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

Colt’s 1849 London Pocket
Colt’s 1849 London Pocket

I Have This Old Gun: Colt’s 1849 London Pocket

Encouraged by his generally positive reception at the Great Exhibition in 1851, and always anxious to gain elusive government contracts, Colt, in 1853, opened a London factory where he would make a number of revolvers, including his popular 1849 Pocket Model.

Modern Cowboy Gun: The Savage Arms Revel Tactical

Savage Arms jumped back into the lever-action market in 2024 with its rimfire Revel platform, and this year, the company is expanding with a feature-rich Revel Tactical model.

Hunting with a Legend: Sierra’s MatchKing X Bullet

Sierra’s MatchKing is a highly respected target bullet, but for the new trend of long-range hunting, the design needed to offer improved terminal performance. Enter the MatchKing X.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 19, 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.

Review: Stoeger STR-9 Thinline

The new Stoeger carry gun loses nothing—except some weight and girth. This is the Stoeger STR-9 Thinline.

5 Great Products for Your Next Hunt

These five products will help boost your chances at success in the field.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.