Colt Mustang XSP Review

Colt Mustang Pocketlite Review

One of the most recognizable names in the firearms industry, Colt, reintroduced one of its most famous models for its 175th anniversary in 2011. And the re-release couldn't have been timed better, seeing that noted firearm manufacturer Sig Sauer was dominating the market with its P238, which is based on the Mustang's architecture.

With Colt's Vice President Joyce Rubino personally assuring that the Pocketlite is even better than the original, the model has a lot of weight to carry on its shoulders. After all, the original was a revolution in the firearms game, decades ahead of its own time in terms of features. Let's see if the pocketlite can live up to its ancestor's reputation.

The Mustang is perhaps one of the lightest guns on the market, weighing less than a pound with a loaded magazine. The extended beavertail is an added advantage for the short recoil system which the model boasts of, as the sliding bar can travel way back.

Added to the gun is a firing pin safety pin, which along with the lightweight and minimal dimensions of the model, make it quite convenient to carry around. Adding to the convenience factor is the short single action trigger, which make it easier to fire quick rounds of up to 7 rounds. The magazine can hold 6 rounds, with one in the chamber. However, there is no magazine disconnect, so you will have to manually remove the magazine in order to empty the chamber. This can be a bit of a nuisance.

The Colt Mustang provides a firm and natural grip, thanks to the design considerations. Even though the Mustang isn't really regarded as a primary weapon for self defense, it has been used for that purpose for more than 100 years.

The revamped Pocketlite might carry the same ancestral heritage as its forefathers, but in terms of usage, it completely feels like a different gun, with a superior finish and the slide to fit frame. Perhaps the most noteworthy distinction is the contrasting slide and the rest of the body with a combination of matte black and aluminum alloy finish.

You may have figured out from the minimal dimensions and the "Pocketlite" moniker that the mustang is intended for use as a pocket carry firearm. Over the rounds that were fired, not a single malfunction was noted. However, we do feel that the recoil recovery could have been improved upon, as it was quite tedious to aim as the shots fired at 1 second intervals. The Colt Mustang Pocketlite was never intended for long range use, being good for use in under 21 feet.

The Colt Pocketlite, given its size, offers a powerful feature set for anyone looking for an easy to carry pocket gun. The fit and finish are one of the primary reasons you should be considering this gun, along with the established brand name that is Colt, which guarantees smooth power delivery and top of the line finish.

Model: POCKETLITE

Action: SAO

Caliber: 380 ACP

Overall Length: 5.50"

Overall Height: 3.90"

Overall Width: 1.00"

Barrel Length: 2.75"

Sights: 3-Dot

Capacity: 6 + 1

Weight: 12.50 oz.