Fear & Loading: Colt on the Rebound

by
posted on March 29, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
colt_hiring.jpg

Colt’s Manufacturing is purchasing its property and adding 100 employees over the next five years.

On March 24 it was announced that Colt’s Manufacturing is making investments to expand operations and purchase its West Hartford headquarters and factory. Total cost of the project is estimated at $23 million, and the company not only intends on retaining its current work force of 600, it anticipates adding another 100 jobs in the next five years.

The firearm legend has been manufacturing firearms in the state since 1847. “Colt is a proud part of Connecticut history and we are committed to our employees and the company,” said Colt CEO Dennis Veilleux in a press release. “We are working hard to transform our business to better serve our customers and carry on Colt’s tradition of quality and excellence. Acquiring our headquarters and facility is a key part of this strategy.”

The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development is providing a $10 million loan to help underwrite the effort, with as much as $2 million “forgiven” if the company reaches its employment goals. Value of the land and manufacturing plant are estimated to be $13 million.

The company has been working hard since its emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and brought back an old favorite at the 2017 SHOT Show—the Cobra. Others in the firm’s refreshed lineup quickly gaining favor with shooters include the Delta Elite 10 mm and the Gold Cup 1911 pistols.

Latest

More Suppressors 2
More Suppressors 2

NFA Wait Times Continue to Drop

In early 2021, it took the ATF about 280 days to process a Form 4 NFA transfer. In August 2026, using the recently implemented eForms system, that wait time had dropped to only nine days.

Pelican Air Carry-on Case Review

An industry staple just made air travel more convenient.

The ROSE Program by SIG Sauer: Empowering Women in Shooting Sports Across the Nation

The ROSE Program is a shooting program created specifically for women. It aims to create a community of women in shooting that can learn about shooting and self-defense.

I Have This Old Gun: French MAS-49

Despite being early adopters of several semi-automatic rifles for military use, the French army took several decades to work out a standardized semi-automatic rifle for general service use. The rifle that finally came to being was the MAS-49.

Polite Society Industries Launches with Complete Suppressor Line

"An armed society is a polite society," goes the famous quote, which is also the inspiration behind Polite Society Industries, a new suppressor manufacturer that now has a complete line available to consumers.

NRA-ILA Names Smith & Wesson Official Partner of the 2026 NRA Gun Bus Battleground Tour

Iconic American firearms maker Smith & Wesson will join NRA-ILA on the road as nation's leading firearm group turns out voters ahead of the 2026 midterm.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.