Colt Firearms

About Colt Firearms

Founded in 1836 by Samuel Colt, Colt Firearms is one of the most legendary names in American firearm history.

Samuel Colt revolutionized the industry with the invention of the Colt Paterson Revolver, the first commercially successful repeating handgun.

This innovation not only transformed personal defense and military strategy but also introduced interchangeable parts and mass-production techniques that would shape modern manufacturing.

From its early roots in Paterson, New Jersey, to its rise as a manufacturing powerhouse in Hartford, Connecticut, Colt became synonymous with reliability and performance.

During the 19th century, Colt’s revolvers, including the Colt Navy, Army, and Dragoon - All of which served soldiers, lawmen, and settlers across the expanding American frontier. The 1873 Colt Single Action Army, known as the “Peacemaker,” became a cultural icon and remains one of the most admired revolvers in history.

In the 20th century, Colt once again set the standard with the Colt 1911 semi-automatic pistol, which served the U.S. military for over 70 years.

Today, Colt’s M4 and AR-15 platforms are trusted tools for tactical users, law enforcement agencies, and competitive shooters alike. These rifles reflect Colt’s continued commitment to innovation, performance, and safety.

Still headquartered in the U.S., Colt supports the shooting sports community with classic revolvers, modern rifles, and an unwavering dedication to craftsmanship.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned marksman, choosing Colt means owning a piece of American heritage built for the future. Colt products continue to uphold a legacy of quality, reliability, and precision that has defined the brand for nearly two centuries.

Colt Firearm Features

Colt Firearms has long been synonymous with American firearm excellence, and its legacy is built on a foundation of innovative engineering, unmatched craftsmanship, and battlefield-proven reliability.

Whether you're drawn to their iconic revolvers or modern tactical rifles, Colt firearms feature a distinct blend of tradition and cutting-edge performance.

Dual Spring Recoil System
Colt’s 1911 pistols often incorporate a dual recoil spring setup, which helps reduce felt recoil and ensures smoother cycling. This modern upgrade enhances shooting comfort and extends the life of critical components.

National Match Barrel
Precision is the hallmark of many Colt 1911 and AR-15 platforms, thanks to the integration of National Match-grade barrels. These barrels are engineered for superior accuracy, making Colt a top choice among competitive shooters and professionals who demand tight groupings.

M4A1 SOCOM Profile
Colt’s LE6920 and M4 Carbine models feature a government-profile barrel identical to the military’s M4A1, offering superior heat resistance and consistent performance under sustained fire. This makes Colt a trusted option for law enforcement and tactical professionals.

Legendary Single-Action Trigger
From the classic Colt Single Action Army to the modern Python revolver, Colt is revered for its crisp, clean-breaking single-action trigger pull. This feature delivers both enhanced control and historical authenticity for shooters and collectors alike.

Enhanced Safety Features
Many Colt handguns feature extended thumb safeties, grip safeties, and firing pin blocks for added protection without compromising performance—especially on their Series 80 1911s, known for incorporating a drop-safety mechanism.

Cold Hammer-Forged Barrels
Colt uses cold hammer-forged barrels in its AR-15 rifles and carbines, ensuring increased durability, tighter tolerances, and extended service life. This process makes Colt rifles exceptionally rugged and consistent, even in harsh environments.

Iconic Design & Heritage
Colt firearms carry an aesthetic and mechanical design that pays homage to more than 185 years of American firearm history. Whether it’s the curves of a Colt revolver or the precision milled upper of a Colt rifle, form and function are flawlessly combined.

Best-Selling Colt Guns

Colt 1911
The Colt 1911 is one of the most iconic handguns in history. It is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in .45 ACP and known for its reliability, durability, and widespread use by the United States Armed Forces.

Colt Python
The Colt Python is a legendary double-action revolver known for its exceptional accuracy and smooth trigger pull. It has a reputation for outstanding craftsmanship and is highly sought after by collectors and shooters alike.

Colt Single Action Army (Colt Peacemaker)
Also known as the Colt Peacemaker, the Single Action Army is a classic single-action revolver that played a significant role in the American West. It is admired for its timeless design and association with the frontier era.

Colt AR-15
The Colt AR-15 is a popular rifle platform known for its modular design and versatility. It has been widely adopted by military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters. The AR-15 has become a symbol of American firearms culture.

Colt Detective Special
The Colt Detective Special is a compact, snub-nosed revolver favored by law enforcement and concealed carry permit holders. Its small size, reliability, and ease of use make it a popular choice for personal defense.

Colt Government Model
The Colt Government Model is a variant of the Colt 1911 chambered in 9mm or .45 ACP. It retains the classic 1911 design while offering modern features and enhancements for enhanced performance.

Colt King Cobra
The Colt King Cobra is a modern double-action revolver that pays homage to the original King Cobra model. It is known for its robust construction, smooth trigger, and powerful chamberings.

Colt M4 Carbine
The Colt M4 Carbine is a widely recognized and highly regarded rifle used by military and law enforcement agencies worldwide. It is a select-fire carbine chambered in 5.56mm and features a compact design and reliable operation.

Colt Anaconda
The Colt Anaconda is a large-frame double-action revolver chambered in .44 Magnum. It is revered for its power, accuracy, and quality construction, making it a sought-after choice for hunting and sporting purposes.

Colt Firearms FAQs

QUESTION: What makes Colt Firearms unique among gun manufacturers?
ANSWER: Colt Firearms is one of the most iconic American gun manufacturers, known for innovation, reliability, and nearly 200 years of history. From the invention of the first successful repeating revolver to producing legendary firearms like the Colt 1911 and the M4 rifle, Colt has played a defining role in both military and civilian firearm development.

QUESTION: Where are Colt Guns manufactured?
ANSWER: Colt Guns are proudly manufactured in the United States, with production facilities based in West Hartford, Connecticut. This long-standing commitment to American manufacturing ensures quality craftsmanship and supports U.S.-based workers and industries.

QUESTION: What is the Colt 1911, and why is it so popular?
ANSWER: The Colt 1911 is a semi-automatic pistol originally designed by John Browning and adopted by the U.S. military in 1911. Chambered in .45 ACP, it served as the standard-issue sidearm for over 70 years. Its legendary accuracy, stopping power, and enduring design make it one of the most respected handguns in the world today.

QUESTION: Are Colt Pistols good for concealed carry?
ANSWER: Yes, Colt offers several compact pistols ideal for concealed carry. Models like the Colt Defender and Colt Mustang are designed with concealability and comfort in mind, combining trusted Colt performance with everyday carry practicality.

QUESTION: What are the most popular Colt Rifles?
ANSWER: Colt’s most popular rifles include the Colt M4 Carbine, Colt LE6920, and the Colt AR-15 series. Known for their dependability and accuracy, these rifles are widely used by law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian shooters.

QUESTION: Can I still buy a Colt Python or Colt Anaconda revolver?
ANSWER: Yes! Colt has reintroduced the Colt Python and Colt Anaconda revolvers with modern updates while preserving their classic appeal. These revolvers are favorites among collectors, hunters, and sport shooters for their smooth trigger action and premium build quality.

QUESTION: Is Colt still making firearms today?
ANSWER: Absolutely. Colt continues to manufacture a wide range of handguns and rifles, including revolvers, 1911-style pistols, AR-style rifles, and law enforcement/military models. The brand continues to evolve with modern technology while honoring its historic legacy.

QUESTION: Does Colt offer firearms for competition shooting?
ANSWER: Yes, Colt produces several models designed for competitive shooting, including match-grade 1911 pistols and precision AR-platform rifles. Their guns are frequently seen in USPSA, IDPA, and 3-Gun competitions.

QUESTION: What caliber options are available for Colt Pistols and Rifles?
ANSWER: Colt offers a wide selection of calibers across its product line. Popular choices include:

• .45 ACP (Colt 1911 series)
• 9mm (Colt Commander and Defender)
• 357 Magnum and .44 Magnum (Colt Python and Anaconda)
• 5.56 NATO / .223 Remington (Colt AR-15 and M4 rifles)

QUESTION: Are Colt Firearms good for home defense?
ANSWER: Yes, Colt guns are trusted for home defense thanks to their proven reliability and performance. Pistols like the Colt 1911 and rifles like the Colt LE6920 M4 are excellent choices for those looking to defend their home with confidence.

QUESTION: Where can I find Colt owner’s manuals and schematics?
ANSWER: You can access downloadable Colt Firearm manuals, exploded schematics, and spec sheets through resources like the Ammunition Depot Firearm Resource Center. It’s a convenient hub for understanding and maintaining your Colt firearm.

Additional Colt Resources

Find, view, and download your favorite Colt Firearm owner's manual, including Pistols, Colt Revolvers, and Colt Rifles!

Visit the Colt Firearms Schematics and Owner's Manuals Page