#Colt

Colt's Manufacturing Company has been awarded a $40,863,564 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract for the production of M4 and M4A1 carbines under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. The contract covers deliveries to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, North Macedonia, and Tunisia, with work scheduled to run through March 31, 2031.

James Earl Jones is known for lots of things—he played famous roles like Darth Vader’s voice in Star Wars and not-so-famous roles like General Solomon in the Command & Conquer video games. But he was also (perhaps to the surprise of those who only know him for his thespian work) a former military officer, earning his Ranger tab in the 1950s, and he had a very respectable firearms collection that is now up for sale at Checkpoint Charlie’s. It’s a wide collection, with interesting semi-auto handguns, single-shot target pistols and a few classic Wild West revolvers—like this Colt 1877 Lightning.

Colt brought two new AR pistol SKUs to SHOT 2026, both launching in 5.56 NATO with different lower receiver options. We stopped by the booth and got details on what separates these variants and what's coming down the pipeline for color options.

One of the most eye-catching elements of Colt’s booth this year isn’t even at eye level. It’s suspended 15 feet above the show floor. It’s a collaboration between Colt and SURVICE, a drone manufacturer.

Colt’s Manufacturing Co. LLC has been awarded a $12.93 million firm-fixed-price contract to supply Colt M4A1 carbines along with suppressors and flash hiders under the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. The contract was awarded to Colt’s facility in West Hartford, Connecticut, with work scheduled to be completed by June 30, 2026. Fiscal Year 2025 FMS funds for Israel, totaling $12,934,700, were obligated at the time of the award.

The new wheelgun announcements don’t stop from Colt lately, and all of us here in attendance at Wheelgun Wednesday are happier for it! Their latest announcements are new blued Anaconda offerings of 4.25”, 6”, and 8” barrel lengths as well as a new Cobra 4” Stainless in .38 Special +P.

Colt has expanded its Enhanced Patrol Rifle (EPR) family with four new SKUs, the EPR II and EPR II PRO variants. The updates apply Colt’s current technical data package (TDP) components alongside MIL‑SPEC materials, coatings and manufacturing processes.

Wheelgun Wednesday: NEW Colt Revolvers with Enhanced Hogue Overmolded Rubber Grips

This is by no means an all-encompassing list of 1911 manufacturers. There are way too many custom manufacturers to list them all. Instead, I’ve compiled a list of the most common 1911 makers and their current offerings. Feel free to add your favorite manufacturer to the list in the comments.

When you hear the word “handgun,” the image in your mind could vary wildly. Everything from the cowboy revolvers of the Wild West to a modern pistol with a silencer, flashlight, red dot sight, and extended magazine fall into that category. If you are thinking about getting a handgun, understanding the various types is critical. Let’s break them down into categories that can help you find what you are looking for.

Colt has announced its Optics-Ready 1911 Competition Pistols, launching the new line last month at SHOT Show 2025 in Las Vegas. Engineered for precision, performance, and versatility, Colt Optics-Ready 1911 Competition Pistols will be available in both 9mm and .45 ACP, with the company promising to deliver a high-level competition-grade experience.

Colt has finally entered the optics-ready 1911 market, offering a factory-cut red dot slide on their legendary pistol platform. These new Colt 1911s come with a milled slide for optic mounting, eliminating the need for aftermarket modifications. They retain Colt’s renowned fit and finish, match-grade barrels, and excellent triggers while integrating modern features for today's shooters. These optics-ready 1911s cater to both traditionalists and modern defensive or competitive shooters looking for a seamless red dot solution. 

Colt is stepping into the optics game with factory red dot mounts for its most popular revolvers. Announced at SHOT Show 2025, these mounts provide a rock-solid platform for adding a reflex sight to models like the Python, Anaconda, and King Cobra. Whether for hunting, competition, or home defense, these mounts bring modern precision to classic wheelguns. Get the full details straight from SHOT Show 2025!