collapsible-tactical-cobra-stock-for-glock-17-19/
Handling
I am going to assume you already watch the video with the cool flip out action that only needs one painted finger. If not go watch it again but pay attention to the gun this time. It really is as easy as she shows, once its broken in. At first its pretty stiff but clicks in place quite solid. After playing with it, it smooths out nicely. The butt plug that that actually goes into the gun is also very tight at first but with time becomes easier to insert and remove. Maybe the glock just learns to relax.... There is a little tab that you can see in the picture that is used to remove the stock. It locks on to gun with friction and an internal rod that locks on to the lanyard loop on the back of the glock grip. Its sturdy and does not move or flex enough to matter. The stock also comes with a few butt plugs to fit your model and gen of glock.
I like using the G17 or extended mags because its easier to get them seated in the gun. As you can see your hand may come into contact when seating a magazine. Using longer mags makes it easier how ever the G19 mags are perfectly usable. I tried using the magpul mags but with the stock in the gun those ones don't drop free. I think the grip flexes just a little bit and since the magpul are so light they don't fall out. It takes very little effort to get them and the glock OEM magazines drop free no problem. I have stubby thumbs so even with no grip plate and the larger release button on the Gen 4, I still have to break grip to push the magazine release. When the break your grip the stock will get in the way and prevent you from doing it easily. All I did was tilt the gun a little bit and I was good to go. This issue is not exclusive to using this stock. The hi point carbine and sub 2000 have the same issue. But it is way easier to over come with this system.
Since it just a handgun you use it like a handgun. You could put a front grip on it but just holding with two hands works just fine for me. The length of pull is kinda long at 17.5" compared to the average 13.5" of most rifles. As an average sized dude (6' tall and 180 lbs) I have no problem with it. Kids might have an issue though.
You could shorten it by folding one part of it. Its feels awkwardly close to your face but the slide won't hit you. You also loose that cheek weld
Accuracy
My target is below. I am not going to claim to be good with a pistol so if you are better than me you will get better results. My excuses are, I have not shot my handguns in several months and glocks are not target guns. Left side is regular pistol and the right is with the stock. All 5 shot groups
The top two are 12' or 3.6 metres. Grouping size is pretty much the same but I was more centered with the stock. Technically its doing better already but I don't consider that much different
The middle two are at 12' or 7.62 metres. I got a string of shots with one off the paper. Like I said earlier I am not the best pistol shot and need more practice. The stock target had two groups for some reason and were mostly centered. This is a marked improvement if you ask me
The bottom was at 40' or 12.2 metres. Yes that is a grouping of 1 with 4 off paper. Go ahead and laugh and stroke your own ego. The target with the stock is way better. All five on paper and decently close together. We are really getting some where with this stock.
Holster?
I am going to say it will work with most holsters. If you are using a G19 like me you might not want a squared off holster. A G17 will probably give you enough clearance for most holsters. You can draw and shoot it no problem. Will also point out that the stock is shaped in such a way that allows magazine usage when folded. It also has a key ring on it so you can do some fancy single point ninja sling. The youtuber I mentioned earlier show some ideas. Putting it in a man purse or satchel during might work too. It will obviously be kinda bulky on your hip and will be annoying when you go to sit down.
Sight picture
If you are thinking that your sight picture will be all messed up being that close to the gun you are wrong. There will be more space on the sides of the front sight but its completely usable. if you half fold it, then I can see you having issues with too much space on the sides of the front sight. I am not a fan of red dot sights on handguns partly because of lack experience. I have tried them and just don't like them. A red dot sight with the cobra stock might do very well. Since your face is closer the dot should be easier to line up and will be a little higher which may make it easier to aim. I did not not have an issue using the irons.
Shooting it
The stock makes it much easier to stay on target and you can get much faster follow up shots. And I mean way faster aimed shots. Mag dumps are much more successful with the stock. As you already saw with the accuracy test this stock will also extended the range of getting hits. I found it was easier to shoot at all ranges. I did find you get punched in cheek weld a little bit but its 9mm so it does not matter than much. Most of the recoil goes into the shoulder.
What to compare this to?
If you got this far you have probably though of what else there is to compare it to. Well there is the flux brace that I have not seen here and is more of a USA law work around but reviews about are positive. There is also the roni which is a thing that you put your gun into making it seem like a PCC. I would rather the cobra stock over the roni for a couple reasons that I will list a little further ahead.
I don't think that comparing this to a non restricted option is valid because of overall length and usage laws. When compared to a restricted PCC like like famae, B&T, UMP and so on this still is a great alternative for the following reasons:
- way cheaper
- you have a handgun AND a PCC or pretend a SMG. Its quick and easy to switch back and forth. I know the roni does too but the cobra is easier in my opinion
- manual of arms is familiar since its still a hand gun
- easier to conceal if you are going down those many paths
- less bulk and weight
- holster capable
- it takes glock mags!
You could argue that the longer barrel of those guns make it accurate out to farther distances which is true but 9mm and distance shooting are not really a thing. You could say that you get more power with the longer barrel, also true. The PCC is a highly compromised rifle or improved pistol. Using it at pistol ranges the extra power and distance don't matter that much. Using it at extended pistol the extra barrel length(16" or less) does not help enough in my opinion. A quality 9mm out of a 16" and a 4.5" will ruin your day.
Why even buy this thing?
At this point you have to be wondering why even bother with any of this stuff. Here are my thoughts on what to do with this and/or why to get one.
-Guns are cool and so is gun stuff.
- Show off your tacticoolness
- Completion. I am not a competition guy for a few reasons but in place place of a PCC I would use this. Assuming of course that they even let you. See alternatives sections above.
-Home defense. We have already established that this is easier to shoot. This stock does in fact improve the handgun, except in concealment and holstering. Those two are not relevant for home defense. Do I store the cobra on my gun? No, that is because it would not fit in my bed side safe. The stock does sit next to said safe. If time allowed would I install it? No, if time allowed I am going to go break out my shotgun. If I did not have a viable defensive shotgun Then yes I would put the cobra on my gun. I would pick the cobra over the SKS because of noise, size and neighbor safety. Don't get me wrong the SKS is not a bad option and I would pick the SKS in some circumstances but I am not going to go into the many "what ifs" and various situations. Also see next point as it is some what relevant to this use.
- Room clearing. This thing excels. Even with the long length of pull the overall is very short. I can walk side ways through a door while maintaining a sight picture. I am not advocating this but in room clearing but you got to do what you got to do. Being that short makes it very easy to get around tight spaces. I realize you can just pull a pistol in close but you can't aim and fire nearly as well as you can with the cobra. With the cobra you can easily keep a constant aimed gun while moving around. Your arms don't get nearly as tired compared to holding up a pistol. If you don't want to keep constant aiming its is faster to bring up the cobra from a low ready than it is to bring up a pistol from low ready or a pistol pulled into your yourself.
I got a second opinion on this topic. I handed the cobra to my father who is a 30 year cop. Please don't turn this in a cop bashing thread, not cause my dad is a cop but because I am talking about guns. We can go bash cops some where else. When I handed it to him he of course said "what the hell is that?" I told him its great for room cleaning. He gave me a look of this is just silly. Until he tried it and was instantly impressed with it. He agrees that it is indeed great for room clean and wondered if his guys use such a thing. I told him that I highly doubt it.
- SHTF. If things go Venezuela here and the consequences of being caught without a gun are higher than than consequences of caught with it. Venezuela is not a full on anarchy or zombies. They are attempting to be functional in that there is still some government and authority. The cobra would be ideal to put in your lap while driving around. (I tested it) You can sit in a vehicle and maneuver the gun easily inside. You can also get out without snagging on stuff. As stated earlier it would be easy to hide in a man purse or satchel and will in theory extend your defensive abilities. Also see room cleaning if you are forced into being a marauder. There was also a thread recently about one SHTF weapon and some people say handgun is the one ideal weapon in a SHTF situation, and those people made some really good points. If you are one of those people the cobra is for you.
I hope you got something out this. I am happy with my cobra stock and would recommend to any one.
I saw potential with the cobra stock from Zahal as at least a novelty. There is hardly any info these or even the concept because of American laws. There is a youtube channel called "Tier one Citizen" that also plays around with the concept in some older videos. I got Mine in January but have not been able to try it because life and its problems got in the way. When those problems got sorted out covid hit and the ranges closed. I finally got to take it out and shoot it after months of dry firing with it.
What is this thing?
Extended with a G17 magazine. I will explain why if you can't see the reason
This is it folded up. It can be shot like this
This is their link complete with promotional video. I believe they make this stock for the M&P and Jericho but can't confirm at this time.
https://zahal.org/product/fab-defense-collapsible-tactical-cobra-stock-for-glock-17-19/
Handling
I am going to assume you already watch the video with the cool flip out action that only needs one painted finger. If not go watch it again but pay attention to the gun this time. It really is as easy as she shows, once its broken in. At first its pretty stiff but clicks in place quite solid. After playing with it, it smooths out nicely. The butt plug that that actually goes into the gun is also very tight at first but with time becomes easier to insert and remove. Maybe the glock just learns to relax.... There is a little tab that you can see in the picture that is used to remove the stock. It locks on to gun with friction and an internal rod that locks on to the lanyard loop on the back of the glock grip. Its sturdy and does not move or flex enough to matter. The stock also comes with a few butt plugs to fit your model and gen of glock.
I like using the G17 or extended mags because its easier to get them seated in the gun. As you can see your hand may come into contact when seating a magazine. Using longer mags makes it easier how ever the G19 mags are perfectly usable. I tried using the magpul mags but with the stock in the gun those ones don't drop free. I think the grip flexes just a little bit and since the magpul are so light they don't fall out. It takes very little effort to get them and the glock OEM magazines drop free no problem. I have stubby thumbs so even with no grip plate and the larger release button on the Gen 4, I still have to break grip to push the magazine release. When the break your grip the stock will get in the way and prevent you from doing it easily. All I did was tilt the gun a little bit and I was good to go. This issue is not exclusive to using this stock. The hi point carbine and sub 2000 have the same issue. But it is way easier to over come with this system.
Since it just a handgun you use it like a handgun. You could put a front grip on it but just holding with two hands works just fine for me. The length of pull is kinda long at 17.5" compared to the average 13.5" of most rifles. As an average sized dude (6' tall and 180 lbs) I have no problem with it. Kids might have an issue though.
You could shorten it by folding one part of it. Its feels awkwardly close to your face but the slide won't hit you. You also loose that cheek weld
Accuracy
My target is below. I am not going to claim to be good with a pistol so if you are better than me you will get better results. My excuses are, I have not shot my handguns in several months and glocks are not target guns. Left side is regular pistol and the right is with the stock. All 5 shot groups
The top two are 12' or 3.6 metres. Grouping size is pretty much the same but I was more centered with the stock. Technically its doing better already but I don't consider that much different
The middle two are at 12' or 7.62 metres. I got a string of shots with one off the paper. Like I said earlier I am not the best pistol shot and need more practice. The stock target had two groups for some reason and were mostly centered. This is a marked improvement if you ask me
The bottom was at 40' or 12.2 metres. Yes that is a grouping of 1 with 4 off paper. Go ahead and laugh and stroke your own ego. The target with the stock is way better. All five on paper and decently close together. We are really getting some where with this stock.
Holster?
I am going to say it will work with most holsters. If you are using a G19 like me you might not want a squared off holster. A G17 will probably give you enough clearance for most holsters. You can draw and shoot it no problem. Will also point out that the stock is shaped in such a way that allows magazine usage when folded. It also has a key ring on it so you can do some fancy single point ninja sling. The youtuber I mentioned earlier show some ideas. Putting it in a man purse or satchel during might work too. It will obviously be kinda bulky on your hip and will be annoying when you go to sit down.
Sight picture
If you are thinking that your sight picture will be all messed up being that close to the gun you are wrong. There will be more space on the sides of the front sight but its completely usable. if you half fold it, then I can see you having issues with too much space on the sides of the front sight. I am not a fan of red dot sights on handguns partly because of lack experience. I have tried them and just don't like them. A red dot sight with the cobra stock might do very well. Since your face is closer the dot should be easier to line up and will be a little higher which may make it easier to aim. I did not not have an issue using the irons.
Shooting it
The stock makes it much easier to stay on target and you can get much faster follow up shots. And I mean way faster aimed shots. Mag dumps are much more successful with the stock. As you already saw with the accuracy test this stock will also extended the range of getting hits. I found it was easier to shoot at all ranges. I did find you get punched in cheek weld a little bit but its 9mm so it does not matter than much. Most of the recoil goes into the shoulder.
What to compare this to?
If you got this far you have probably though of what else there is to compare it to. Well there is the flux brace that I have not seen here and is more of a USA law work around but reviews about are positive. There is also the roni which is a thing that you put your gun into making it seem like a PCC. I would rather the cobra stock over the roni for a couple reasons that I will list a little further ahead.
I don't think that comparing this to a non restricted option is valid because of overall length and usage laws. When compared to a restricted PCC like like famae, B&T, UMP and so on this still is a great alternative for the following reasons:
- way cheaper
- you have a handgun AND a PCC or pretend a SMG. Its quick and easy to switch back and forth. I know the roni does too but the cobra is easier in my opinion
- manual of arms is familiar since its still a hand gun
- easier to conceal if you are going down those many paths
- less bulk and weight
- holster capable
- it takes glock mags!
You could argue that the longer barrel of those guns make it accurate out to farther distances which is true but 9mm and distance shooting are not really a thing. You could say that you get more power with the longer barrel, also true. The PCC is a highly compromised rifle or improved pistol. Using it at pistol ranges the extra power and distance don't matter that much. Using it at extended pistol the extra barrel length(16" or less) does not help enough in my opinion. A quality 9mm out of a 16" and a 4.5" will ruin your day.
Why even buy this thing?
At this point you have to be wondering why even bother with any of this stuff. Here are my thoughts on what to do with this and/or why to get one.
-Guns are cool and so is gun stuff.
- Show off your tacticoolness
- Completion. I am not a competition guy for a few reasons but in place place of a PCC I would use this. Assuming of course that they even let you. See alternatives sections above.
-Home defense. We have already established that this is easier to shoot. This stock does in fact improve the handgun, except in concealment and holstering. Those two are not relevant for home defense. Do I store the cobra on my gun? No, that is because it would not fit in my bed side safe. The stock does sit next to said safe. If time allowed would I install it? No, if time allowed I am going to go break out my shotgun. If I did not have a viable defensive shotgun Then yes I would put the cobra on my gun. I would pick the cobra over the SKS because of noise, size and neighbor safety. Don't get me wrong the SKS is not a bad option and I would pick the SKS in some circumstances but I am not going to go into the many "what ifs" and various situations. Also see next point as it is some what relevant to this use.
- Room clearing. This thing excels. Even with the long length of pull the overall is very short. I can walk side ways through a door while maintaining a sight picture. I am not advocating this but in room clearing but you got to do what you got to do. Being that short makes it very easy to get around tight spaces. I realize you can just pull a pistol in close but you can't aim and fire nearly as well as you can with the cobra. With the cobra you can easily keep a constant aimed gun while moving around. Your arms don't get nearly as tired compared to holding up a pistol. If you don't want to keep constant aiming its is faster to bring up the cobra from a low ready than it is to bring up a pistol from low ready or a pistol pulled into your yourself.
I got a second opinion on this topic. I handed the cobra to my father who is a 30 year cop. Please don't turn this in a cop bashing thread, not cause my dad is a cop but because I am talking about guns. We can go bash cops some where else. When I handed it to him he of course said "what the hell is that?" I told him its great for room cleaning. He gave me a look of this is just silly. Until he tried it and was instantly impressed with it. He agrees that it is indeed great for room clean and wondered if his guys use such a thing. I told him that I highly doubt it.
- SHTF. If things go Venezuela here and the consequences of being caught without a gun are higher than than consequences of caught with it. Venezuela is not a full on anarchy or zombies. They are attempting to be functional in that there is still some government and authority. The cobra would be ideal to put in your lap while driving around. (I tested it) You can sit in a vehicle and maneuver the gun easily inside. You can also get out without snagging on stuff. As stated earlier it would be easy to hide in a man purse or satchel and will in theory extend your defensive abilities. Also see room cleaning if you are forced into being a marauder. There was also a thread recently about one SHTF weapon and some people say handgun is the one ideal weapon in a SHTF situation, and those people made some really good points. If you are one of those people the cobra is for you.
I hope you got something out this. I am happy with my cobra stock and would recommend to any one.
