What breaks on Colt Pony?

[Bob79]

I still can't stop thinking about getting a Colt Pony .380, I just got the itch. I called a place and they have a Pony Pocketlite that is supposed to be in good condition for under $400.

When I do searches I see McDougal and Crews Custom offering Carry packages for $250+. So what is the deal, do these things really need these packages? I read some where they have plastic guide rods, and people often replace them? Also read something about a weak slide stop or something to that affect, is that right? Are there any specific problems that this gun is prone to, parts that are culprits?

I am VERY new to this pistol, so anyone who knows them who can explain would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Bob79]

Spoke w/ Colt

I just got off the phone w/ Colt Customer Service. I told them I was thinking of getting a used Pony and asked about repair should a problem arise with it. They said they will fix the gun, but that I would be billed of course.

I've got no problems with paying to have something repaired that is broken, especially when buying used. It just makes looking at that Pony for a purchase that much more tempting. Think if I came in with cash they would come down on the price?

 

[greg531mi]

Bob, the only problem is the slide stop comes out, if you are not careful, and the mag release will release if pushed. Other than the finish that wears off because of holster use...buy it or get a Rohrbaugh for twice the money....as soon as Wisconsin's CCW law becomes law, prices will shoot up, it happened here in Michigan.....

 

[Tamara]

Some I've seen have, um, less than positive engagement between the locking lugs and the slide. Try and examine these areas before you buy.

(A friend had one that was, in essence, an un-repairable blowback .380... )

 

[jamz]

I just picked one up two weeks ago, and have 150 rounds or so through it.

So far, the only thing that has happened is that after 30-40 continuous rounds, the trigger pivot pin comes halfway out. I suppose if I kept shooting it, the pin would fall out entirely, disabling the gun (actually, I tried this- I took the pin out and tried pulling the trigger- it actually operated the hammer maybe 1 out of 4 tries)

The pin does not come out under carry conditions, just when shooting for a bit.

Other than that, great little pistol. You just should not get into any extended gunfights with it. :/

My slide stop has pretty positive engagement, and there isn't any wear at the slide stop cutout on the slide. The trigger is very, very hard. Fine for a pocket pistol I guess, but I wouldn't want to have to shoot anything at 25 yards.

Apparently the McDougal guys are out of business, I haven't seen any working links to them. In the pocket, this pistol is very comfy, light, and unobtrusive with it's pocket holster (custom Ahern that it came with). I've carried it every day at work where it's pretty anti-gun. In an IWB holster however, it's a little uncomfortable for me, some of the edges seem to dig into my...er... extra flesh aroung the middle.

Hope this helps. Overall, I like the gun a lot for what it is supposed to do.

-james

 

[Tim L]

Hi, there is a gunsmith in the south florida area that does a lot of work on the Mustangs and Ponys, the final product is very similar to the McDougall pieces. I recently purchased a Pony that he had done. I believe he is a Colt certified Smith. I don't have his card handy, but I'll post his info this weekend if anyone is interested.

 

[Shmackey]

McDougall's not out of business--he's just solo now:

http://www.sonic.net/gunsmith/