Colt recently announced their new polymer framed versions of their popular Mustang pocket pistols. The new and improved Mustang dubbed the Mustang XSP is said to have improvements over previous models based on customer feedback over the years. This includes enhanced slide serrations for improved grip, a dovetailed design front sight, an ambidextrous safety and a 3/8″ accessory rail for lights and lasers. The new XSP weights in at less than 12 ounces and has a magazine capacity of 6-rounds of .380 Auto and retails at $649. With the recent growth in the CCW pistol market it’s no surprise that Colt introduced a refreshed version of their iconic pocket pistol line.

From the press release

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC, one of the world’s leading designers, developers and manufacturers of firearms, is proud to introduce the newest member of the Colt Mustang family, the polymer framed Mustang XSP. Like its predecessors, the classic Colt Mustang and Mustang Pocketlite, the XSP is sure to become a popular option for concealed carry.

“The Mustang and Mustang Pocketlite have been favorites of our customers for years. We are excited to build on those very successful products and evolve them even further to meet ever growing customer needs,” said Joyce Rubino, Vice President of Marketing for Colt’s Manufacturing. “The new XSP takes the best of its predecessor models and adds features that will make it appealing to an even wider customer base.”

Taking advantage of the polymer grip frame, the most noticeable features of the XSP model revolve around optimizing grip comfort and utility. A molded thumb perch under the safeties lets the gun sit easily and comfortably in hands of all sizes. A special enhanced cut behind the trigger guard also helps the gun sit lower in the user’s hand. Blended safety and sidestop profiles, as well as enhanced texturing on the front and back strap, provide increased comfort and create a snag-free profile.

While some basic features of the Mustang Pocketlite, such as size, magazine and slide, continue in the Mustang XSP, numerous changes to the new model reflect customer sentiment. This includes upgrading the front sight on the XSP to a dovetailed design that is more visible to the user. The slide serrations on the XSP have been enhanced to offer an improved grip when working the slide. The XSP also features ambidextrous safeties, rather than the typical single sided safety. Two additional changes are an integral 3/8” accessory rail below the dust cover, and a squared off trigger guard that will allow for easy mounting of lasers and lights to enhance personal protection capabilities.

The Mustang XSP is constructed of an ultra-durable engineered polymer, making it the lightest-weight of all the Mustang models at less than 12 ounces. The slide and barrel are machined from stainless steel bar stock, and the slide has a blackened finish. The XSP has a 6-round magazine capacity, is chambered in .380 Auto and has a recommended retail of $649.

Colt-branded 5.56 NATO ammo is being manufactured by Black Hills Ammunition and sold through Midway USA according to a recent announcement.  Colt Manufacturing issued a press release stating that the new ammo “…is specifically tuned for Colt tactical and competition rifles.”

The new ammo was developed to deliver five-shot, 5″ groups at 500 yards out of Colt rifles.  According to Colt:

This “Triple Nickel” assures the experienced shooter incredible performance right out of the box, with no need for load development or experimentation.

Initial production offers two loads:  a 55 grain Sierra MatchKing BTHP at 3200 fps and a 77 grain Sierra MatchKing BTHP at 2750 fps.  The 55 grain load sells for $19.99/box of 20, while the heavier load sells for $20.99/box of 20.

Owners of the Colt LE901-16S Multi-Caliber Carbine have been unhappy that Colt has not been selling 5.56mm conversion kits that would allow them to actually use the carbine’s much talked about multi-caliber abilities. We contacted Colt’s PR folks and they told us …

The conversion kit includes four pieces: the adapter block, buffer spring, buffer assembly and manual. Since early April, shipments of the LE901 have included the conversion kit, and will continue to do so. What is now being finalized is the completion of one packaged kit that will be sold individually on Colt’s website so that those who purchased the LE901 prior to April 2013 can easily order the conversion kit at their convenience. Colt is in the final stages of bringing this kit to market, and expects to have it available around the end of this summer.

Maybe at the end of summer we will see not only a 5.56mm kit but also a 7.62x39mm kit.

Those of you with great memories will recall that Colt announced in 2011 that they were opening a factory in Florida. Richard Johnson has been investigating what became of this factory …

According to news reports, Colt’s Manufacturing has yet to take possession of the facility and it appears that none of those promised jobs have materialized.  With an end-of-the-year deadline looming in the contract between Colt and Osceola County, it is being reported that Colt’s lender,not the company, is working out an agreement to get things back on track.

What is going on?  Will Colt ultimately abandon the deal?

Read Richard’s article here.

Colt has added two new bolt actions to their high-end Colt M2012 line. The M2012MT308T is chambered in .308 Win. and the M2012LT308G is chambered in .260 Remington. They will both retail for $2,795.

From the press release …

Colt, in conjunction with Cooper Firearms of Montana, is expanding the M2012 bolt action rifle family with the introduction of two new models. The M2012MT308T and M2012LT308G/M2012LT260G follow their predecessor in the line, the M2012SA308. All M2012 models feature a custom fluted, match grade barrel and a single stage, adjustable Timney trigger. A signed, serial numbered and dated test target is included with each rifle as a testament to its accuracy.

“The durability and accuracy provided by the M2012 bolt action rifle family is outstanding,” said Joyce Rubino, Vice President of Marketing for Colt. “These new ‘crossover’ rifles transition easily from target shooting at the range to long-range hunting in the field.”

The M2012MT308T, offered in .308 Winchester, is designed with the shooter’s comfort in mind, making it ideal for long sessions at the range. It’s ruggedness and accuracy also make it a great choice for experienced hunters. The M2012MT308T features a custom Manners composite stock built from a combination of aircraft-grade carbon fiber and fiberglass, making it accurate, stable, rugged and lighter than other precision rifle stocks. The barrel is a 22-inch stainless steel, match grade barrel with a 1-10” twist. The M2012MT308T weighs in at 10.25 pounds without the magazine, measures 44 inches in overall length and retails for $3,195.

The second new addition to the M2012 family is available to the market in two calibers. The M2012LT308G is chambered in .308 Winchester and the M2012LT260G is chambered in .260 Remington. It is designed to help any hunter take their trophy buck with ease and hit the mark at the range. Its match grade, fluted barrel along with a custom gray laminated hardwood stock makes it both accurate and lightweight. The M2012LT308G and 260G feature a 22-inch chrome-moly steel, match grade barrel with a 1-10” twist (.308) and 1-8” twist (.260). Both weigh in at 8.5 pounds without the magazine, measure 44 inches in overall length, and retail for $2,795.

Editor’s note: Claymore’s career took many interesting twists and turn. His first article for TFB, about the rare AK rifles he discovered deep in the jungle, can be read here. This article discusses his interaction with child soldiers, a sensitive subject. Neither the author nor this blog endorses the use of children in war.

Disclaimer by the Author:  I do NOT agree with the use of “child soldiers” and in this story the bodyguard is 16 (even if he doesn’t look it). When we go into an area like this it is a diplomatic tightrope. If we tried to push our views on to them, misunderstandings might cause problems.  We discretely told the leadership our concerns but this is their “way of life” and the kids are not forced to join, they join willingly to help their family. What effect our concerns had on future behavior is unknown.

Steve was kind enough to invite me back for more stories from my “history” so here is today’s adventure.

In my last article we were just back from Pakistan and went into Laos. After my friend and I got back from that “adventure” we got another one of those calls. This time they were asking if we would like to do the same type work in Burma (I refuse to use the “new” name Myanmar).

Once when I was a little kid I was wandering around the library looking for something good to read a  friendly librarian brought me a book on the Chindits, British soldiers in Burma fighting against the Japanese.

I started reading and was hooked, this was right up the alley for me, a lot of adventure.  Growing up I read all I could find on the subject of the WWII Burma campaign. So I jumped at the offer to actually work in Burma.

After a long trip by air to a neighboring country, and avoiding “local watchers”, soon we were on our way traveling by local long tailed boats which gave us a good look at the scenery of the area.

The boat trip was very refreshing in contrast to the HOT local weather. We zoomed across the Salween River (see title photo) and landed at the Karen National Liberation Army HQ at Manerplaw, Burma.

We would be working primarily with the Karen sect and their “Army wing” the KNLA but there were a bunch of other groups in this same area as they were all working for the same goal of overthrowing the SLORC (State Law and Order Restoration Council), the dictatorial government in power.

As before we were doing training and evaluation of the fighters. Again I had the secondary job of weapon repair and recommendations. Being interested in firearms, especially what the USA calls “NFA” firearms, I really enjoyed this job.

One time when I was off training duty, while my friend took over teaching for an hour, I was walking the area scoping out any and all firearms I came across when this beauty caught my eye as it was the only “American type” weapon we had seen other than a few M1 Carbines.

You have to remember the time frame here was December 1992 and the Chinese copying of the M16 was then not well known so this was a great find for the time.

I tried everything to get the “soldier” with the weapon to turn it loose so I could get more photos and look inside but no dice. These guys had been well trained not to ever give up their weapon to ANYBODY but their officers as they were very hard to come by and very expensive so I had to honor his rules despite being a VIP.

Ammo was in such short supply, and this gun used a different caliber to the ubiquitous AK type firearms everyone else had, I wondered how much ammunition he was able to find for his gun. I asked him how many rounds did he have on him and he proudly said TEN.

It turns out to be a copy of the Colt M16A1 “Commando” made by China’s Norinco as you can see by their triangle logo on the receiver.

It has the “hump” on the lower part of the non-sliding stock, round front hand guard, and Norinco’s distinctive pistol grip.

I was able to ascertain that it had a non-lined barrel, non-lined chamber, no chrome bolt.

When we got back to the states I sent this off to the appropriate “agencies” and to my friend Bob Garassi  who was then the ‘Military sales” manager at Colt. This was the first photo of this Colt had ever seen of the Norinco clones.

This time I took everyones advice in my last article to heart and searched “google” and still nobody has photos of this A1 version there are several photos of the newer A2 version and flat tops but none I can find of a A1 so possibly this is the first time this type has been seen in public.

The Karen (and all the other groups we worked with everywhere) were so afraid that we would be “lost to enemy action” on their watch they always assigned “bodyguards” or maybe you could call them “watchers” assigned to us.

One reporter for “Soldier Of Fortune” “Lance Motley” was killed by a mortar round slicing open his femoral artery while with the Karen close to this time. That was his only wound and they could not stop the bleeding and he slowly bled out while the Karen were rushing him back to the rear and a doctor. Lance knew he was dying and recorded his demise on tape while they were hauling him out. That is one tape that will raise goosebumps on anybody who has the misfortune to listen to it like I did sitting with Bob Brown in a spook hang out bar in Thailand at a later time.

As a side story this is our “Little bodyguard” who had the weapon possession when I took that photo. In this one he has the additional weapon in his hand his trusty slingshot in addition to the folding stock AKM slung over his back. That is me with the disfigured face.

The slingshot is actually used for food gathering as these guys are so desperate for food anything including tweety birds, rats, and just about anything that moves was shot and used for food.

So this is our story of the Chinese copy of the M16A1 Commando used by the KNLA in Burma during our stay. We happened to be there when all the groups of Burmese “freedom fighters” were having a big convention to try and work out their differences.

Sad to say it didn’t work out and several of the groups broke away from the umbrella group  and went to work for the SLORC and Manerplaw was attacked and burnt to the ground.

But in recent times the SLORC has been disbanded and the current crop of Burmese generals running the government have backed way off and there is almost peace in the country, but some groups are still running and hiding from the new guys in charge.

The long awaited Colt LE901-16S 5.56mm conversion kit has finally gone on sale at Colt’s online store. The kit allows owners of the .308 Win. Colt LE901-16S rifle to use standard mil-spec 5.56×45 NATO upper receivers. Included in the kit is a magwell block, buffer and spring. It is selling for $294.95.

Thanks to Scott for the tip.

At the AUSA Expo a Colt Advanced Piston Carbine (APC) was on display with a new monolithic upper. Instead of the regular Colt APC quad rail, this version only has a picatinny rail along the top. It is tapped and drilled for picatinny rail sections, or other compatible accessories, on the sides and underneath. The rail extends to the end of the gas block and a rail extension can be bolted on allowing for an extra few inches of rail forward of the front sight/gas block.

Many thanks to Ten Pound Monkey for the photo.

The 1911 needs no introduction.  As the standard service pistol for the U.S. Armed Forces from 1911 to 1985, the 1911 served our country for a literal lifetime.  This storied heritage of performance, in combination with the 1911′s ubiquity, translated to a steady and enthusiastic adoption in the civilian market.  Without question, the M1911 .45ACP enjoys one of the most fervent fan bases in the civilian shooting world for a number of reasons.  The ease of obtaining aftermarket parts, the typically crisp single-action trigger, and the patriotic symbolism of this old standard have made this one of the most popular guns on the market today.

Unfortunately, as many of our readers know, ammo prices have skyrocketed over recent history, with a sharp spike in the past couple of years in particular.  Many of us may recall when brass cased .45ACP ammunition was $10-$15 for a box of fifty rounds.  Now, if you can find it, brass .45ACP is closer to fifty cents a round.  This means that those of us who own 1911s are in for at least fifty bucks every time we want to get some practice with our .45s.

While there’s nothing quite like practicing with the round that your 1911 was made for, a salvo of full size 1911s chambered in .22 have hit the market, offering the next best thing – a near identical manual of arms and trigger, even similar weight and dimensions, but designed to shoot the less expensive .22LR round, making practice cheaper and certainly less tiresome.  Ignoring the fact that, lately, even .22LR has been difficult to find, it’s cheaper than .45ACP either way, and a .22LR 1911 would quickly pay for itself after only a few range visits.

Walther has been manufacturing a great example of this full-size .22 1911 under license from Colt, and we were sent the .22 1911A1 for review.  As with the Walther PPK/S .22LR, this .22 is made in Germany by Walther, and as you will see from the review, this pistol feels and performs as you would expect a German-made handgun to perform.

Walther claims that this is the It is the “only genuine Colt tactical rimfire replica available in the world” and that it was designed and manufactured according to the original Colt plans and at a 1:1 scale, which makes this gun very appealing to own if you already have a stable of 1911s.

Specifications:

The Colt/Walther Government 1911A1 is chambered in .22LR with a magazine capacity of 12 rounds.  It weighs 2.25 pounds empty, and it has an aluminum slide and a zinc alloy frame.  OAL is 8.6 inches with a 5-inch barrel.  It is blowback operated with a single-action trigger that Walther pegs at 5.5 pounds, although it felt a bit heavier when shooting a new gun.  The rear sight is drift-adjustable, as is the removable front sight.  Like the standard 1911, the Walther/Colt has manual thumb and grip safeties.

As stated, the Walther/Colt .22LR is on a 1:1 scale with the standard 1911, and accepts many regular 1911 accessories.

One bonus offered by this .22 replica is the M8x.75mm threaded barrel.  While this barrel has a flush muzzle (the barrel does not extend past the slide), the muzzle end of this gun has a thread protector that can be twisted off to expose muzzle threads.  This allows the user to attach a muzzle device such as a thread adapter, allowing you to attach a silencer if you elect.  This feature is in common with the Walther P22 and Walther PPK/S .22LR.  Since I imagine this can’t be a cheap addition, the fact that Walther has opted to include this while maintaining a reasonable asking price is a surprising yet very welcome modification.  Fellow shooters/silencer owners know how costly it can be to get a threaded barrel for a pistol, so this is a windfall to those of us with rimfire suppressors, and I applaud Walther for applying this trait across the board with its reciprocating-slide .22s.

Street price at time of writing seems to hover around $400.

General Observations:

Similar to the Walther PPK/S .22LR we recently reviewed, this is a handsome pistol with excellent fit and finish.  The finish is a flat black that seems durable enough, and looks good if you like the retro/parkerized GI 1911 look.  As mentioned earlier, Walther claims that they relied upon Colt drawings and plans to make this gun, and it shows.  Without picking it up, this .22 looks like the real deal from a foot away, and it is the same size as the standard 1911.  Similar to the PPK/S .22LR, but unlike other modern reciprocating-slide .22s, this pistol handles and feels like an actual handgun and not just a cheap, plastic-y range toy.

And how does it fare on the range?

Again, similar to the PPK/S .22LR, function was 100% with bulk pack .22LR and CCI Stinger.  Over two range sessions and five hundred rounds with no cleaning or lubrication whatsoever, there were no malfunctions, which is the exception, rather than the rule, with reciprocating-slide .22LRs like this.  I should also mention that approximately two hundred rounds were also fired with a suppressor, which typically will increase the accumulation of fouling in the gun.  Note that the standard 1911 sights this comes equipped with will likely be tall enough to be usable with a .22 suppressor if you do mount one.  And as I was fresh off of the PPK/S review, I made sure to keep my support thumbs away from the slide – since these reciprocating-slide .22s create only enough energy to cycle the slide, any additional friction such as a thumb riding the slide may cause the 1911 .22 to fail to lock into battery.

Walther claims this is a 5.5lb trigger.  While I did not measure the trigger weight, this sounds about right, although the pull on my test gun may have been a touch heavier – break-in would probably bring it into 5.5lbs if it isn’t already.  That said, the trigger has a short travel period and a nice, crisp break – just like grandad’s 1911 – which translates into good accuracy.  While all shooting was informal and no bench or rested groups were taken, this is as accurate as any other stock .22 pistol you have shot, if not more so.  Three inch freehand groups at ten yards were easy to make.

Disassembly is similar in some respects to a standard 1911.  First, one removes the magazine and disengages the safety.  Second, the recoil spring plug at the muzzle must be depressed and the bushing rotated.  Once these pieces are removed, the recoil spring slides out easily.

After that point, disassembly is similar to the other Walther .22s – The slide is pulled back to lock, and the slide release can be pushed out of the frame.  Once you’ve done this, the slide can be pulled back and off the rails of the frame, then pushed forward to clear the slide from the barrel.

Negative Observations:

Again, like the Walther PPK/S .22LR, my chief complaint is the inclusion of only one magazine, with replacements costing $35.  This is not an inordinate sum, but it adds 10% to the cost of the gun if you want two magazines.  Also, it is a bit of an inconvenience that the barrel is fixed and pinned in place, therefore not replaceable by the average shooter.

Other than that, there is almost nothing to improve upon with this “little” 1911.  While some shooters may complain about the use of zinc alloy in the frames, Walther has stated that this is a sophisticated zinc alloy that they selected for its durability, and therefore, they do not anticipate any issues with the frames as a result.  I do not see this as an issue with this otherwise-robust .22LR.

Conclusion:

After reviewing this gun and the Walther PPK/S .22LR, it looks like Walther’s German-made rimfire pistols are coming in hot.  Both of them performed flawlessly with no cleaning or lubrication out of the box and over hundreds of rounds, and both are accurate guns.  Both replicate very successfully their namesakes – this 1911 feels like, well, a 1911.  Not only does this gun perform well, but it looks good, and it emulates well the look and feel of a 1911.

In addition to the aforementioned reliability, Walther hit this one out of the park in employing several nuanced features that should not be overlooked and that set this .22 apart from its competition: First, it is a 1:1 scale, true size replica of the 1911.  I would think regular 1911 shooters would relish the opportunity to use a full-size replica of their chief sidearm or favorite tournament gun, but chambered for the much-less-expensive .22 caliber.  Second, and tangentially related, this 1911 is licensed by Colt and designed using Colt shop plans and drawings.  That also means that many, many 1911 accessories will be compatible with this plinker.  Third, anyone who shoots with a suppressor will realize what a blessing it is to receive a pistol with factory threads.  If you own or plan to own a silencer, factor in the couple hundred it would cost to outfit a pistol with a threaded barrel, and you will see why Walther’s decision to thread these barrels was a good one.

In conclusion, Walther’s collaboration with Colt bears fruit in this 1911 replica – a reliable and handsome full-size replica of the traditional 1911 that pays the homage this venerable design is due.

The Colt SWORD (Sniper Weapon & Observer Reconnaissance Devices) Technology Demonstrator connects a variety of COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) and MOTS (Military Off-The-Shelf) components together into a deployable package. The system is hard to describe in a single sentence. Colt describe it as “a Small Arms Fire Control System based upon Colt Canada’s Patented Small Arms Network Power Data System”. It is probably best described as a local area wireless network of sensors, communications, power systems and video feeds that can receive and transmit data to/from a wider area military or government networks if required. The heart of the system is a 3G wireless base station. The base station is a fully integrated battery powered system that can be connected to external systems via. satellite modems if required. Unfortunately I forgot to take a photo of the base station, just imagine a green rectangular box about 12″x12″x4″ with two antennas on the top.

Photo © Bryan Jones

Each solider using SWORD  has an Android mobile phone attached to their rifle, currently they are using the rugged CAT B15 Android smartphone that can be purchased for $350 off-the-shelf. The phone acts as a communications device as well as the solider’s SWORD graphical user interface. The phone communicates with the rest of the rifle, and is powered, through its USB port.

Each weapon (rifles, machine guns and grenade launchers) contain a GPS sensor, IMU (inertial measurement unit containing a compass and accelerometers) and range finder. The data from all these sensors can be viewed by any other user on the network. All the sensors communicate through a powered picatinny rail communications bus. The communications protocol is ethernet.

A camera is integrated into off-the-shelf scopes by using a prism that attached to the end of the scope. Not unlike the prism found inside Digital SLR camera, used for their phase detection autofocus, it siphons off protons and directs them to a highly sensitive camera sensor. This sensor then transmits a video feed so any user on the network can see feeds from any other users. The prism only reduces the light through the scope by 5%. This scope sensor can also be integrated into spotting scopes.

A central tablet, which currently runs the ancient Windows CE still popular in military devices,  allows a commander to see the position of all the network users, can designate targets and even see what targets each solider is aiming at (based on the direction and angle of their weapons). Fire solutions can be calculated and displayed based on the type of weapon and ammunition being used. It can even alert soldiers automatically if they are aiming in the direction of a friendly.

The final component of the system is a quad-copter  (four propellor) done that can be controlled by the commander through the tablet, or any other user through the phone or the sensor unit mounted on their weapons. The drone has a video camera providing a video feed to everyone on the ground. The drone flies itself, all that is required is to tell it where to go.

Colt plans on integrating all sorts of fancy software functionality into this system, such as target recognition, passive tracking / ranging and facial recognition of targets.

The system is definitely a technology demonstrator, Colt don’t make a secret of this, many of the parts of 3D printed, but it is functional. It will be interesting to see how SWORD develops in the future.

A well placed source just told us that Colt is buying LWRC for $60 million. The deal is supposed to close on 1 March. The Maryland company may relocate to Florida or Texas and the LWRC M6 Individual Carbine (M6IC) rifle will become a Colt branded product.

Richard Bernstein purchased LWRC in 2008 for $5 million. Bernstein, who is an owner and investor in a number of private businesses, has been involved in the defense industry for a while now. In 2004 he sold BAI Aerosystems to L-3 Communications (the manufacturer of EOTech Holographic sights). One of his companies was a supplier to LWRC before he purchased it.

Our friends at All Outdoors broke the news yesterday that LWRC was up for sale.

UPDATE #1: The sale to Colt has been confirmed by another source.

UPDATE #2: F&D Defense are suing LWRC for intellectual property violation, claiming core LWRC technology belongs to them. They are claiming damages of $12.5 damages.

UPDATE #3: The $60 million is the total for the two companies being sold (LWRC and Matech).

* Colt Holding Corp. owns both Colt’s Manufacturing Company or Colt Defense LLC.

Schroeder Bauman impressed me after my factory tour. Their knowledge, service, and dedication to craft was laudable. Now with a pistol in hand and plenty of ammo, I headed out to the range.  Was the American Defender good enough to turn a proclaimed “not-1911″ guy into a fan?

Overview:

Schroeder Bauman started as a subsidiary of SWS Trimac, an acclaimed materials science, tooling, and manufacturing firm. Drawing on a lifetime of welding and forming the world’s hardest materials, Owner and President Jar Morley sold SWS and embarked on something he really wanted to do: make quality pistols. He turned his attention and considerable expertise to hone the iconic Model 1911.

The SB American Defender after a few rounds with at least another 50 to go.

Not content to be just another “me too” custom 1911 shop, Schroeder Bauman has added four features that stand-out over a standard series 70.

1. The pistols, outside of the trigger, barrel (Storm Lake), grips, and sights are entirely machined in-house. SB controls tolerances throughout the entire process.
2. Second, the pistols have optional finger grooves machined into the frame.
3. Third, SB’s proprietary “diamond back” slide checkering for extreme grip.
4. Finally and most interestingly, an infused ceramic coating on the slide and frame rails for increase lubricity.

Handing & Range Testing:

SB provided me serial number 13-0013, an American Defender full-sized 1911 with diamond back slide checkering and a finger grooved frame. SB estimates that the pistol has seen 6,000+ rounds prior to my review with no spring or component changes. Stock sights were the venerable Novak three-dot (tritium sights are optional). SB uses a standard-length guide rod, and the pistol had SB’s new extended thumb safety. The hammers are a nifty EDM-cut “x” pattern and the pistol came with the original rubber grips; carbon fiber grips are also available. The pistol as configured would retail for a suggested $2,539.

As would be expected at this price range, fit and finish was excellent. No discernible wobble between the slide and frame, yet no issues racking the slide. The thumb safety gave an affirmative click into both positions and the slide stop grabbed the slide every time with an empty magazine.

I particularly enjoyed the grooved frame and diamond back slide. With my medium sized (sized 10) hands, my fingers naturally found the grooves and the checkering on the front and back-strap was grippy without being too rough. We attempted to take the pistol from the hand (after chamber-checking and flagging). The finger grooves made it significantly more difficult to steal the pistol from the shooter, the grooves giving the fingers extra leverage to stop rotation and resist pulling.  The slide checkering made it easy to index and rack the slide, especially when used bare-handed.  On a personal note, I  wish SB offered the same checkering on the front of the slide standard.

Tim B., my token “new gun guy” that I take with me on reviews. Tim has a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering; he provides valuable insight into designs and a influence-free perspective. We do need to work on his posture.

For testing, I had 200 rounds of Blazer Brass and 40 hollow-points. SB graciously provided the box of Hornady 185-grain Critical Defender (FTX bullet) and a box of the new Dynamic Research Technologies 150-grain solid jacket, frangible core rounds. The pistol came equipped with 3 Chip McCormick 8-round Power Mags, 2 brand new and 1 well-used. New pistols will come with 2 magazines.

Prior to the range, the pistol was subjected to a thorough field-strip cleaning to remove any outside variables. Using Break-Free CLP, elbow grease, and plenty of weapons cleaning pads, the pistol was cleaned to shine and white cloths. During this process, the ceramic infusion was noticeable. The material used in the process leaves black coloration which looks like residue. Despite the aesthetic trickery, the areas were all completely smooth.

The SB American Defender 1911 after 240 rounds.

The SB American Defender 1911 completely clean. Note the ceramic infusion material left behind in the process. It may look dirty, but it is completely smooth.

Against SB’s recommendations, I immediately shot 100 rounds of the Blazer Brass on the pistol, bone-dry with no issues. I will say that again: a stainless steel 1911 was run bone-dry with no issues. After the first 100 rounds, the pistol was disassembled and lubricated using Break-Free CLP.

Recoil was pleasant and felt most like a polite shove versus the snappy .40 Glock 23 we had for comparison testing.. The video below shows myself running it during the “dry-fire” phase.

*Note: I DID flinch before the third magazine. I caught myself and called it out, but feel free to castigate me in the comments. 

Accuracy was excellent. Using only a Caldwell rice-filled shooting rest, the SB 1911 was shooting  ~1.5″ groups at 25 yards.  The trigger helped immensely. It felt like a high-end two-stage AR trigger, but with a straight pull. The SB trigger had about 2mm of take-up prior to a firm hold-up and and solid break. My Lyman digital trigger gauge measured the take-up at 1.5 lbs and the final break at an average of 4 lbs, 1 oz. It was exceptionally easy to run the gun hard and fast, but with only 8+1 rounds it was over too quick.

My four-shoot group is in the upper left. The other four on the right and bottom left are Tim’s. The fully-adjustable sights arrived about 6 inches low at 25 yards, but were easy to get on target after a about 10 rounds and a flat-head head screw-driver.

Tim shooting for accuracy on the Caldwell rest. The crisp trigger made it easy to break good shots, but Tim was jerking the trigger. We blame the gloves needed to keep warm handing a metal-framed gun.

The hollow-points were shot last and worked flawlessly when loaded with with like ammunition. There was no noticeable point of impact shift between the three types of rounds present, although the Critical Defense was noticeably snappier like the .40 and the DRT felt softer than plinking 9mm out of a Beretta.

The oldest of the three magazines did caused two separate failures to feed.  The first malfunction was about 150 rounds into the Blazer Brass, we experienced a “high angle” malfunction on the last round from the oldest of the magazines, which is indicative of the spring not pushing fast enough.

To push the pistol to the limit, the last four rounds of each box were loaded every-other between the 185-grain Hornady and 150-grain DRT in the worst magazine. Like the first malfunction, the last round of DRT failed to feed, this time a feed-way stoppage. The rim of the case caught on the feed-ramp. A simple tap-rack-bang fixed the problem. I hold this in now way against the SB.

The three magazines I had for testing. Note the middle magazine (the oldest one) has a different follower geometry. Combined with its round-count, the magazine caused two failures to feed.

When I got home for the post-shoot cleaning, I disassembled the magazines for a comparison. The oldest magazine was dirty and and had a different follower geometry.

The pistol itself was pleasant to clean. Unlike some phosphate or other finishes, the stainless was almost effortless to wipe clean. I needed no or very little CLP to get all the gunpowder residue. From a dirty gun to (my meticulous standards) clean one only took a 1/2 hour, including a break to walk the dog.

Conclusion

As Tim put it after we were done shooting. “I would buy the Glock first, but I would get this pistol as a if I had the money and the Glock; In the same way I would buy a truck prior to getting a supercar.” 
Tim’s comment was not a discount to the pistol. If anything, it is a compliment. To continue the metaphor: the SB 1911 is the Audi R8 of the handgun world. It is for those who are looking for a “value-oriented” super-car. Significantly less expensive than other models, yet not sacrificing on quality and completely satisfying while being absolutely gorgeous.

Aesthetically, the SB 1911 makes the Glock look mundane.

So, did the pistol convert me to the virtues of the 1911? Not yet. I prefer ARs and modern semi autos to a Garand. That said, preferring another platform does not preclude me from appreciating another. I may not (yet) be a 1911 guy, but I walk away a Schroeder Bauman guy. As ThomasD so eloquently wrote is his earlier comment on the factory tour:

But beyond the marketing techno-sizzle, when I meet or hear about a new craftsman or manufacturer all I need to know is that they love what they make, and they love making it well.

I hope they succeed.

Me too.

The SB American Defender is a fine pistol. Its the product of true craftsman from the best city I know. For those looking for high quality, innovative features, and the option for complete customization, Schroeder Bauman is an excellent choice.

Pricing for the new Colt SP901 Modular Convertible Carbine has been reported in forums. The MSRP will be $2,129.00, which is not a bad price for a high-end .308 AR-style carbine. The SP901′s distinguishing feature is that it’s fully ambidextrous lower receiver can be used with standard AR-15 mil-spec upper relievers.

The naming of this rifle is confusing. Stamped on the rifle is “Colt Convertible Carbine”, but the marketing folk have been referring to it as the “Colt Modular Carbine”.

Matthew Cox at Military.com reports that Former Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey is joining the governing board of Colt Defense LLC.

“We don’t want to rush to judgment, but it does raise troubling questions,” said John Hart, communications director for Oklahoma Republican Sen. Tom Coburn, who played a significant role in the Army’s decision launch its improved carbine effort.

Casey’s position on Colt’s board is an example of “a pattern of behavior we see throughout the military and government when high-ranking officials end up working for a particular interest,” Hart said.

If Gen. George Casey canceled the carbine competition in favor of retaining the Colt M4 Carbine and then left for a high paying job at Colt, I would be very suspicious. I would also be suspicious if a high-level Colt employee left their job for a high-level procurement position at the Pentagon.

It is not suspicious that a General takes a job at a defense contractor, anymore than when a Captain takes a job with a defense contractor. It is natural for a person to find a job in the industry where they have the most expertise.

Gen. George W. Casey Jr. in Iraq, 2006.

From the press release …

Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC, celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, is proud to announce the new Colt® Gold Cup® National Match®; currently shipping to distributors across the United States. This match-grade target pistol is the newest to come from Colt’s timeless Gold Cup Series of competition firearms. With Colt’s inherent use of high quality materials, superior manufacturing processes and storied pistol expertise, the Gold Cup National Match is sure to provide top shot performance.

“Beginning in the 1930s, Colt’s National Match pistols have set the standard by which all target pistols are judged,” said Joyce Rubino, Vice President of Marketing, Colt’s Manufacturing Company, “Because this line of guns is designed with match shooters in mind, the Colt Gold Cup National Match gives anyone the potential to make quality shots.”

The Gold Cup National Match’s fully adjustable Bo-Mar style rear sight combined with the high profile, target front sight, gives shooters confidence in shot placement. Adding to the viability of this single-action pistol as a competitive firearm, is the beveled magazine well, which allows for speed and ease during reloads.

Two standout features of the new Colt Gold Cup National Match are the match-grade trigger and barrel. The wide, three-hole aluminum trigger is factory tuned for a crisp break each time. The National Match barrel is CNC machined from forged stainless steel, measures five inches and is chambered for .45 ACP ammunition.

Also CNC machined are the receiver and round-top slide, both made from forged carbon steel with a blued finish. The wrap-around, rubber target stock features nickel medallions that showcase the rampant Colt. Overall, the gun measures 8.5 inches and weighs 2.5 pounds.

No word on pricing at this time.

Colt’s new LE901-16S Multi-Caliber Carbine is similar to the Colt SP901. From looking at the photo, the LE901 appears to have a shorter rail, shorter length gas system, a standard A2-style grip and a 3-prong / wire-cutter style flash suppressor.

Colt Defense LLC, one of the world’s leading designers, developers, and manufacturers of rifles and carbines, will bring to market the highly anticipated LE901-16S modular, multi-caliber rifle. The Colt LE901-16S was built with both the tactical professional and modern sportsman in mind. This rifle will be offered in black, with other finishes available later in the year, and has superior accuracy. This modular rifle can be easily changed from .308 Winchester (7.62×51 NATO) chambering to .223 Remington (5.56×45 NATO).

“This is an exceptional rifle for a wide variety of shooters due to the interchangeability in caliber,” said David Ridley, Vice President of Colt Defense, LLC, “With a simple swap of the upper receiver shooters can switch to the caliber they need for the shot they want to achieve.”

In the classic .308 Winchester (7.62×51 NATO), the LE901-16S is chambered perfectly for a tactical professional’s sniper shot, civilian shooters’ target practice or a hunter’s big-game shot. With a simple swap of the upper receiver and buffer system, this versatile rifle’s chambering can be changed to .223 Remington (5.56×45 NATO) and transition into a law enforcement officer’s tactical weapon of choice or a small game hunter’s standard carry.

The Colt LE901-16S rifle weighs only 9.4 pounds and measures 37.5 inches with the stock extended. It has an effective range distance of 700 meters and a rate of fire between 700 and 950 rounds per minute when configured for .308. Exceptional accuracy comes by way of the free floated, 16-inch, chrome-lined barrel and one-piece monolithic upper receiver.

All operating controls on the LE901-16S are ambidextrous, including the magazine release, bolt catch and fire control selector. The monolithic rail covers the fore end and is suitable for mounting the shooter’s choice accessory in addition to the back up iron sight (BUIS) offered standard on the rifle. The LE901-16S features a black Vltor™ buttstock and comes with two black 20-round Magpul PMAGs.

With its simplicity of use and versatile chambering, Colt Defense’s LE901-16S is a prime weapon choice for tactical operations, big-game hunting, and small-game shots.

Colt is now manufacturing a fully functioning replica of the 1877 Bulldog Gatling Gun. It fires .45-70 cartridges at up to 800 rounds per minutes (the speed depends on how fast you can crank the handle). It is an incredibly beautiful piece of machinery and worked flawlessly.

The gun weighs about 250 lbs.

It took almost two decades, but Colt Defense is finally offering a consumer-legal M4 Carbine. The Colt LESOCOM is very close to the M4A1 that Colt manufactures for the military. The main difference is the longer 16″ barrel and the semi-automatic-only fire control. The lower receiver is marked “M4 Carbine”.

It a KAC Rail System, Matech rear back-up iron sight and ambidextrous fire controls. The barrel twist rate is 1:7 RH and it chambered for .223 Remington (ie. 5.56×45 NATO or .223 Remington).

I am overjoyed to see Colt finally giving the general public what they have been clamoring for years. I like the new Colt!

Kit Up has info on the new rifle. The MSRP is $3,800! It should not be confused with the M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle, which is manufactured by Remington.

[ Many thanks to Joe for emailing us the link. ]

Mr. Curtis over at Gear Scout broke the news that Remington will be manufacturing M4 Carbines for the US Army.

According to the Department of the Army’s Chief of Legislative Liaison, the Army today executed a delivery order on an existing contract to buy 24,000 M4/M4A1s worth $16,163,252.07. The order comes as line 001 on an IDIQ contract for up to 120,000 carbines worth $83,924,089.00, though U.S. Army Contracting Command lists the “Max Potential Contract Value $180,000,000.00.” The rifles will be made at Remington’s factory in Ilion, N.Y., from the Colt technical data package and, by my math, will cost about $673 a copy. That’s a hell of a group buy price.

This comes as no surprise. In 2009 the US Army took control of the M4 TDP (Technical Data Package), allowing the Army to second source production. The DoD likes to spread production around in order to maintain a “manufacturing and industrial base”.

Colt will still receive royalties from the DoD for any guns derived from the M16 until 2050! I doubt anybody at the time thought the M16 would still be in service today, nearly 50 years later (the previous service rifle, the M14, only lasted 11 years).

Colt M16s and M4 Carbine

In 2009 gun historian Daniel E. Watters wrote (emphasis added) …

It is a bit of an exaggeration to say the Army has control of the TDP. As of July 1, the Army merely gained limited license rights to use the M4 TDP to second source production, as an extension of the 1967 licensing agreement for the M16. Until the end of calender year 2050, the Army will have to pay 5% in royalties to Colt for every M4 procured from second sources. The TDP will remain Colt proprietary data, and any second source M4 contractor will no doubt be required to sign non-disclosure agreements
just as they do for the M16.

This is not the end of Colt’s current .mil contract for the M4. The current contract allows new delivery orders to be placed to the end of calender year 2010. As it now stands, the current delivery orders stretch production out to Spring 2011.

[ Many thanks everyone who sent this in. ]