^^^My historical experience/knowledge of Colt (and firearms generally) began in 1994 as a result of the 1994 AWB, so other than what has transpired since that time frame, I am definitely NOT an expert. Some quick searching revealed that the 'Blue Label' time frame began in 1991, but the specifics of product changes, distribution/production restrictions, etc are a bit unclear to me. I/We could certainly speculate that Colt could have either implemented changes during that time frame to potentially head off the looming AWB restrictions, or that they just caved to the Anti 2A crowd due to lack of strong principles, but I'm not sure we'll ever know. What is certain, is that Colt (and their management) seems to have lacked a compass for some time!

I do know that Colt as a manufacturer relies heavily on .gov, .mil & LE contracts for the majority of their business, and while they enjoy a good reputation for quality in the civilian/commercial market, that's not their primary customer base.

My comment regarding whether they care what the Anti Gunners think is primarily based on the fact that Firearm sales is basically all that they do. They don't really have a lot other business interests to protect, such as a huge clothing line, a large offering of branded products or other owned, but unrelated businesses. As such, there's nothing to be gained or protected by Colt pandering to anyone! Honestly, their statement regarding 'temporarily' ceasing sales to the civilian market seemed to make business sense at the time, and though the recent (and unprecedented) increase in demand seems to undermine their credibility as they've now resumed sales to the civilian market, it could just as easily (more than likely?) be a coincidence.

Military and Law Enforcement contracts come with very little guaranteed money. The pandemic economy and tax deferrals have put a variety of requisitions on hold. Colt has the supply available now to offer retail products from their contract assembly line.

I imagine they will be bankrupt again in no time.

quote:

Originally posted by Ronin101:
I imagine they will be bankrupt again in no time.

It does seem to be a pattern with them.

I'm tellin' you- Colt management is a woman at heart.

I live two miles from the factory. Some days there are 100 cars in the lot, other days 10. No rhyme or reason to it. I've never seen them work a Saturday or Sunday. You would figure it would be all hands on deck right now.

quote:

Originally posted by nhracecraft:
Ever! The all too common refrain that Colt was pandering to the 'Anti 2A Leftist Crowd' is utter BullShit! Seriously, Colt could give Two Fucks about what the Anti Gunners think!

Yea, yea....it just coincidentally happened after the El Paso shooting.