Colt developing a new revolver?
- Thread starter 18DAI
- Start date
I read that somewhere too.
The big problem with their current designs, especially the Python, is that the design itself requires too much hand fitting and therefore cannot be made economically enough to be price competitive anymore.
The talk is that Colt is looking at maybe designing a revolver that lends itself to all CNC manufacturing so it could be sold for less.
Carter
The big problem with their current designs, especially the Python, is that the design itself requires too much hand fitting and therefore cannot be made economically enough to be price competitive anymore.
The talk is that Colt is looking at maybe designing a revolver that lends itself to all CNC manufacturing so it could be sold for less.
Carter
What CDH says. From that particular Gun List issue:
"... Company officials said the Python was unprofitable, though a new version made with CNC machinery might be made in the future. Colt is developing a new revolver frame it intends to use to revive some of its revolver models, such as the .44 Magnum Anaconda. Customer requests have also led the company to research the production of a stainless steel Single Action Army revolver."
BTW you might not find that issue on news stands anymore, as its to be displayed only until Sept 18.
"... Company officials said the Python was unprofitable, though a new version made with CNC machinery might be made in the future. Colt is developing a new revolver frame it intends to use to revive some of its revolver models, such as the .44 Magnum Anaconda. Customer requests have also led the company to research the production of a stainless steel Single Action Army revolver."
BTW you might not find that issue on news stands anymore, as its to be displayed only until Sept 18.
In the case of the Smiths, this is a true statement, to an extent. The current crop of Smiths is a steaming pile of dung when compared to the Case hardened, pre lock guns. Period, there is no argument to the contrary. While I find many of the current designs appealing, theres isnt a single one of them that would not be a better gun if it contained no MIM, and had no lock.
I fear the Colt witll be simply more of the same. As much as I hate to admit it, Ruger is the only wheelgun maker with its head currently in the game. Smith is doing better with the Model 21 and 29, but the lock is a deal killer for me.
After having had a few Smiths I am down to just two. A late 80's L-Frame and a new 629. The L-Frame prints like an unscoped rifle at 100 yds. and the 629 isnt far behind. Yeah I hate the lock too, but I will never get rid of a tackdriver. Best trigger on a Smith I ever had also.
22-rimfire
New member
JimJd you can buy a Colt revolver at just about any gunshow. You just have to try.
As to the future- if it makes good business sense to Colt, then they will move back into the double action revolver product line. I would guess it will be a small snubbie personal defense 38spl or 357mag.
As to the future- if it makes good business sense to Colt, then they will move back into the double action revolver product line. I would guess it will be a small snubbie personal defense 38spl or 357mag.
I will bet at least a dollar that any new Colt will use drop in parts, have little or no hand fitting, and will have parts made by MIM. They might not have locks, but in a lot of other respects they will be a lot like ... well, S&W's.
If they decide to come out with a new design revolver, Colt would be well advised to concentrate on two areas, a small six-shot .38/.357 for concealed carry, and a medium frame .357 to compete with S&W, Ruger, and Taurus in that market. They should forget the .44 Magnum and bigger until they have re-established themselves.
I am not holding my breath, though. In the last 50 years, Colt almost totally gave up the civilian market, telling us that they didn't want to arm civilians, only the police and military. I heard that a former Colt president spent part of his first day tearing the NRA sign from his office wall, and ranting that he wouldn't make guns for "gun nuts and NRA thugs". Nothing like cutting off one's nose, but they thought their future was assured with the M16 and they could gouge the government forever. Didn't work.
Jim
If they decide to come out with a new design revolver, Colt would be well advised to concentrate on two areas, a small six-shot .38/.357 for concealed carry, and a medium frame .357 to compete with S&W, Ruger, and Taurus in that market. They should forget the .44 Magnum and bigger until they have re-established themselves.
I am not holding my breath, though. In the last 50 years, Colt almost totally gave up the civilian market, telling us that they didn't want to arm civilians, only the police and military. I heard that a former Colt president spent part of his first day tearing the NRA sign from his office wall, and ranting that he wouldn't make guns for "gun nuts and NRA thugs". Nothing like cutting off one's nose, but they thought their future was assured with the M16 and they could gouge the government forever. Didn't work.
Jim
Dfariswheel
New member
"I will bet at least a dollar that any new Colt will use drop in parts, have little or no hand fitting, and will have parts made by MIM"
That would be every DA revolver made by Colt since the Colt Trooper Mark III of 1969.
The only difference is, the parts weren't MIM, they were an earlier version called "Sintered" steel. which was also a powdered metal process.
In fact, Colt pioneered the modern production method of building revolvers with "drop in" parts and a transfer bar action, and every DA revolver designed since has basically copied Colt's idea, including Ruger, Dan Wesson, and Taurus.
You're on target on what Colt should build: A small defense revolver on the order of the Magnum Carry and a medium revolver similar to the King Cobra.
That would be every DA revolver made by Colt since the Colt Trooper Mark III of 1969.
The only difference is, the parts weren't MIM, they were an earlier version called "Sintered" steel. which was also a powdered metal process.
In fact, Colt pioneered the modern production method of building revolvers with "drop in" parts and a transfer bar action, and every DA revolver designed since has basically copied Colt's idea, including Ruger, Dan Wesson, and Taurus.
You're on target on what Colt should build: A small defense revolver on the order of the Magnum Carry and a medium revolver similar to the King Cobra.
Mark Milton
Moderator
Here is my ideas on what they SHOULD focus on..
Whether they will or not is another story. Colt has historically never learned a DAMN thing from the learning curve, after all....
Revive the Magnum Carry and offer it with a three inch barrell and docked hammer.
Revive the King Cobra and make it available in .40 cal. with moon clips!
Focus on three inch barrels for the savy wheelgunner/carry market.
DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT two peice barrells or locks that interfere with the action.
I honestly think that could be Colt's recipe for success, but I won't hold my breath.....
If they want to cut into the "commemoration" crowd, instead of socking up the prices on designs meant to be service guns, focus on something a bit unusuals, such as a New Service-ized Anaconda in .45 ACP....Sans the lug and vent rib....
Whether they will or not is another story. Colt has historically never learned a DAMN thing from the learning curve, after all....
Revive the Magnum Carry and offer it with a three inch barrell and docked hammer.
Revive the King Cobra and make it available in .40 cal. with moon clips!
Focus on three inch barrels for the savy wheelgunner/carry market.
DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT two peice barrells or locks that interfere with the action.
I honestly think that could be Colt's recipe for success, but I won't hold my breath.....
If they want to cut into the "commemoration" crowd, instead of socking up the prices on designs meant to be service guns, focus on something a bit unusuals, such as a New Service-ized Anaconda in .45 ACP....Sans the lug and vent rib....