Bah. What's wrong with a company that sticks with the products that they do best?
Because new consumers have different needs and the wants and needs of existing consumers changes.
The needs of entry level shooters are often much different than experienced shooters. For new shooters simple is best until they learn the basic skills of shooting. The 1911 (God bless John Browning) is not generally considered to be a good choice for new shooters.
In long guns, what do we need from Colt aside from AR-15 variants? Colt does a great M-4 at a competitive price.
Well I have no need for a AR. I have one .223 carbine that I have shot once or twice. Basically the only reason I own it is for when things collapse. I do have needs and wants for pistol and rifle cartridge lever guns, bolt action rifle and shotguns.
If by innovation you mean gimmickry such as many Taurus offerings, guns that come in different colors or shoot several different types of cartridges (Judge, Governor) yet are truly impractical for any application, Colt isn't your company.
Your lack of desire and knowledge of these products do not make them “gimmickry” for others as well as your perception that they are “truly impractical for any application.”
For example the Judge and Governor have come a long way since they were first introduced. The 45 Colt was and still is a very effective self-defense round. It was THE MANSTOPPER until the .357 magnum was introduced in 1935.
There has been a lot of shotshell loads designed especially for use in these handguns. Youtube has a number of videos testing these guns and their effectiveness with shotshells
Many of us have multidimensional lives and have many needs and wants. The fact that my needs and wants are different than yours does not make me “gimmickry” or “totally impractical.”
Prairie rattlesnakes are a common species where I live and their bite is very toxic. In fact people in my area have died from their bite despite major medical hospitals nearby. In addition they post a threat to pets and livestock.
Shotshell loads in 22 and 38 are a joke. There isn't any way I am getting that close to a rattler. I have some homemade 45 Colt loads. Since I am going to pack a 45 Colt revolver it isn't much of a step up to a .410 with a lot more shot.
If Colt is lacking in any area, it's marketing. Well, and also its failure to bring back those awesome wheelguns.
Really now.
How about a broader selection of small semi-autos for conceal carry?
Voo Doo’s favorite the Colt 1903 / 1908 Models in .32 and .380 is a ideal candidate for reintroduction. Nice and flat for carry with a just enough size to make them easier to grip and shoot accurately.
How about small revolvers for conceal carry to compete with J-Frames from S&W, Taurus and Rossi?
How about filling the need for a 6 shot revolver built on a smaller frame and weight of the S&W K-Frame and Taurus?
The Colt Police Positive and Detective Special are slightly smaller and lighter in weight than the K-Frame. My wife absolutely loves her P.P.S.
How about revolvers meeting the needs of sportsmen and hunters? I have no idea how many people actually shoot .480 and .500 calibers revolvers but Ruger and S&W sell a bunch of them.
Colt could get a lot of new product ideas by simply visiting this forum.
