Colt Handguns List

Colt is synonymous with firearms excellence. Officially established as Colt’s Manufacturing Company, LLC in 1855 by Samuel Colt, this American icon revolutionized firearm design. Today, it operates under the Czech-based Colt CZ Group, carrying forward a legacy that dates back to an earlier venture by Colt in 1836. Over nearly two centuries, Colt has become a symbol of craftsmanship, particularly renowned for its role in shaping the modern revolver.

Here’s a closer look at Colt’s most celebrated models and a few lesser-known firearms that have left their mark on history.

Percussion Revolvers

These early firearms laid the groundwork for Colt’s reputation, representing some of the first successful revolvers ever produced.

Paterson (1836–1842): Colt’s first commercial firearm, widely used in American conflicts of the era.
Walker (1847): A powerful single-action revolver designed with Captain Samuel Walker’s input, capable of firing both .44 ball and .457 bullets.
Dragoon (1848–1850): A .44-caliber masterpiece, with over 18,000 units produced.
Model 1849 Pocket Revolver: Compact and versatile, this design included versions for Navy and police use.
1851 Navy: A cap-and-ball revolver used extensively across nations until 1873.
1855 Sidehammer (Root Revolver): Named after designer Elisha K. Root, this was another pocket-sized option.
1860 Army: A favorite among military forces, including cavalry and infantry.
1861 Navy: Chambered in .36 caliber, it featured a distinctive fluted cylinder variant.
Model 1862: Initially .31 caliber, it later adapted to .36 caliber with multiple configurations.

Metallic Cartridge Revolvers

The shift to metallic cartridges cemented Colt’s place on the world stage, with these revolvers being adopted across continents.

House (1871–1876): Known for its .41 rimfire cartridge, it also spawned the popular Cloverleaf variant.
Open Top (1871–1877): A pocket revolver made in over 114,000 units, marking Colt’s early adoption of metallic cartridges.
Model 1871–72 Open Top: A .44 Henry rimfire pistol combining two patents for enhanced firepower.
Single Action Army (1873): Dubbed the "Peacemaker," this was the U.S. Army’s go-to sidearm for two decades.
New Line (1873–1879): A single-action model with several variants, celebrated as one of Colt’s top .22 revolvers.
M1877 (Rainmaker, Lightning, Thunderer): A versatile revolver offered in three calibers, each earning its own nickname.
Model 1878 Frontier: A double-action unit compatible with various calibers, produced until 1907.
M1889: Popular with the Navy, this revolver also saw limited Army use.
M1892: The first U.S. military revolver with a swing-out cylinder, chambered in .38 and .41 Long Colt.
New Police (1896–1907): A double-action model that could fire single action, using the Colt .32 New Police cartridge.
New Service (1898–1946): A durable revolver chambered in .357 Magnum and other calibers, with an impressive production run.
M1917: One of Colt’s longest-serving revolvers, chambered in .45 ACP and .45 Auto Rim, used extensively in both world wars.

Colt Snake Guns

Colt’s “snake guns” remain legendary, but the lineup includes even more modern classics:

Python: The .357 Magnum revolver is still in production, boasting unrivaled accuracy and elegance.
Anaconda: Colt’s big-bore revolver, initially produced between 1990 and 2003, made a comeback in 2021.
King Cobra: Introduced in 1986, this .357 Magnum revolver offers various barrel lengths and finishes.
Cobra: A lighter alternative, the Cobra has been reintroduced and continues to be a popular choice today.
Diamondback: Chambered in .22 LR and .38 Special, with barrel lengths ranging from 2½ to 6 inches.
Trooper: Designed as an affordable yet versatile option for both civilians and agencies, available in multiple calibers.

Specialty and Police Models

Colt also crafted firearms tailored for law enforcement and military use:

Detective Special (1927–1997): A compact revolver with numerous variants over its 70-year production span.
Police Positive (1907–1947): Built for law enforcement, using cartridges like .32 Colt New Police and .38 New Police.
Official Police: With over a million units produced, this revolver also saw wartime variants like the Commando.
SF VI: A modernized Detective Special, featuring a stainless steel ergonomic frame.

Colt Semi-Automatic Pistols

Early Innovations

M1900: Colt’s first semi-automatic pistol, chambered in .38 ACP, catered to both commercial and military markets. Its multiple variants set a new standard in handgun design.
M1902: Designed by John Browning and manufactured by Colt, this .38 ACP pistol came in two versions: Sporting Model and Military Model.
Model 1903: Chambered in .32 ACP, this pistol became a favorite for its compact design. Despite its name, it doesn’t feature a hammer, adding to its unique appeal.
Model 1908: A highly concealable .25 ACP pistol produced until 1948. With over 420,000 units manufactured, it remains a classic among compact handguns.

The M1911 Legacy

M1911: Introduced in 1911, this single-action pistol became a global icon. Chambered in .45 ACP, it has been produced in the millions and used in almost every major conflict.
M1911A1: An improved version of the M1911, this model addressed market demands with ergonomic enhancements and design tweaks.

Modern Variations and Specialized Models

2000 (All American 2000): Chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, this pistol offered options for polymer or aluminum frames, emphasizing versatility and user preference.
Cadet 22: Known for its outstanding reliability, this .22 caliber pistol delivers consistent performance despite its lesser fame.
Target Model 22: A sleek and accurate pistol, praised for its balanced sight picture and comfortable grip.
Mustang Series: Lightweight and compact, the .380 ACP Mustang features short recoil operation and iron sights.
- Mustang Plus II: A variant with an extended grip frame for enhanced handling.
- Mustang XSP: A modernized version with a lightweight polymer frame, weighing under 12 ounces.

Performance-Driven Models

Delta Elite: An evolution of the M1911, this pistol offers improved features and magazines with eight-round capacity. Available in blue or stainless steel finishes.
Double Eagle: Produced until 1997, this full-size pistol also came in compact versions. It was chambered for various calibers, including 9x19mm and .40 S&W.
New Agent: A concealed carry favorite, combining durability with an innovative, low-profile design.
Officer’s ACP: Introduced in 1985, this single-action pistol is chambered in .45 ACP and follows the M1911’s time-tested design principles.

Specialty and Versatility

Woodsman: Produced in multiple variants over time, this .22 Long Rifle pistol remained a favorite until its discontinuation in 1977.
T-4: Designed as a modernized replacement for the M1911, offering significant updates while honoring its predecessor's legacy.
Commander Series: In production since 1950, this single-action pistol comes in several variants like Lightweight, Combat, Gold Cup, and Concealed Carry Officer's. It's available in 9x19mm, .38 Super, and .45 ACP calibers.
Defender: A highly functional pistol with a 16-round magazine, the Defender line stands out for its simplicity and user-friendly operation.

Colt Machine Pistols

Colt made a single but significant entry into the machine pistol category: the SCAMP (Small Caliber Machine Pistol).

SCAMP Overview: Developed between 1971 and 1992, this innovative firearm was designed to replace the venerable M1911A1. Chambered in .22 SCAMP (5.56x29mm), it was compact yet powerful, offering far greater firepower than its predecessor.
Performance: Despite its slightly bulkier profile, the SCAMP prioritized both power and accuracy, making it a highly capable weapon for close-quarters combat.
Reception: While the U.S. military rejected the SCAMP in favor of existing models, it found use internationally, proving its value in markets where reliability and precision were paramount.

Colt Long Guns

Colt’s foray into long guns spanned everything from rifles and shotguns to machine guns. These firearms reflect Colt’s commitment to quality and innovation across a range of platforms.

Historical Models

1855 Revolving Rifles: A family of cap-and-ball repeating rifles used by U.S. forces during the mid-19th century. Produced until 1864, they saw action in several conflicts.
1878 Hammer Shotgun: A 12-gauge double-barrel shotgun with 30-inch barrels, renowned as one of the most powerful firearms of its time.
Colt-Burgess (1883): A lever-action rifle made from 1883 to 1885. Despite its short production run, it marked Colt’s only foray into this market.
M1895 Potato Digger: The first successful gas-operated machine gun, based on John Browning’s design, with a unique lever mechanism that earned it its nickname.

20th-Century Innovations

Lightning Carbine: A pump-action rifle chambered in .44-40, with variants tailored to different frame sizes. Produced until 1904, it remains a collector’s favorite.
Stagecoach Rifle (.22 LR): Celebrated for its Wild West aesthetic, this rifle (and its variant, the Colteer) became popular among enthusiasts.
ACR (Advanced Combat Rifle): Developed as a potential replacement for the M16, the ACR introduced incremental improvements but failed to enter mass production.
Double Rifle: Chambered in .45-70, it borrowed design elements from the 1868 Hammer shotgun for a rugged and powerful build.

Modern and Licensed Firearms

ArmaLite AR-15 Family: Colt produced the AR-15 and M16 series under license, setting the standard for modern military rifles. Their design has been adopted by countless manufacturers worldwide.
Monitor (M1918): A licensed version of the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), built by Colt with no significant modifications.
Thompson SMG: Another licensed firearm, Colt produced this iconic submachine gun for limited periods, adding to its already legendary status.

Miscellaneous: Colt-Designed Ammunition

In addition to firearms, Colt developed proprietary calibers to complement its designs, ensuring optimal performance. Some of these include:

.25 ACP
.32 ACP
.38 Super
.45 ACP
.380 ACP

These cartridges remain integral to the performance and identity of Colt’s most iconic firearms.

From the SCAMP machine pistol to revolutionary long guns like the AR-15, Colt’s innovations have left an indelible mark on the firearm industry. The company’s dedication to precision, power, and reliability continues to influence modern firearm design. Even with its 2021 acquisition by a Czech company, Colt remains a global leader, blending its American heritage with international expertise to shape the future of firearm development.