Colt Mustang .380 ACP: The Pocket-Size 1911

by
posted on September 15, 2021
** 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 Mustang

After its 1983 introduction of the .380 Government Model proved to be a big success—partly because it was roughly 3/4 the size of a standard 1911 but managed to maintain the same profile and controls—Colt brought out the similar looking, but even smaller Mustang in 1986. Both were chambered in .380 ACP, but magazine capacity dropped from seven to five cartridges.

The Mustang’s reduced weight and size made it a very popular carry choice. Mechanically, the guns were not identical though. The Mustang, unlike the Government model, did not have a barrel bushing or spring plug. Dual recoil springs and polymer spring guide were another change.

Throughout its history, the Mustang appeared in a variety of versions throughout its run. Using an aluminum frame, 1987’s Pocket Lite model tipped the scales at only 12 1/2 ozs. The Mustang Plus II shipped from the factory with a 7-round magazine the next year. A Nite Lite came out of the company’s Custom Shop in 1993 wearing bar-dot tritium night sights and extended base pad on its magazine.

The guns were surprisingly manageable. “In spite of its small size and light weight, the Mustang is relatively pleasant to shoot, thanks to good grip frame design and its short single-action trigger,” Wiley Clapp wrote in a review of the design for American Rifleman.

Sales slowed, though, and the company removed them from production just before the turn of the century. Technological advances in bullet design and performance drove a resurgence in .380 ACP interest a few years after.

In 2012, Colt re-launched the Pocket Lite, with a 2.84" barrel and overall length of 5.54". It weighed 13.7 ozs., retained that manual safety on the left side so familiar to 1911 fans and MSRP was reasonable at $599.

  1. Gil Horman tested one the month it was introduced and concluded, “If you are in the market for a compressed 1911 pocket gun for personal protection, or it would be handy to have a .380 that can be comfortably operated by your whole family during trips to the shooting range, then the Colt Mustang Pocket Lite deserves your attention.”

Unfortunately, the Colt website no longer lists any Mustang as being currently in production. There is, however, some inventory remaining. New models, likely in limited numbers, remain available from big-box sporting goods stores with MSRPs that run from $700 to $600, depending on finish. Magazine capacity is 6+1, barrel length 2.75" and weight runs roughly 12 ozs.

Latest

Leo Surplus Guns Horman
Leo Surplus Guns Horman

LEO Trade-Ins: The Sleeper Surplus Market

Although much of the budget-priced military surplus market has dried up, there are still affordable options among the long guns and handguns retired from law enforcement service.

Henry Repeating Arms Expands Spirit of the Corps Rifle Series

After much demand, Henry Repeating Arms is back with two attention-getting lever guns in honor of the U.S. Marine Corps and its 250 years safeguarding the globe.

Rifleman Review: Heritage Mfg. Roscoe

In recent years, Heritage Mfg. has expanded its centerfire offerings, and the Roscoe is one of the latest new models, a retro-styled revolver chambered for .38 Special that's capable of dedicated defensive use.

Chiappa Expands Rhino Revolver Lineup

Chiappa Firearms is updating its unique line of Rhino revolvers with several new models, giving consumers an all-new 10 mm Auto chambering, as well as complete stainless-steel construction.

Review: TandemKross Manticore X

In 2024, TandemKross (TK), best known for its high-quality competition upgrades for rimfire platforms, launched the first ever lower-receiver assembly designed for the rimfire Ruger 10/22 platform.

Rifleman Q&A: Surreptitious L.C. Smith

American Rifleman staff recently received the following question about markings on a possible L.C. Smith shotgun. Read what we learned:

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.