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

Hk Cc9 GOTW 1
Hk Cc9 GOTW 1

Gun of the Week: Heckler & Koch CC9

The Heckler & Koch CC9 isn't merely just another micro-compact. It's the result of a significant amount of work on the part of the company's US subsidiary to create the first truly American-made HK.

The Armed Citizen® May 22, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Political Report | Braced Pistols’ Status Unresolved

The U.S. Supreme Court has characterized handguns as the “quintessential” Second Amendment arm. Pistol braces increase accuracy and ease of operation for large-format handguns, especially for users suffering from physical disabilities.

The PROOF Research PXT: A New Approach to Barrel Rifling

PROOF Research has introduced PROOF eXponential Twist (PXT)—an advancement in rifling that improves durability, accuracy and shootability—to the commercial market.

Review: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Heatseeker

Back when American Rifleman reviewed Springfield's Model 2020 Waypoint, we noted that we ...couldn’t help but wonder if a tactical-version Model 2020 rifle might be a logical future offshoot of the Waypoint hunting rifle." With the Model 2020 Heatseeker, that version is finally here.

Marlin Goes Mad: The Marlin Mad Pig Customs Model 1894

Marlin’s latest Model 1894 lever-action rifle, a collaboration with Mad Pig Customs that is a far cry from traditional, delivers “modern, factory‑installed features previously found only on custom builds.”

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.