James had the opportunity to handle and shoot four new 1911 models from Colt at SHOT Show 2016’s Industry Range Day.

Colt has released information on the new Colt Lightweight Commander and Competition models (press release copied below), but it also unveiled two new additions to the Combat line – railed guns made with the operator in mind with aggressive texturing, hard finishes, and upgraded sights.

Price list here: http://www.colt.com/DesktopModules/Bring2mind/DMX/Download.aspx?EntryId=947&PortalId=0&DownloadMethod=attachment

Press release:
WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (January 6, 2016) – The historic firearms manufacturer Colt is announcing three innovative new products for the start of 2016; the Colt CompetitionPistol™, the Colt Expanse™ M4 Carbine, and the Colt Lightweight Commander®.

“We’re incredibly excited about these new offerings,” said Paul Spitale, Senior VP of Commercial Business at Colt. “The Colt Competition Pistol™ is race ready right out of the box, and the Expanse™ M4 is a great building block that’s easy to get into for both the first-time AR-15 platform owner and the more experienced collector alike.”

The Colt Competition Pistol™, which is available in .45 ACP or 9mm, offers several features that competitive shooters will appreciate, including Colt’s innovative DualSpring Recoil System™ developed for the M45A1 in order to reduce recoil and help keep shots on target at critical moments. “This pistol is competition grade,” said Mark Redl, Team Colt sponsored shooter and Product Manager for Colt. “We designed a pistol that you can buy on the way to a match.” Other features include Novak’s new adjustable rearsight and fiber optic front sight, competition ergonomics including an undercut triggerguard and upswept beavertail safety, and a National Match® barrel. The ColtCompetition Pistol™ carries an MSRP of $899.

The Expanse™ M4 puts a Colt quality AR-15 within easy reach of the modern sportsman looking to enhance his or her ir collection, or the first-time buyer looking for a starting point on which to build their dream modern sporting rifle. Either way, the Expanse™ M4 in 5.56 x 45 NATO (.223 Rem.) is a great way to add another Colt to the stable. The Expanse™ M4 retails for $699.

The Lightweight Commander®, offered in .45 ACP or 9mm, affords enthusiasts the ability to concealed-carry a real 1911 platform pistol comfortably. With a shorter profile and lower weight than a traditional full size Government Model®, the Lightweight Commander® offers the Dual Spring Recoil System™ and custom Colt G10 grips, among other enhancements. “We wanted to offer something special to the concealed carry enthusiast who wants that authentic Colt experience in a package that can add both confidence and comfort,” said Spitale. The MSRP of the Lightweight Commander is $949.