Introduction

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to wield a piece of firearm history? The Cobray Streetsweeper may just be that intriguing piece of engineering you’ve been curious about. Known for its distinctive revolving 12-gauge design, the Streetsweeper has an interesting backstory that spans the globe. In this post, I’ll walk you through its history, unique features, and where you might find one today.

History of the Cobray Streetsweeper

The famous Cobray Streetsweeper is an American replica of the South African Armsel Striker, designed by Hilton R. Walker in 1981. Cobray and SWD produced it in the United States from 1989 to 1993, primarily aiming it at riot control and combat situations. However, the Streetsweeper soon found a market among civilian shooting enthusiasts.

Features of the Streetsweeper Shotgun

• 12-gauge revolving cylinder action, reminiscent of a revolver.
• Standard 12-round capacity, with compact models offering 7-round options.
• Features a mechanical wind-up lever for drum rotation, varying by model.
• Utilizes a pre-wound clock-work spring to make trigger pulls easier, though loading and unloading are quite laborious.
• Later versions like the Protecta introduced automatic shell ejection and a foregrip cocking lever.

Legal Status of the Cobray Shotgun

The Streetsweeper’s history took a turn when it was classified as a “destructive device” in 1993 under the National Firearms Act, driven by the Brady Campaign’s proposal. This classification required weapon registration with the ATF, effectively halting commercial sales.

Availability and Where to Buy the Streetsweeper for Sale

If you’re considering purchasing a Streetsweeper, know that it requires a Federal Destructive Device Permit due to its NFA classification. Registered models are scarce, reflecting their value and desirability among collectors. Unregistered models are insufficiently valued today, except for their parts. It’s worth checking with specialized dealers who handle NFA firearms.

Physical Characteristics and Variants of the Streetsweeper Shotgun

The standard commercial version of the Streetsweeper was equipped with an 18-inch barrel. Known for its bulky and heavy frame, it featured a top-folding stock with sharp edges. Different variants like the original Striker include manual winding mechanisms, while the Protecta added automatic shell features and foregrip modifications. The Cobray Streetsweeper remains a piece of American firearms ingenuity with adaptations complying with US laws.