If you're on the hunt for a reliable and compact pistol, chances are you've stumbled upon the Colt Mustang. This little powerhouse has been making waves in the firearms community, boasting the iconic design of the 1911 in a pocket-friendly package. But before you make your decision, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of Colt Mustang Reviews, uncovering its pros, cons, and expert opinions.
GETTING TO KNOW THE COLT MUSTANG 380
Before we jump into the reviews, let's take a moment to appreciate what makes the Colt Mustang tick. This pint-sized pistol packs a punch with its .380 ACP caliber and familiar 1911-style controls. It's lightweight, easy to conceal, and perfect for those looking for a reliable everyday carry option.
COLT MUSTANG DESIGN AND FEATURES
The Colt Mustang's design is a thing of beauty, with its sleek lines and compact frame. I remember the first time I held one—it fit perfectly in my hand. The controls are intuitive, making it a breeze to operate even in high-pressure situations.
COLT 380 MUSTANG SPECIFICATIONS
Here are some quick specs to give you a better idea of what the Colt Mustang brings to the table:
- Model Name: Colt Mustang
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Action: Single-action
- Weight (Unloaded): 18.5 oz.
- Capacity: 6 rounds
- Overall Width: 1.06 inches
- Overall Length: 5.5 inches
- Overall Height: 3.9 inches
- Barrel Length: 2.75 inches
- Frame Material: Stainless steel
- Safety: Manual thumb safety
- Sights: Fixed low-profile sights
- MSRP: $508
COLT MUSTANG PROS AND CONS
PROS
- Compact Size: The Colt Mustang's small size makes it easy to carry concealed or as a backup weapon.
- Familiar Controls: With its 1911-style controls, the Mustang offers a familiar shooting experience for enthusiasts.
- Reliable Performance: Despite its size, the Mustang delivers consistent performance and reliability.
- Accurate: Shooters appreciate the accuracy of the Mustang, allowing for precise shooting even at shorter distances.
- Comfortable Ergonomics: The pistol's grip and ergonomics make it comfortable to hold and shoot for extended periods.
CONS
- Small Sights: Some users may find the Mustang's sights to be too small, impacting target acquisition.
- Potential Grip Issues: Shooters with larger hands may experience difficulty getting a secure grip on the pistol.
- Reliability Quirks: While generally reliable, some users have reported occasional feeding issues with certain ammunition types.
- Limited Capacity: With a capacity of 6 rounds, the Mustang may not offer as much firepower as larger pistols.
- Break-In Period: Some users have noted that the Mustang requires a break-in period to function optimally, which may be a drawback for those looking for immediate reliability.
Now that we've got the pros and cons laid out, let's see what the experts have to say about the Colt Mustang.
COLT MUSTANG 380 REVIEWS
AMERICAN RIFLEMAN REVIEW
The American Rifleman had some interesting insights to share about the Colt Mustang. The guys praised its size and weight. With a magazine capacity of 6+1 rounds and a weight of approximately 19 ounces, they feel that the Colt Mustang remains a compact and reliable option for concealed carry or range use. These folks also indicated that despite its compact dimensions and lightweight construction, the Mustang offers a surprisingly comfortable shooting experience, attributed to its well-designed grip frame and responsive single-action trigger. However, the American Rifleman did encounter that, unlike its predecessor, the Mustang lacked a barrel bushing or spring plug.
GUNS.COM REVIEW
The folks from Guns.com took the Colt Mustang for a spin and came back with some glowing reviews. They were impressed by its accuracy and comfortable ergonomics, making it a joy to shoot even at distances of 21 feet. Despite initial stiffness and skepticism, the Mustang's performance quickly impresses upon closer inspection. The Guns.com guys think that with a blend of traditional aesthetics and modern reliability, the Colt Mustang stands out among its .380 counterparts, offering shooters a compact yet powerful solution for personal defense.
SIGHT M1911 REVIEW
Ray from Sight M1911 took the Mustang to the range and fired 200 rounds without any failures to feed. The gun exhibited surprising accuracy at 25 feet, though the safety lever proved prone to accidental engagement during recoil, easily remedied by adjusting the shooting technique. There were no issues with magazine retention or slide release, further solidifying his positive impression of the Colt Mustang .380 as a reliable and effective self-defense option, lamenting Colt's discontinuation of such a "classy" firearm.
SHOOTING ILLUSTRATED REVIEW
George from Shooting Illustrated used to be a beat cop and carried the Colt Mustang every day. After years of service, he noticed a progressively harder trigger pull and eventual failure to fire after several magazines. The friction buildup from debris and contaminants in the pistol's inner workings. Recommending a thorough detail strip, cleaning, and inspection, George advises checking for wear, replacing suspect parts, and lubricating key areas. Just remember, gun maintenance is essential for ensuring the safety, reliability, and longevity of firearms, as well as optimizing their performance during use.
COLT MUSTANG.380 REVIEWS - PERSONAL ASSESSMENT
Now, let's talk about my personal experience with the Colt Mustang 380. I've had the pleasure of putting this little gem through its paces, and I have to say, I'm impressed. It's become my go-to option for everyday carry, thanks to its reliability, accuracy, and comfortable ergonomics.
COLT MUSTANG 380 - RELIABILITY
In my time with the Colt 380 Mustang, I've encountered very few reliability issues. It's proven to be a dependable companion, whether I'm at the range or out and about. Of course, it's always important to put any firearm through its paces and ensure it performs reliably under various conditions.
COLT 380 MUSTANG - ACCURACY
I've found the Colt Mustang 380 to be surprisingly accurate for its size. It's easy to keep on target, even during rapid-fire drills. The sights are small, but with a bit of practice, I've been able to achieve consistent groupings at various distances.
COLT MUSTANG - ERGONOMICS
One of the things I love most about the Colt 380 Mustang is how it feels in my hand. It's comfortable to grip and easy to control, even during extended shooting sessions. The controls are well-placed and intuitive, making it a pleasure to operate.
COLT.380 MUSTANG REVIEWS - FAQ
No, the Colt Mustang is not a traditional 1911 pistol, but it does share many design elements and controls with the iconic 1911 platform. It's often referred to as a "mini" or "pocket" 1911 due to its compact size and similar features.
The Colt Mustang chambered in .380 ACP typically holds 6 rounds in the magazine, with an additional round in the chamber, bringing the total capacity to 6+1 rounds.
The trigger pull weight of a Colt Mustang can vary slightly depending on factors such as manufacturing tolerances and individual preferences. However, on average, the trigger pull weight of a Colt Mustang is around 6-7 pounds.
The price of a Colt Mustang chambered in .380 ACP can vary depending on factors such as the condition, model (original or newer production), and any additional features or accessories included. On average, you can expect to pay between $500 to $800 for a new Colt Mustang, while used models may range from $400 to $600, depending on their condition and rarity. It's always a good idea to shop around and compare prices from different retailers or sellers to find the best deal.
COLT 380 MUSTANG REVIEWS - CONCLUSION
The Colt Mustang is a worthy contender in the world of compact pistols. It offers a perfect blend of reliability, accuracy, and comfort, making it an ideal option for everyday carry and personal defense. While it may have its quirks, as all firearms do, its positives far outweigh any negatives. And do not forget that a quality Colt Mustang 380 holster ensures that your pistol remains safely by your side, ready for action. So if you're in the market for a reliable and compact pistol, be sure to give the Colt Mustang a closer look. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.