Cobra
Stellyte Arms Company · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1977
Also known as: Cobra Mk1, Cobra carbine, Rhodesian Cobra
Overview
The Cobra is a Rhodesian 9x19mm submachine gun and self-defense carbine developed during the Rhodesian Bush War. Marketed as a 'Land Defense Pistol' for rural white farming families, it uses a simple blowback action firing from a closed bolt, with a hammer-fired mechanism intended to add delay to bolt opening. Production versions were semi-automatic only and fed from standard Uzi box magazines through a wire folding stock design that collapsed the weapon to a compact package.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2500 g (88.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 620 mm (24.41") |
| Folded Length | 420 mm (16.54") |
| Barrel Length | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 25 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 380 m/s (1247 fps) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Cross Bolt Safety
- Features: Folding Stock, Closed Bolt, Uzi Magazine Compatible
Service history
Operators
- Rhodesian civilian farmers · adopted 1977
Conflicts
- Rhodesian Bush War (1964-1979)
Production
Estimated total produced: 2,500 · Production years: 1977-1980
Stellyte Arms produced fewer than 150 before going out of business; Bulawayo Armoury took over production, with roughly 2,500 made in total.
Origin
Country of origin: ZW
Designer: Tommy Steele and Bruce Whyte
Discontinued: 1980
Notes
Testing revealed the hammer delay was insufficient, producing high-pressure signs such as case bulges and pierced primers. A fully automatic prototype was built to interest the Rhodesian Army but was not adopted.
Background
The Cobra was designed by Tommy Steele and Bruce Whyte, whose company name Stellyte was a blend of their surnames. It was one of several compact carbines built in 1970s Rhodesia to arm isolated farming families under sanctions during the Bush War.