What is the status of Colt Mfg.?

[Whitey]

At one time the were without a doubt, king of the hill. But a lot of other manufacturers make quality 1911s now and they lost their hold on the 1911. Are they king once again? Are they on life support? Are they rebounding and ready to take back the Heavyweight Title? Or, are they dead in the water?

 

[Baba Louie]

Well, they still make 'em in America which has its pros and cons. Labor costs being the key. They still make them (mostly) the old fashioned way. They've got a loyal following and are now making pretty good products for the price point. Quality is back up there where you can pretty much run with a box stock 1911.
They don't mfg the quantity of Springer or Kimber, thats for sure.

 

[Langenator]

Colt has also managed to hang onto the DoD contract to make M4 carbines. Everything else except pistols (M16, M249, M240, and IIRC, parts for M2 .50s) is made by FN USA at their Columbia, SC plant.

And labor costs aren't the worst part about making stuff in the US. Worker's comp, health care (both of which can also be considered part of labor costs if you want), environmental and insurance costs are huge here as well.