Colt Mfg 2016 previews new firearms at Gunsite.

It was October 2015 and I got a phone call from my friends at Colt. They were doing something a little different and I was invited. Colt was bringing their new 2016 line to Gunsite in Paulden, AZ. The proposal was to spend a few days with the good people of Colt and a long day at Gunsite going over all the new firearms, and then time on the range trying to break them. Rooms, food, and ammunition were all covered. Man, how could anyone refuse that? So arrangements were made and we had a plan.

Arriving in Arizona Colt has us up in a nice hotel with a meal planned. There I met Major Ed with Folds of Honor, a veteran organization Colt has partnered with. Major Ed was wounded in combat and now spends much of his time spreading the word.

In the next morning, we had a charter bus waiting to take us to Gunsite, about 45 minuets away.

Arriving at Gunsite, my first time, was awe inspiring. It is sacred ground as many have said. The day started out in the classroom going over Colt’s plan for the future, details on their 2016 guns, some Q&A, and then range time.

Arriving at the range Colt staff was on hand to answer questions and help out.

The new lineup

Colt M4 Expanse

standard M4 rifle with 7075-T6 aluminum black anodized upper and lower. 4150 CMV finished in Manganese Phosphate barrel. It is an excellent platform to build upon with a MSRP of $699

Colt M4 Carbine Magpul in black or flat75 T6 dark earth

h 7075-T6 aluminum black anodized upper and lower. 4150 CMV finished in Manganese Phosphate barrel,flat top. Magpul MOE SL M-LOK handguard, buttstock, pistol grip, vertical grip and backup rear sight MSRP $1049

Colt Combat Unit pistol .45 Automatic

M1913 spec Picatinny rail, duel recoil spring system, Novak Tritium front sight and wide notch rear. Extended thump safety, upswept beavertail grip safety. Series 80 firing pin safety. Stainless steel slide and receiver blackened. G10 stockes MSRP $1499

Colt M45A1 .45 Automatic

M1913 spec Picatinny rail, duel recoil spring system, Novak Tritium front sight and low mount carry rear. Extended thump safety, upswept beavertail grip safety. Series 80 firing pin safety. Stainless steel slide and receiver new Decobond finish. National Match barrel MSRP $1699

Colt Competition Government in .45 Automatic or 9mm Luger

carbon steel receiver and slide blued, National Match barrel. G10 stocks, dual recoil springs, Novak adjustable fiber optic sights.Extended thump safety, upswept beavertail grip safety. Series 80 firing pin safety. 8+1 in .45 or 9+1 in 9mm MSRP $899

Colt Lightweight Commander .45 Automatic or 9mm Luger.

Carbon steel blued slide, aluminum alloy black anodized receiver. Novak white dot front sight and low mount carry rear sight. Duel recoil springs upswept beavertail grip safety. Series 80 firing pin safety. 8+1 in .45 or 9+1 in 9mm MSRP $949

Wiley Clapp Stainless Commander. 45 Automatic

Novak brass front bead sight, rear extra wide sight, no firing pin safety, 7+1 capacity

We spent the day taking turns shooting each of the new Colt firearms and after many thousand rounds, thank you Colt, it was beginning to get dark. During the day I did not witness any malfunctions and accuracy was on par from what I expect from Colt. Colt’s pro shooter Mark Redl was on hand for some speed drills showcasing several of the new match grade pistols as well as a few of the Gunsite instructors to keep the day running smooth and help wring out the new Colts.

From left to right,

Robert, Major Ed, and James winner of the raffle and Paul, the new Senior VP of business, the man that is putting Colt back on track.

After the range, we were treated to a very nice meal and fellowship. Afterwards, Colt held a raffle drawing for a one of a kind Colt 1911, rifle, and a class at Gunsite. All the money raised went directly to benefit the Folds Of Honor, which was very gracious. Here is where the day turned from wonderful to amazing, Robert from TALO Distributors was in attendance and had bought a great number of raffle tickets for the benefit. Well, Robert held the first winning ticket, that entitled him to first pick of the prizes. Robert asked major Ed from Folds of Honor which prize he favored, and then donated the prize, the one of a kind Colt, right to Major Ed. I will be completely honest, mine were not the only eyes that teared up a bit. That made me so proud, and Major Ed accepted the Colt and informed us it will be raffled off to bring in more funds for the deserving organization, a second act of unselfishness to benefit the greater good. That my friends, is how you end the perfect day. I am deeply honored to have been included in the 2015 Colt Media Day and it was very well organized and everything went smooth and glass.

It was a long and enjoyable bus ride back to the hotel.

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