The Colt .380 Mustang is Back

So it appears that Colt is trying to get back into the consumer market. I fear that they must to survive as soon as the .gov contracts expire. So here is the NEW (not really) Pocketlite .380 review. I don't have one. I do have this one though, acquired used several years ago.

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The disassemble lever scratches are not mine. I can forgive hitting the frame somewhat but not the slide! The first thing to do was to replace the plastic recoil spring guide rod with a stainless one. I am old school in that steel vs. plastic, steel will win. I know the arguments about weight, but come on! We are talking about a pocket .380! Replaced all the springs and took it to the range. Went to slide stop on every round. 

If you get an older one pay close attention to the slide stop spring! Positioned it correctly and she now works fine. 

So I recently visited the Colt Website. Ordered some magazines for the Mustangs. Here is a long overdue if somewhat overdone enhancement; a magazine with a grip extender:

It serves the purpose, but adds greatly to the profile of the pistol. I look forward to shooting it with this magazine. 

So, I am somewhat torn here. With a MSRP of 670 and very little wiggle room I am disappointed. This is a crowded market with the Kel-Tek P3-AT, the Ruger LCP, and even the Smith and Wesson Bodyguard and others. The S&W has all the controls that anyone handling a 1911 would recognize, the others are cheaper to boot. I will assume a dearth of aftermarket accessories as well for this pistol.

I love my Mustangs, they all shoot well and if I had to chose which I would carry I trust the Colt's hands down over a Kel-Tek. I hope Colt figures the consumer market out soon. So far in my opinion, they have not. 

I like my Colts, but simply having a Pony stamped on the side now will not garner a premium price for a pistol such as this. Colt needs to figure that out. For that MSRP, I am well on my way to a used Python! 

Colt, If you want to get me to throw money down for a new pistol, make it a Python or a Woodsman. Hell, Ruger is eating the market on target .22's. Python's are revered for the action. Not Walther made and Colt stamped either. Or have you forgotten how to make really nice, marketable Firearms under the Blue Dome? Or is that little UAW seal on the boxes I have from long ago pricing you out of the market the same way it drove you to Bankruptcy?

Will history repeat itself? I hope not, but I have little faith right now. Sad really.