The 1911 is generally considered a classic pistol. After all, it has a long history and a number of features that many people still like after all these years. And that’s why you can find manufacturers bringing out new variations (often cosmetic, as in stainless steel on the visible frame, etc.) that still retain that essential, classic 1911 style.
But many people don’t own a 1911 because they are too large for many people to carry on a daily basis. They are a full-sized pistol, and the U.S. military used them for years as side arms for members of the Armed Forces, not as everyday concealed carry pistols. For many people, that’s a deal breaker (and the higher prices for many 1911s these days also is a damper for those primarily wanting firearms for self-protection and not for collecting).
What if, though, there was a 1911 that was pocket-sized? No, really, if you could carry a 1911 that fit in your pocket, would that interest you?
One manufacturer asked that very question, it seems. Dave Luu writes,
Enter my test gun: the Colt Mustang .380 ACP. If you don’t know the Mustang, it is basically a super-small version of the 1911 chambered in .380 ACP. Released in 1986, the single-action Mustang was a chopped-down variant of the Colt Mark IV/ Series 80 Government Model -.380 Auto, which itself was a small .380 version of the 1911.
The Mustang kept the firing mechanism of the 1911 and Government Model .380, but it removed the barrel bushing, grip safety, and recoil spring plug, instead going with a dual captured recoil spring mechanism supported by a full-length synthetic guide rod.
It’s much more like a modern pistol than the 1911. There is no grip safety. The dual captured recoil spring makes takedown easier than on the 1911. Even though it has a thumb safety, you can rack the slide, check the chamber and take the gun down with the safety on, unlike on the 1911. This makes the Mustang a little bit safer and easier to use than the 1911.
Luu noted the following pros and cons of the Colt Mustang Plus II that he tested:
Pros:
– Small size is easily concealable
– Crisp trigger
– Extended grip fills the hand
– Slide is easy to rack
– Durable steel construction
– 7+1 capacity in micro-compact concealed carry size
Cons:
– Sights are small for my eyes
– Accuracy lacking over 10 yards
– Possible reliability issues with three stoppages over 300 rounds
– Can be pricey, as it’s no longer in production
You can watch this pistol in action in the video below.
All said, it sounds like Luu likes this model as a backup from his regular carry (he mentioned that he typically carries AIWB0 but likes a pocket pistol if he just needs to run out quickly without getting everything together for normal concealed carry).
Whether this is a good pistol for you to consider will, obviously, depend on your needs and wants.
If you’re looking for a pocket 1911, though, it may be worth taking the time to find a Colt Mustang for yourself.
