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Colt Manufacturing Company LLC, headquartered in West Hartford, CT, is one of the most famous names in American firearms history. Founded by Samuel Colt in 1855, the company has manufactured some of the most iconic handgun models of the 19th and 20th Century.
COLT – Table of Contents:
- Introduction/Overview
- Products/Models
- Colt Pistols
- Colt Revolvers
- Colt Carbines & Rifles
- History
- Locations/Facilities
- Competition/Training
- TFB News
- TFB Reviews
- Common COLT Questions
- Are Colt Pythons still made?
- Does Colt still make the 1911?
- What is a Colt 45 gun?
- Does Colt still make the AR 15?
- What frame is the Colt Python?
- Where to buy
1. COLT – Introduction/Overview
Colt is one of the most known names in the firearms world. Even people with limited familiarity with firearms can still easily identify a Single Action Army model as a “Colt”. While the SAA, together with the 1911, is one of the most recognizable models, the Company has manufactured a variety of handguns and rifles, both for military and civilian use.
2. COLT – Products/Models
Here we see a brief overview of Colt product range. All pictures and excerpts in italics are directly from Colt website, unless otherwise specified. Pictures may represent a specific configuration among the many variations offered by the manufacturer.
Colt Pistols
Currently Colt offers 2 main lines of pistols based on legacy designs of John Moses Browning: the 1903 and the1911.
- 1903 Re-Issue Series
This is mainly a collectors’ piece, described as following by Colt:
The Colt Model 1903 “General Officer’s Pistol” is back in its original Browning single action blowback .32 hammerless design. “US PROPERTY” marked, this pistol is a tribute to the leaders of the greatest generation and the iconic firearms originally issued to them. It features a 3.75″ barrel, grip safety, 4140 carbon steel slide and frame, fixed front with an adjustable rear sights, and American black walnut grip. This model has a gray parkerized metal finish. Colt 1903 Pistols are a Colt Licensed Product manufactured by US Armament Corp.
- 1911 Series
The 1911 is offered in a wide variety of options, barrel lengths and calibers, from .45 ACP, such as the originals, to .38 SuperAuto, 9mm Luger and 10mm Auto, in the famous Delta Elite model.
The Colt Custommodel pictured above is described by Colt as:
The Colt M1991A1 and M1991A are direct 3rd and 4th generation descendants of the “often imitated but never duplicated” Colt M1911 classic automatic pistol. It was selected as the U.S. military service sidearm in a head to head competition. The superior Colt was found to be, more reliable, more durable, more easily disassembled, less fatiguing and more accurate.
A few of the many variations are pictured below with the manufacturer’s description.
The Colt Gold Cup® is known as the finest shooting semi-automatic in the world, and is the standard for competitive guns. The first Colt Gold Cup® pistol was introduced in the late 1950’s to give competitive shooters a gun to take directly from the dealer’s showcase to the firing line. Colt Gold Cup® pistols have been used to compete in local club matches through the National Matches at Camp Perry. It features an Adjustable Wide Trigger, National Match® Barrel, Adjustable Target Sights, and many other refinements as standard.
Colt’s venerable Delta Elite® 10mm 1911 is now available as a Rail Gun®. Colt kept interest in the powerful 10mm round alive with the release of the Delta Elite® back in the 1980’s. Now hunters and advanced security operatives have the opportunity to take advantage of their favorite rail mounted pistol lighting, without giving up what makes a Colt 1911 special – while maintaining the near .41 Magnum ballistics afforded by the 10mm round. 
The Colt Defender™ offers power and performance every time. Now available in 9mm and the classic .45 ACP, this package is an excellent choice for concealed carry. With Novak® sights and a Colt Upswept Beavertail Grip Safety, this pistol will provide an exceptional hold and quick target acquisition. The Colt Defender is an accurate and reliable workhorse able to withstand the rigors of everyday carry and numerous trips to the range.
The Colt Mustang® Pistol is ideal for personal protection and concealment. This John Browning inspired design retains 1911 ergonomics and familiarity. This modern re-engineered format retains the lightweight design of the Original Mustang® Pocketlite but with a lightweight polymer frame for the ultimate in portability. Unique ambidextrous thumb safety design allows the shooter to unload the pistol while the safety is still engaged.
Colt Revolvers
The Company was born thanks to a revolver patent and revolvers have always been part of the catalog, both as reproduction of traditional single action models as well as more modern double actions. Among the most famous Colt wheelguns is the Python, a now discontinued .357 Magnum model known for its accuracy, looks and build quality.
Most Colt double action revolvers were named after snakes, a tradition that the Company recently revived with the re-issue of Cobra and King Cobra models.
- SAA
No Colt revolver has earned greater fame than the single action army – The Peacemaker. In design and performance, in line and form, no more sculptural and practical Colt has ever been created. Movies serve as constant reminders of the role this equalizer played in winning the West. Available in 45 Colt or 357 Magnum with multiple barrel lengths and finishes.
- Cobra
The recently re-released Cobra is a defensive revolver chambered in .38 Special and available in a few different configurations.
Here below the manufacturer’s description of the model:
The Colt Cobra® marks Colt’s triumphant return to the world of double-action revolvers. Its small frame and 2″ barrel make it ideal for concealed carry. The Cobra® features all-steel construction, as well as a rubber wrapped grip that’s been moved rearward to help manage recoil. The Cobra® is chambered in .38 Special and is +P capable. This firearm was designed to meet the needs of new shooters and seasoned professionals alike. It’s easy and enjoyable to shoot, easy to carry, and draws from the fine lineage that make Colt revolvers special. 
- King Cobra
The recently re-released King Cobra is the bigger brother of the Cobra, chambered in .357 Magnum and available in a few different configurations from Carry models to Target.
Here below the manufacturer’s description of the 3″ barreled model:
The King is back! Following the successful introduction of the Colt Cobra revolver in 2017, and marking Colt’s re-entry into the category they once dominated, snake number two has arrived. Colt’s King Cobra is reincarnated for 2019 as the 6-Shot .357 Magnum big brother of the Colt Cobra Double Action revolver. Sporting a heavy-duty frame, 3-inch barrel, and brushed stainless steel construction, the King Cobra secures a new place in the legendary heritage that makes Colt double-action revolvers some of the hottest collectible firearms today. 
Colt Carbines & Rifles
At the time of writing, Colt is not offering these models for civilian sale due to a shift in focus to the military market. We offer however a brief overview of some of the most representative models.
- M4 Series – LE6920
The Colt Trooper® Patrol Carbine is a modernized, pro-quality Modern Sporting Rifle based on Colt’s legendary M4 platform. It features a new Centurion Arms M-LOK® capable free-floated forend developed just for the Trooper®, and offers a great starting point for your next advanced carbine. It’s offered in 5.56 x 45 NATO, and features a 16.1” barrel and a 13” M-LOK® capable Centurion Arms forend with a Picatinny rail at 12 o’clock, and M-LOK® mounting slots at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. It features a standard M4 buttstock and an A2 pistol grip, and comes with a 30-round Magpul® P-MAG® Magazine.
- AR-15 Series
This Semi-Automatic Colt Rifle is a throwback to the full size AR-15® which gave birth to the Modern Sporting Rifle. The AR15A4 is defined by it’s 20″ 1:7 Twist Government Profile Chrome Lined Barrel and A2 Fixed Buttstock. The rifle is topped with a Picatinny Flat Top Upper Receiver with Detachable Carry Handle.
The Colt AR-15 Carbine in 9mm features a 16.1″ barrel, black anodized finish, flat top upper receiver, M4 4-position telescoping stock, front adjustable post sight, MBUS adjustable sight, bird cage flash hider, front barrel lug, ejection port cover, cartridge case deflector, an overall length of 31.5-35″, an unloaded weight of 6.3 lbs, and a 32+1 round capacity.
The Colt AR6720, an AR-15 tactical carbine, is used as a patrol rifle with tactical accuracy by federal, state, and local agencies. The AR6720 features a 16.1″ light barrel with a 1:7 twist, a flattop receiver with an optics-ready rail, Magpul MBUS Gen 2, and a 30-round PMAG.
- 7.62 Modular Carbine Series
The Colt Modular Carbine (CM762) returns for 2018. This updated configuration is packed with ambidextrous features and includes a 15″ M-LOK compatible rail system that will enable flexibility for every end user.
The revolutionary lower receiver and bolt carrier design enable the upper receiver group to be easily swapped out for any Colt MilSpec upper receiver chambered in 5.56 x 45 NATO (.223 Remington), without tools, in under a minute – allowing the weapon to be reconfigured to any situation at a moment’s notice. All operating controls are ambidextrous, providing you with flexibility and ease of use.
3. COLT – History
Colt briefly introduces the milestones of the Company’s history from 1836 to 2006 on their website, at this page. Below these milestones are listed:
- 1836 – Samuel Colt is issued the US Patent for the first Colt firearm and builds his first factory
- 1847 – Samuel H. Walker of the US Army collaborates with Colt to develop a more powerful revolver, known as the Walker.
- 1867 – Colt introduces its first Gatling Gun shortly after the factory is rebuilt.
- 1873 – The Single Action Army revolver is introduced and secures a US Government contract.
- 1911 – The Colt Model 1911 is officially adopted by the US Government as its standard firearm.
- 1950 – Colt introduces a series of firearms that incorporate a lightweight alloy frame, including the Cobra revolver and the Commander automatic pistol.
- 1963 – Colt receives its first government contract for the M16 rifle, an improved version of the AR-15 design.
- 1976 – Colt introduces the colt Custom Gun Shop.
- 2006 – Samuel Colt is inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
For an overview from an external perspective on the brand’s history, the video at this link is a great source.
4. COLT – Locations/Facilities
Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC
5. COLT – Competition/Training
Colt offers armorer’s training sessions to Law Enforcement and Military units.
6. COLT – TFB News
7. COLT – TFB Reviews
8. COLT – Common COLT Questions
- Are Colt Pythons still made?
No. Unfortunately Colt has not been manufacturing Python revolvers since the early 2000s. However the re-introduction of the Cobra line of revolvers sparks some hope of seeing again the Python in the future.
- Does Colt still make the 1911?
Most definitely yes. Colt offers a wide variety of 1911 models.
- What is a Colt 45 gun?
A Colt 45 is likely to be a Single Action Army revolver chambered in .45 Colt. However it could also identify a Colt 1911 in .45 ACP.
- Does Colt still make the AR 15?
Yes. Colt is still manufacturing AR-15 models, not for the civilian market, however.
- What frame is the Colt Python?
The “frame” categorization of revolvers is not typical of Colt as it is for another manufacturer. A Python is a Python, however the internal name for the frame of this revolver is “I”.
9. COLT – Where to buy
