Colt said it would halt producing for the consumer market.

[Crapshoot]

Here we go.

Colt to Suspend Production of AR-15 Rifles for Consumers (Published 2019)

The gun manufacturer said the market had an adequate supply of sporting rifles and it would focus on its military and law enforcement contracts instead.

www.nytimes.com

 

[tdhanses]

Well if they have enough government business I can see the business desire to stick to that. The consumer gun market has so many highs and lows the market gets flooded and then come the first talk of ban nothing is available, not really a stable manufacturing market.

 

[Rob5589]

Sounds like they are folding under some sort of pressure. No worries, plenty of other brands to spend your money on.

 

[Wmmichael20]

There's so many ar manufacturers now that are just as good but at half the price or less than Colt. I'm betting my money on their lack of sales and small share of the market made the decision easy for them to make.

 

[Couzklr]

They are only haulting the production on AR rifles the rest of production is not stopping

 

[Midwest.Bushlore]

I read elsewhere that they have a huge backlog of foreign orders to fill. Anyone looking for a serious rifle will probably buy a BCM or DD, not much room for mid-level quality at top shelf prices.

 

[SniperHunter]

Colt Statement Regarding Cessation Of Commercial AR-15 Production
September 19th, 2019
Company Response to Questions about Colt Participation in Consumer Markets

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (September 19th, 2019) – There have been numerous articles recently published about Colt’s participation in the commercial rifle market. Some of these articles have incorrectly stated or implied that Colt is not committed to the consumer market. We want to assure you that Colt is committed to the Second Amendment, highly values its customers and continues to manufacture the world’s finest quality firearms for the consumer market.

The fact of the matter is that over the last few years, the market for modern sporting rifles has experienced significant excess manufacturing capacity. Given this level of manufacturing capacity, we believe there is adequate supply for modern sporting rifles for the foreseeable future.

On the other hand, our warfighters and law enforcement personnel continue to demand Colt rifles and we are fortunate enough to have been awarded significant military and law enforcement contracts. Currently, these high-volume contracts are absorbing all of Colt’s manufacturing capacity for rifles. Colt’s commitment to the consumer markets, however, is unwavering. We continue to expand our network of dealers across the country and to supply them with expanding lines of the finest quality 1911s and revolvers.

At the end of the day, we believe it is good sense to follow consumer demand and to adjust as market dynamics change. Colt has been a stout supporter of the Second Amendment for over 180 years, remains so, and will continue to provide its customers with the finest quality firearms in the world.

Very respectfully,

Dennis Veilleux, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

[Reburn]

I love this marketing strategy.

Create a demand by telling people that they won't be able to get anymore so everyone goes out of their minds buying. Also add this is what LEO and MIL uses so the 5.11 tacticool guys have to have.

Keep slipping inventory into the market since they are flying off the shelves.

Cue the ebay guys saying "last batch", "Pre-Ban" or "historical" and tripling the price.

Then when you reintroduce them give a $50 upgrade and charge 50% more.

Sometimes I almost fall for it too. When I read the article my first thought was geeze I don't have a colt ar in my safe. Then I remembered why.........

 

[Matt W.]

@Reburn I think you nailed it on the head.... Good marketing strategy, they will get all the buzz for a few years, let the market ebb and flow and then slip inventory in at a HIGHER margin just to keep the conversation live..

 

[5MilesBack]

If Americans REALLY believed in and supported the 2nd Amendment, Colt would only be producing one type of rifle, and those rifles could be sent to the military, law enforcement, or civilians as demand predicated. There would be no reason for a "civilian model".

 

[sram9102]

It's not like any knowledgeable person who actually wanted to shoot their rifle has been buying colts recently...

 

[jspradley]

Timing is unfortunate but understandable from a business perspective.

I can't even remember the last new Colt rifle I've seen on the shelf in a gun store...

 

[welpro222]

Colt hasn't made a quality firearm for a long time. It's been focused on selling and licensing it's name to other gun manufactures. FN has taken over most military contracts, so Colt must be selling us some smoke about that.

 

[flatlanderhuffandpuff]

Just a business decision. I saw a quote from one of their higher ups about how the AR market is too saturated for them to compete.

Whatever. There are plenty of other options that are better bang for the buck.

 

[Whaledriver]

Just another example of lawyers running a business. Limit liability....period.

 

[Slim79x]

Refreshing that this thread lacks the recreational outrage i've seen on a few other forums i frequent. Cheers to nuanced thought!

 

[CorbLand]

I have worked in a sporting goods store for 5 years and been at the gun counter for a little over 1. Until last night, I cant remember the last time anyone came in and requested a Colt AR.

Sounds like a good way to bow out of a market they cant compete in. The AR market is very saturated, we have so many under brands nobody has ever heard of its not even funny.

 

[DAOutfitters208]

AR manufacturers are like Micro Breweries, they are every where! This is a business decision pure and simple.

 

[EastMT]

AR market is so over supplied, they are not selling well in most places. I was talking to a shop owner the other day, he said even if there is a mother gun grab panic he doesn’t see it picking up much. He said everyone who wanted one or didn’t want one bought one between 2008-2016. After the election it just died off, not moving them at all. Seems pretty smart business decision to me with all the competition and lack of sales


I have yet to be begin to procrastinate.

 

[welpro222]

Oh there will always be a just turned 18 years old (or 21 now in some states) that will want to buy a shiny new toy.