Colt surprised the gun world back in 2017 when they announced they were getting back into the snake gun business with the new-again Colt Cobra. The next wheel gun to be reintroduced was the .357 King Cobra, a gun that really impressed JWT. Most recently, Colt did what some said would never be done when they revived the beloved Python. Read JWT’s glowing review of that legend here.
Colt has shown that there’s plenty of demand out there for updated versions of some of their classic, sought-after firearms. Guns that have been out of production for decades, if not longer. Which makes you wonder what other models they may have on their drawing board.
Woodsman .22LR Pistol
John Moses Browning intended the Woodsman as a target pistol, but the slim, handy .22 quickly became popular with small game hunters, campers and just about everyone else. Colt made the Woodsman in a range of models with 4½ and 6-inch barrels, in addition to variants such as the Huntsman and Targetsman. The guns were discontinued in 1977.
1903 and 1908 Pocket Hammerless
The 1903 was chambered in the diminutive .32 ACP which isn’t a favorite among concealed carriers. Many prefer the 1908 which was chambered in .380 as a carry pistol with more oomph. Both are sweet-shooting handguns and have always been favorite pocket pistols (other than the fact that they’re not drop safe). Colt built over 700,000 of them through the end of World War II. US Armament began producing a reproduction of the 1903 a few years ago, but they appear to be out of production now and they were not inexpensive.
Viper .38 Special Revolver
Bringing back the Viper shouldn’t be a big stretch for Colt as the gun was basically a short-lived 4-inch version of the 6-shot .38 Cobra snubby with a partial underlug. While the original had an aluminum alloy frame, Colt’s making the current Cobras with a steel frame. Colt only made the Viper from 1977 to 1984 and they go for a very pretty penny these days depending on condition.
Let us know below which Colt classic you’d like to make a comeback next.
One that they could keep up production with ?
☝️What Steve said.
😁
Steve is correct.
Exactly that.
Colt Police Positive .38 Special
I would love that one too. even if it had the redesigned action, I think that would be cool.
+1
Officers model match in .22lr.
car-15 haha.
m1895 potato digger.
i will buy a woodsman, but it will be old.
Magnum Carry, I have a 1st edition that is just pure awesomeness. On second thought with it discontinued and low production the value keeps skyrocketing.
Dont care! Couldnt afford em them, cant afford em now!!!
There is nothing wrong with owning Ruger revolvers.
The only Colt revolver I ever owned was a model 1917 New Service in .45acp. I liked it, but sold it during a period of unemployment. I chose to keep my Security Six, and sell the 1917. I do miss the 1917.
“There is nothing wrong with owning Ruger revolvers.”
Amen to that!
Diamond back.
What the first post says.🙂
Diamondback in .22. (I have one that’s circa-1963, and it is subperb.)
One more vote for the Diamondback. We have a 4″ .38 Special. I think of it as a Python that’s small enough to fit my hands. I once considered a Python but it would have been a single action pistol for me. Trigger reach in double action was too long.
Viper.
It’d be nice to have a full-size .38 Special in production that isn’t a Smith & Wesson Model 10/64/67 or Rock Island Armory M200.
Second the Viper.
Conversely, an Anaconda with the quality of the current Python.
Any revolver, but how about The Single action Army.
They still make the SAA. Just picked up a 7.5″ .357 for a project.
Cut barrel to 4″ drift adjustable front site, scallop recoil shield and loading gate, black powder chamfer, deck grip frame (have some elephant ivory to get cut) Keith style cylinder latch, A level engraving.
Should mike a fine little gun.
That’s my vote too. A Python quality Anaconda…….that’s a gun I’d love to see!
I’d go with the revolver, given 1)that Colt has returned to that market and should be making a decent one by now, and 2) it is the only one of the four that could make it on the California Roster.
Except that under new legislation that is currently making its way through the paces in Sacramento, if AB-2847 is passed into law, every “new” gun model that is added to the Roster must require the removal of 3 from it. So in the meantime, I’m not in favor of *any* new models being added. The roster is a joke.
I think that that applies only to semiautomatics with microstamping, the goal being to replace all of the pistols on the roster with microstamping pistols. Microstamping is not required of revolvers.
Also not possible on revolvers.
@LarryinTX
Seems impossible on semi’s as well, so they should just drop the requirement…
Bring back the 1851 Navy conversion..or at least up the production on the SAA.
They’ve already done that two or three times. The first series were Italian clones assembled in the US, and if I recall correctly, the second set were made from raw pieces made in Italy and completely finished here. The third series was made here. All were over priced, because they were “Colts.”
Why dont they do something innovative as well? Like make a new gun or three and cater to the civilian population like every other successful mfr.?
They should sell the rights to their lineup to a company that can actually build a functioning revolver. Bought a new python as soon as they came out and it was a steaming pile of political promises. Sent it back to Colt, got it back, traded it off, haven’t looked back.
Not sure how many flawless rounds I have through mine now. 2k?
Mine had constant light primer strikes. Couldn’t get through a cylinder without it screwing up. I have a sneaking suspicion that they just neutered the mainspring to give the weapon a smoother feel with fewer man-hours invested in smoothing out the action, etc. I wouldn’t be so hard on them if that was the only incident of unreliability I had heard of, but the prom night dumpster fire of a classic product re-launch and Colt’s nonchalant attitude towards customer service left a bad, bad taste in my mouth.
To this day, that’s the most money I’ve ever spent on anything that wasn’t a car or a house, so believe me, I *wanted* it to be a good gun. I picked mine up six days after they were released.
What’s also frustrating is that Colt should have realized what was at stake when they rolled this out and made damn sure they didn’t have QC or design problems, and had CS on standby with notepads and RMA labels ready to go if disaster struck. It was just a general fumble.
Almost forgot, out of the box, the muzzle looked like someone had crowned it with a dremel.
I had a Kahr semiauto with that problem, turned out the hole for the firing pin was too tight, had to send it back and wait for months for them to ream the hole and send it back, then discovered it didn’t fit me worth a shit, my hand ached after around 10 rounds, gave it to my kid brother. At least they changed the production line so only around 100 guns had the problem. Lucky me. Still, it was somewhat my fault, I carried it directly into the store’s range, loaded it up and pulled the trigger to hear “click”. Examined the cartridge, saw the light strike, reloaded and tried again, resulting in a bang, and now the gun has been fired, I could not just say “give me my money back”.
As to the question, though, I never liked the Diamondback, but I still have a Detective Special I bought around 1972, the model with a shrouded ejector, lovely gun, they should try that. Good CC gun, too, I suspect.
Woodsman. 1903 and 08. Open top Colt. Colt Monitor.
ID LIKE TO SEE A DIAMOND BACK IN THE 256 CALIBER LIKE THE PYTHONS MADE FOR A WHILE
Colt Aircrewman. Put a big warning label on it.
Something with an exposed ejector rod
Yes lol this. I find the covered ejector rod look so ugly.
A Lawman MK V it is, then.
I’ve only seen one of these, sometime around 1990 or so, and I still regret not having bought it…. it was a bright stainless Colt Gold Cup National Match 1911 with smooth rosewood grip panels, chambered in .38 Super. It was made for the Mexican market, and with the heavy barrel, it felt better balanced and steadier than any .45 caliber 1911. I was told at the time that there were only 200 of them produced. That 1911 felt better in my hand than any other 1911 I’ve touched before or since.
Who voted for anything besides the woodsman? That’s the so obvious choice. Of course they didn’t have the anaconda, which will probably be the next one if not the diamondback. .
If I had to choose from the list, the 1903 in .32 ACP, but I would really like to see Colt bring back the M1877/M1878 because double actions from the 1870s and 80s are sorely missing from CAS events.
Aha, a fellow man of good taste
personally, I want to see the anaconda and the diamondback brought out. I think those are the most likely to be reintroduced, especially in the case of the anaconda. One other thing I would like to see is the new service revolver chambered in .45 ACP(or other calibers, but at least that one). They could even give it the redesigned action. I dont know how well that would sell, but I would buy one.
Colt trooper and official police. My official police is 50 years old and works flawlessly.
Yeah, my 4″ Python is 48 years old now (gave it to my son 25 years ago) and still works perfectly, but probably doesn’t have 1000 rounds through it, as I had another one which I shot.
3″ barrel Colt Cobra, like the ole’ DS-2!
Buy a Ruger. Half the cost. No side plates. Easy to disassemble and clean. Lots of accessories. Pull trigger, goes bang, hits target. Every time.
Vent ribs are overrated.
Nothing, because it will be over priced, not live up expectations, and a general disappointment.
Pocket Hammerless… because RDR2 😉
I like the idea of a re-issue of the 1903 and/or 1908 Pocket Hammerless.
They could call it the Archduke Franz Ferdinand Special,
Even though his killer used an FN Model 1910?
How about something that doesn’t require a second mortgage
If you need a 2nd mortgage you’re budgeting wrong.
Screw Colt. They bowed down to the left and stopped producing America’s rifle. I’ll never buy a Colt again.
Detective Special. +p
Rock island 206 is the exact same thing, only 1/10 the price and with ok customer service..
No.
1/10 the gun.
It’s a snub 38 …..that’s where it ends.
I’ve been advised that my Detective Special is not +P only because there was no such thing when it was produced, perfectly safe to fire +P. Still don’t, who needs +P in a 2″ barrel?
Everybody with a 2inch barrel.
Still haven’t seen a new released Python for sale. Colt needs to fix this before starting another project.
COMPLETELY agree!
None of the above. They need to get out of the history books and create a new and modern pistol. Just not another clone. Get the creative juices flowing and make sure it is 100% before it is marketed. Try a seance and query John Brown.
John Browning?
Buy the tooling from H&K and make the P7M8.
Colt Lightning Double action, but in modern calibers starting with .22LR, holding eight or ten rounds and then right on up in centerfire calibers ’till they can’t fit six in the cylinder.
…. and contract with Ruger to teach them how to produce firearms in America in numbers and at prices and quality that people will be entirely happy with.
You know, like Colt used to do.
Colt was usually 15-20% more than a comparable S&W.
UAW workers and all.
I voted. Woodsman.
But it needs to be the original woodsman. Slim and lithe and a work of art.
Not the blocky, square-gripped model of later years.
I would pay 1000 for that.
2nd would be the Viper. No full underlug please.
First, I’d like to see them bring back the Woodsman, especially in the Target variant. There should be a stainless variant and a blued, high-polish variant.
Second, I’d want the 1903/1908 Hammerless, in a high-polish blue. When it was being made, the 1903 in .32 was twice as popular as the 1908 in .380. Today the .32 might not be that popular with concealed carriers, but in its day, the 1903 in 32 ACP was very, very popular.
Remember folks, the issue round for the military and police in that day was a .38 Special. It is only since the 1960’s that we’ve gotten into this ballistics “mine’s bigger than yours” contest. 100 years ago, the .32 ACP was more than enough for concealed carriers, and the 1903 was one of the most preferred pistols for concealed carry. Today, there are .32 ACP loads that make it a credible self-defense round.
After that, I dunno. Colt has a huge catalog of firearms they could bring back. Here’s an idea: How about they make an actual Model 51 instead of the R51 mis-step? And then they could make a Model 53. Both would be excellent CCW pieces.
I know it’s not on this list, but I want a new-school (and an olde-school) Anaconda.
Maybe I’m the only one, but it they did an awesome job on the Python I don’t see why not.
1903 Hammerless in .32 ACP tops my list, with a Colt Vest Pocket a close second (I love mouse guns).
Hrm, not a lot of calls for bringing back the Colt 2000, I see. 🙂
If they put a better trigger in it, I’d buy it.
Even a DAO trigger like they did on the DAO Govrnment.
I’ve never actually handled one, TBH. I only know them by reputation. I admit I like the idea of a rotating barrel design. I love my PX4’s.
Owned a 1908. Marshall marked. Mint. Nice pistol. Something new? Woodsman. If identical to the original. Those whining about price need to get their priorities straight. Don’t forget SAA. Everyone should own at least one.
Colt M1877 “Thunderer”
They could chamber it in .41 Special instead of .41 Colt and have a real winner on their hands.
Anaconda.
Anaconda!
But ditto on the CAR15 as mentioned above.
The New Service in 45 Colt, 44 Spl, .357
Absolutely!!! i would love that and i think it would be cool if it had the redesigned action too.
Since the new Python only has the looks of the old Python, the lockwork of the Trooper Mk III, and the finish of a Taurus, probably best to keep your expectations low.
The Trooper MkIII had a coil mainspring .
The new python does not.
I’ve not seen any Taurii with a finish as nice as the new Python.
Spring type, this is true. But the lockwork is not of the original Python, either. It is mostly MIM parts, which the Trooper was one of the first models to utilize. Satin stainless is satin stainless no matter who makes it. The “target crown” has been described as being accomplished with a Dremel tool. The old Royal Blue mirror finish will never be replicated. So you’re basically paying Python prices ($1500+) for something that isn’t anything like the original Python except in appearance. It has a lot in common with buying a kit car… like a DeTomaso Pantera built on a VW frame and engine. Looks good but…..
Agreed on the bluing. Many of the chemicals are now illegal to use.
Satin stainless will show toolmarks and Taurus proves this time and again.
A coil spring will never be as smooth as a good leaf spring. Even the funky U-spring (no longer a V) in the New Pyrhon is pretty smooth.
You are correct that the new Pyrhon has nowhere near the handwork of the legacy revolver. If it did it would probably run 2500, which means Colt wouldn’t bother.
Get the old ones while you can, the new ones will have mim parts galore.
The upside is that mim parts are easy to replace. Fitting a replacement trigger or hammer in an old S&W can be a chore. I hope someone starts making mim hands for Smith’s, so they aremeasiee to re-time.
None. They’re selling the brand name not quality and aren’t very competitive. As article suggests “bring back discontinued models”: is because they fail to design and manufacture new and innovative products. The fact they are one of the first companies to cave on gun restrictions (no ARs for Civillians, twice) doesn’t help brand loyalty either!
They need new models that make money.
It will not matter, they will cheap out on design and quality. Have you seen or handled any new Colt? Pure Junk. Colt is having a bigger issue than which new gun to make, people who buy guns want quality and reliability, with Colt, that ship has sailed.
That hasn’t been our experience at all.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thetruthaboutguns.com/gun-review-2019-colt-king-cobra/amp/
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thetruthaboutguns.com/gun-review-the-2020-colt-pythons/amp/
Colt uses MIM parts throughout this revolver, not for me, I pay for quality and this is not it.
NONE as they suck, sold us out for Military big bucks then got dumped by making junk. now be a nice little clown and buy their overpriced stuff so they can make the bucks.
9mm Pocket Hammerless.
Colt should bring back the Peacemaker but make it double-action
they still make the peacemaker and they did kinda make it in double action version. that gun was called the model 1877.
I think Colt should get caught up on their Python orders before they introduce another revolver. I have been waiting 5 month for a paid order for one an nothing coming in the foreseeable future.
I really don’t care. I’ve never been a real big Colt fan, so I’m indifferent to what they decide to market. Rest assured, whatever they release, it’ll be more expensive than any of the competitions.
Pocket 9
That was a neat gun. As I recall, they got sued by Kahr formthe barrel lug.
I have only seen one at a gun show. The trigger was pretty bad.
I also liked the Colt Pony – the DAO only Mustang.
They didnt make enough and didnt make it long.
I thin both the Pony and Pocket 9 needed a newer design in the recoil spring.
They should easily be able to do it now. If they are of the mind.
Colt has recently impressed me that they are trying to make guns for shooters and not just the government.
10 year ago I wouldn’t have pissed on them if they were in flames. The new management seems intent on re-building a decent reputation.
I hope that succeed…..they could revive their entire line now….especially the oldsters like the officers model match ….and there would a market.
The Viper would be cool with an aluminum frame and rated for +P.
the Colt Peacemaker in .45 Colt. Duh!
the magnum carry is back, but as the king cobra. I would like it if they brought back the full size king cobra, in 2.5,4, and 6inch barrel lengths and just called the new KG the Magnum Carry2 or something like that. I would like a 4 inch viper w/ +p rated aluminum frame as well as a 2 inch version. and yes I would like a 4.5 inch woodsman. the Diamondback with 2.5-4-6 inch barrel lengths. the 2inch lawmen. and the trooper mk 3. (love to have a 4″). and yes someone should bring out a modern made lightning in may be 38 special or something ( double action not the single action ones) for the cowboy matches. and I would love an officers acp in 38 super, stainless.
Had a 4″ Python. Stupidly sold it.
If there was any ONE model I’d love to see Colt bring back, it would be their single action .22 LR, long barrel (8″ or 9″?) revolver.
I have a long barrel Ruger “Single Six” that has served me well over 40 years.
If I had to crush aluminum cans to sell as scrap for the money, I’d buy one!
I would like to see an updated Anaconda in .44 magnum and .45 Colt. Perhaps .41 magnum as well.
Colt Official Police and Detective.
But I had to vote 1903 pocket hammerless as that was the only option for the poll.
The American 2000… so buyers aren’t that surprised with a recall!
Colt has been making the 1903 for the last couple years. It’s on their website right now.
The Trooper
I remember holding Colts in high esteem, but that was decades ago. I remember they were affected by a strike back in the mid 80s. It seemed like their quality never really recovered after that. I love all the old Colts that I own, but would be very leery about buying new production.
Mine in order of age are:
* Army Special 38 6 inch (1921)
* MK IV Series 70 Govt. Model blue .45acp (1970)
* Colt Jr. blue (1971)
* Trooper MK III blue 8 inch .357mag (1978)
* Python blue 8 inch (1981)
* Diamondback blue 6 inch .22lr (1983)
All are great guns of high quality. I’m thinking about buying a new Colt 1911, but I’m not confident their new revolvers wouldn’t be a disappointment.
LE6920 with a brace.
… oh wait.
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