Nightcrawler
Member
Or redeaux, or however the heck you spell that. Meaning, I posted a thread about this before, but have given it some thought.
Many here lament the fact that Colt just can't get its act together. I don't know the why or the how, but they just can't keep steady production, they don't advertise, and they don't innovate.
It doesn't have to be like this. So here's what would happen if, through some strange series of events, your humble Nightcrawler became the sole owner and CEO of Colt's Patent Firearms.
First of all, I would sell off Colt Defense. They're basically separate companies anyway, and I'd leave Colt Defense to focus on M4s and stuff. I'd be happy to let that DoD contracting mess be someone else's friggin' problem so I could focus on handgun production, and the sale (if possible...more like a divorce) should leave me with plenty of capital to get my handguns rolling again.
I'm not going to try anything crazy off the bat. No re-introducing models that have been discontinued for decades and for which the machinery and tooling may or may not be servicable. I'd focus, initially, on getting back in the game.
(Dealing with Colt's labor problems...I have no idea. Let's pretend that isn't an issue.)
First step: Ad blitz. Full page ads in the more reputable magazines, with a "Colt is back!" message. "Colt, the modern classic!" Our theme would be guns done "the old-fashioned way", and classic guns with modern features.
Initial production would focus on the Series 80 Government Model. Blue, Stainless, .45ACP (with limited numbers in .38 Super), Commander models also. The Commanders would come in .45ACP and 9mm initially. 9mm full-sized Gov't Models would be a limited production item (to test the market).
The Series 70 guns would be "semi-custom", more of limited production. The most attention would go into these when they were built, making them worth the higher price tag. The basic Series 70 would be like the Government Model. For shooters wanting more, there'd be the Series 70 Enhanced, (Which I'd dub the Mark V). This would feature an ambi extended safety, high-ride beavertail grip safety, commander hammer, Novak sights, etc. NO FRONT SERRATIONS. (Not on my guns, anyway. You could order them from the custom shop if you really wanted them.)
All guns, regardless of finish, would have stainless steel barrels. I would do my very best to avoid having to resort to MIM internals.
The Colt Gold Cup would be reintroduced later on. Fully adjustable sights, match quality. Higher cost again, but it'd be a tack driver.
To REALLY stick it to Springfield and Kimber, NC Colt would introduce the Mark V (Series 70) Special Combat model. A Series 70 enhanced with a picatinny rail machined into the frame, to compete with similar models from Kimber, Springfield, and RRA. This model would have the option of low profile fixed sights or taller, adjustable models. The tall sights would be in conjunction with an extended and threaded barrel, for use with a suppressor. Night sights would be standard on this model.
Now, as for Colt's Revolvers. This requires more thought.
For Colt's Single Actions, I'd try to work a deal with US Firearms. I mean, heck, for awhile they were making their guns in Colt's old factory anyway. USFA would have the license to produce Colt-marked Single Action Army type revolvers. It'd be a profit sharing agreement that'd work well for everyone, I think. USFA/Colt could take a piece of the Cowboy Action market, I think. USFA could, of course, continue to produce revolvers with its own markings, but the Colt-Marked models would likely turn a better profit.
The double action revolvers would be another matter. For the time being, the only DA revolver that'd return to standard production would be the Ananconda. 4" and 6", with limited runs in 5", it'd be available in .44 Magnum and .45 Colt initially.
The Python would be a custom shop affair. I'd call my version the Python Classic. Compared to my other guns, only a few of these would be produced per year, and they'd be a pricey item. But for that money you'd get a sublimely constructed, hand-fitted revolver. Stainless steel would be standard, with Colt's Classic Glossy Blue as an at-cost option. I'd do my best of have my gunsmiths replicate the amazing deep blue finishes on the Pythons of yesteryear. 4" and 6" barrel lengths standard, with 2.5" done on occasion.
Later on, I'd see about re-introducing the King Cobra, since it's essentially Anaconda lockwork anyway.
The real neat thing would be NC Colt's Custom Shop. Upon providing FFL shipping info, you could order direct, or have your dealer order for you. Want a stock Series 80 Gov't Model with an ambi safety, medallion grips, and night sights? No problem! It'll cost more, and it'll take longer, but you'll get it. Want a Python Classic with a 3" barrel? Sure! We'd also do limited runs of super-nice custom guns in various configurations. Hell, we'd even do custom inscriptions on special order guns, just like Colt did way back in the old days.
Now, down the road, once I've started to bring in money and the business front has stablized, I'd see about introducing some new models.
Specifically, (and this would take some tooling up), I'd try to reintroduce an updated, modernized, but classic looking 1903. Originally, this Browning designed pistol was available in .38ACP and .32ACP. My version would be in 9x19mm. The new version would be called the Colt Pocket Hammerless model of 2007. It'd be updated with an alloy frame for light weight (heck, the original steel version weighed only 24 ounces!), a more ergonomic ambi safety, and improved, low snag, high-viz sights. If possible, the magazine release would be moved from the heel to the current preferred location.
The rollmark on the right side of the slide would read, "Colt Automatic". Underneath that would be "Pocket Hammerless Model, Caliber 9mm".
This gun would be all about no-snag draws and ease of use. Everything on it would be low profile and the grips would be thin walnut.
Well. That's all I've got for right now. What do you guys think? Would you buy any of the models I've mentioned?
Many here lament the fact that Colt just can't get its act together. I don't know the why or the how, but they just can't keep steady production, they don't advertise, and they don't innovate.
It doesn't have to be like this. So here's what would happen if, through some strange series of events, your humble Nightcrawler became the sole owner and CEO of Colt's Patent Firearms.
First of all, I would sell off Colt Defense. They're basically separate companies anyway, and I'd leave Colt Defense to focus on M4s and stuff. I'd be happy to let that DoD contracting mess be someone else's friggin' problem so I could focus on handgun production, and the sale (if possible...more like a divorce) should leave me with plenty of capital to get my handguns rolling again.
I'm not going to try anything crazy off the bat. No re-introducing models that have been discontinued for decades and for which the machinery and tooling may or may not be servicable. I'd focus, initially, on getting back in the game.
(Dealing with Colt's labor problems...I have no idea. Let's pretend that isn't an issue.)
First step: Ad blitz. Full page ads in the more reputable magazines, with a "Colt is back!" message. "Colt, the modern classic!" Our theme would be guns done "the old-fashioned way", and classic guns with modern features.
Initial production would focus on the Series 80 Government Model. Blue, Stainless, .45ACP (with limited numbers in .38 Super), Commander models also. The Commanders would come in .45ACP and 9mm initially. 9mm full-sized Gov't Models would be a limited production item (to test the market).
The Series 70 guns would be "semi-custom", more of limited production. The most attention would go into these when they were built, making them worth the higher price tag. The basic Series 70 would be like the Government Model. For shooters wanting more, there'd be the Series 70 Enhanced, (Which I'd dub the Mark V). This would feature an ambi extended safety, high-ride beavertail grip safety, commander hammer, Novak sights, etc. NO FRONT SERRATIONS. (Not on my guns, anyway. You could order them from the custom shop if you really wanted them.)
All guns, regardless of finish, would have stainless steel barrels. I would do my very best to avoid having to resort to MIM internals.
The Colt Gold Cup would be reintroduced later on. Fully adjustable sights, match quality. Higher cost again, but it'd be a tack driver.
To REALLY stick it to Springfield and Kimber, NC Colt would introduce the Mark V (Series 70) Special Combat model. A Series 70 enhanced with a picatinny rail machined into the frame, to compete with similar models from Kimber, Springfield, and RRA. This model would have the option of low profile fixed sights or taller, adjustable models. The tall sights would be in conjunction with an extended and threaded barrel, for use with a suppressor. Night sights would be standard on this model.
Now, as for Colt's Revolvers. This requires more thought.
For Colt's Single Actions, I'd try to work a deal with US Firearms. I mean, heck, for awhile they were making their guns in Colt's old factory anyway. USFA would have the license to produce Colt-marked Single Action Army type revolvers. It'd be a profit sharing agreement that'd work well for everyone, I think. USFA/Colt could take a piece of the Cowboy Action market, I think. USFA could, of course, continue to produce revolvers with its own markings, but the Colt-Marked models would likely turn a better profit.
The double action revolvers would be another matter. For the time being, the only DA revolver that'd return to standard production would be the Ananconda. 4" and 6", with limited runs in 5", it'd be available in .44 Magnum and .45 Colt initially.
The Python would be a custom shop affair. I'd call my version the Python Classic. Compared to my other guns, only a few of these would be produced per year, and they'd be a pricey item. But for that money you'd get a sublimely constructed, hand-fitted revolver. Stainless steel would be standard, with Colt's Classic Glossy Blue as an at-cost option. I'd do my best of have my gunsmiths replicate the amazing deep blue finishes on the Pythons of yesteryear. 4" and 6" barrel lengths standard, with 2.5" done on occasion.
Later on, I'd see about re-introducing the King Cobra, since it's essentially Anaconda lockwork anyway.
The real neat thing would be NC Colt's Custom Shop. Upon providing FFL shipping info, you could order direct, or have your dealer order for you. Want a stock Series 80 Gov't Model with an ambi safety, medallion grips, and night sights? No problem! It'll cost more, and it'll take longer, but you'll get it. Want a Python Classic with a 3" barrel? Sure! We'd also do limited runs of super-nice custom guns in various configurations. Hell, we'd even do custom inscriptions on special order guns, just like Colt did way back in the old days.
Now, down the road, once I've started to bring in money and the business front has stablized, I'd see about introducing some new models.
Specifically, (and this would take some tooling up), I'd try to reintroduce an updated, modernized, but classic looking 1903. Originally, this Browning designed pistol was available in .38ACP and .32ACP. My version would be in 9x19mm. The new version would be called the Colt Pocket Hammerless model of 2007. It'd be updated with an alloy frame for light weight (heck, the original steel version weighed only 24 ounces!), a more ergonomic ambi safety, and improved, low snag, high-viz sights. If possible, the magazine release would be moved from the heel to the current preferred location.
The rollmark on the right side of the slide would read, "Colt Automatic". Underneath that would be "Pocket Hammerless Model, Caliber 9mm".
This gun would be all about no-snag draws and ease of use. Everything on it would be low profile and the grips would be thin walnut.
Well. That's all I've got for right now. What do you guys think? Would you buy any of the models I've mentioned?
