Discussion on Hunter's and OD*'s Pilgrimage to Hartford

[John]

Please use this thread to discuss Hunter's article on his visit to Hartford and to Colt's factory, as it just appeared in our E-zine.

Thanks

[dakota1911]

Hmmm. Is that why Mark left?

[Justin]

Great article Hunter. I enjoyed reading it. Thank you for the history lesson as well.

[daveohno]

Nice article, lots of info and good pictures.

[Rich-D]

Great Article! Wish I tagged along to Hartford.

[Phil]

Thanks Hunter and OD*

Great article - an enjoyable read and very informative - didn't realize that Hunter was such an accomplished wordsmith

But I wish that you had included a picture of your entire party (Hunter, Mr. & Ms. OD*, Hawk, and the Colt folks). If you took one, perhaps you could post it?

[Jeffrey]

The vast majority of the employees were older, skilled craftsmen and craftswomen. While that is beneficial to producing a quality product and instills a sense of pride, who will fill their shoes when they retire? All of the folks we met were extremely nice and accommodating but I would have liked to see younger apprentices learning the trade. I know Colt has a high standard of who builds their firearms but I am hoping they can continue as the employees change.

Having seen first hand the ever changing technology in manufacturing, it amazes me how Colt can continue to produce an outstanding product. I now see it is not just the machines, but the skilled employees who take pride in their work, is what makes Colt who they were and who they are today. Great article, Hunter.

[Rio Vista Slim]

Hunter,
Thank you for a most informative and well photographed article. Your tour of the Colt facilities and the museum reenforces my desires to visit the northeast portion of our country one day.

As you, OD*, and John (in a previous tour) observed, a lack of apprentice employes makes me concerned about the future of Colt's civilian operations. While I have no doubt about the quality of arms coming out of the Colt factory at the present time, an aging workforce without apparent replacements does not bode well for the next generation. Let's hope a plan is in place to continue the Colt legacy.

Thank you again for a well written and knowledgable article.

[garrettwc]

Excellent article guys. It was both entertaining and informative. The more I read about Colt the more amazed by them I am. As the article stated then entire factory is one big custom shop, and yet they can produce affordable quality 1911s.

I've said this before, but in the world of 1911s (and AR15/M4s for that matter). There is Colt and there is everybody else.

I share other's concerns about their future as the workforce ages. My hope is they are working with the area vocational schools on scholarships or apprenticeships to bring new blood into the system.

This is one of my favorite comments from the article:

There were greeted by another set of metal detectors that must be cleared and, to its right; was the security office where we had the pleasure of talking to several security officers who then issued the three of us our safety glasses. I looked around and noticed a lot of Colt memorabilia that would look great in my house.

Do you get the feeling that they have to do the same kind of advance work and prep for Hunter's arrival in Connecticut that the Secret Service does when the president travels?

[Hunter]

Thanks yall. I really have to give OD credit for the polishing and punctuiation. I sent him the rough draft along with a prayer and he got it squared away (not to mention reminded me of many details). Hawk really helped with his editing as well, they are the ones that make the difference.
I will agree with yall, though I did see a few younger employees polishing parts there were not very many. I feel sure Colt will be around for the long haul (they have been with us too long to back out now) but it does require a skilled hand to run the machines that make these guns happen.
I did notice a few CMC machines in the factory. They could be easing into the 21st century slowly. I am hopeful for Colt and know they won't let us down.
As far as the Colt memorabilia, I was surprised they did not assign someone specifically to watch me. They have some great Colt stuff at Colt (imagine that )