"Field Tested and Reviewed Gear"
Colt Mustang
Colt Mustang
In 1986 Colt introduced a smaller, lighter and somewhat simplified version of the Government Model .380, the Mustang. While the firing mechanism was identical, the Mustang design eliminated its predecessor’s barrel bushing and spring plug. The new gun also featured a dual recoil spring rather than the .380 Government’s single coil spring, and incorporated a flexible synthetic full-length recoil spring guide positioned in a hole in the slide face. The Mustang measured ½ inches shorter in both height and length, was 3 ounces lighter in weight, and with a six-round magazine capacity, held one fewer round than the Government .380. (Credit American Rifleman)
In 1999 Colt discontinued the Mustang and in 2009 Sig Sauer introduced the Sig P238. The P238 is just a Colt Mustang but with the familiar Sig Sauer slide. Happily Colt re-introduced the Colt Mustang Pocketlite in 2011.
Our Colt Mustang is an older one purchased back in 1995. The Mustang holds 6 rounds of .380, is single action and is really just a small version of a 1911. The one difference I like is while on a 1911 the safety works in a “cocked and locked” design, the Mustang safety can engage with the hammer down or cocked.
One of the main reasons I picked up this gun back in the day is because it was one of the few .380 pistols where the slide could be locked back. Most of the .380’s didn’t have that feature.
Years ago when I went to qualify for my CCW, the range master, who dwelled in the basement gun range under the San Diego Court house, was more than excited for me to qualify with this gun. You were allowed three guns on your permit but only had to qualify with one of them. I still remember him saying “it jams…you fail”. When I inquired as to why he thought it would jam, his reply was “years ago the female Sheriffs were issued those and they all jammed” Well mine didn’t. And to this day…after 1,000’s of rounds fired through it, I can only remember it jamming twice. Not too shabby.
Last year I had the springs in the gun replaced, not because I was having problems, but she was an old gun and I just felt it was time. Then a few months back I had it Cerakoted in Desert tan and FDE. I was inspired by the new Sig Sauer P238.
As for shooting it, well if my target is within 15 feet of me, I will hit it just by pointing and shooting. Any further than that and I really have to line up the sights. At 25 yards, lining up the sights, I can still get into the 8 or 7 ring.
It’s nice to see Colt brought back the Mustang, I think it’s a great little pocket or back-up gun.
Have fun shooting!
As always, if you have questions, comments or just feel like yelling at us…please drop us an email at info@roughgearreview.com
In 1986 Colt introduced a smaller, lighter and somewhat simplified version of the Government Model .380, the Mustang. While the firing mechanism was identical, the Mustang design eliminated its predecessor’s barrel bushing and spring plug. The new gun also featured a dual recoil spring rather than the .380 Government’s single coil spring, and incorporated a flexible synthetic full-length recoil spring guide positioned in a hole in the slide face. The Mustang measured ½ inches shorter in both height and length, was 3 ounces lighter in weight, and with a six-round magazine capacity, held one fewer round than the Government .380. (Credit American Rifleman)
In 1999 Colt discontinued the Mustang and in 2009 Sig Sauer introduced the Sig P238. The P238 is just a Colt Mustang but with the familiar Sig Sauer slide. Happily Colt re-introduced the Colt Mustang Pocketlite in 2011.
Our Colt Mustang is an older one purchased back in 1995. The Mustang holds 6 rounds of .380, is single action and is really just a small version of a 1911. The one difference I like is while on a 1911 the safety works in a “cocked and locked” design, the Mustang safety can engage with the hammer down or cocked.
One of the main reasons I picked up this gun back in the day is because it was one of the few .380 pistols where the slide could be locked back. Most of the .380’s didn’t have that feature.
Years ago when I went to qualify for my CCW, the range master, who dwelled in the basement gun range under the San Diego Court house, was more than excited for me to qualify with this gun. You were allowed three guns on your permit but only had to qualify with one of them. I still remember him saying “it jams…you fail”. When I inquired as to why he thought it would jam, his reply was “years ago the female Sheriffs were issued those and they all jammed” Well mine didn’t. And to this day…after 1,000’s of rounds fired through it, I can only remember it jamming twice. Not too shabby.
Last year I had the springs in the gun replaced, not because I was having problems, but she was an old gun and I just felt it was time. Then a few months back I had it Cerakoted in Desert tan and FDE. I was inspired by the new Sig Sauer P238.
As for shooting it, well if my target is within 15 feet of me, I will hit it just by pointing and shooting. Any further than that and I really have to line up the sights. At 25 yards, lining up the sights, I can still get into the 8 or 7 ring.
It’s nice to see Colt brought back the Mustang, I think it’s a great little pocket or back-up gun.
Have fun shooting!
As always, if you have questions, comments or just feel like yelling at us…please drop us an email at info@roughgearreview.com
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