First Look: New Colt Products for 2016

Colt's Manufacturing introduced three new products for the start of 2016: the Colt Competition Pistol, the Colt Lightweight Commander and the Colt Expanse M4 Carbine. The Colt Competition Pistol is race ready right out of the box, the Lightweight Commander gives 1911 lovers an option for concealed carry and the Expanse M4 is designed to be a building block for the first-time AR buyer.

The Colt Competition Pistol

The 1911-style Colt Competition Pistol, which is available in both .45 ACP and 9mm, incorporates Colt's innovative Dual Spring Recoil System developed for the Marine Corps' M45A1 Close Quarter Battle Pistol in order to reduce recoil and help control muzzle rise at critical moments.

"This pistol is competition grade," said Mark Redl, Team Colt sponsored shooter and product manager for Colt. "We designed a pistol that you can buy on the way to a match."

Additional features include Novak's new adjustable rear sight and fiber optic front sight, competition ergonomics including G10 grips, an undercut trigger guard, and upswept beavertail safety and a National Match barrel. The Colt Competition Pistol carries a suggested retail price of $899.

The Colt Lightweight Commander

The Lightweight Commander, one of the most popular carry guns in history, is once again available from the factory, now in an enhanced format. The pistol, also offered in .45 ACP or 9mm, affords 1911 enthusiasts the ability to conceal carry their favorite platform pistol comfortably. With a shorter profile and lower weight than a traditional full-size Government Model, the Lightweight Commander offers the Dual Spring Recoil System and custom Colt G10 grips, among other enhancements.

"We wanted to offer something special to the concealed carry enthusiast who wants that authentic Colt experience in a package that can add both confidence and comfort," Spitale said.

This pistol incorporates numerous features that were traditionally considered custom options on a 1911 including Novak sights, a beavertail grip safety, and extended safety lever, and a skeletonized trigger.  Suggested retail on the Lightweight Commander is $949.

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The Colt Expanse M4

The Expanse M4 puts a basic Colt AR-15 within reach of shooters looking to enhance their collections, or the first-time buyer looking for a starting point on which to build a task-specific carbine.

The Expanse M4 features a railed flattop receiver, a lightweight barrel with a GI-style flash hider, and an adjustable/collapsible buttstock. The modularity of the design allows for a seemingly endless combination of user-installed features and accessories. The Expanse M4 is chambered in 5.56mm NATO and retails for $699.