Colt introduced the now-iconic Mustang pocket pistol in 1983. Three years later the Connecticut-based manufacturer introduced a PocketLite version. The small semi was beloved by owners but a damp squib commercially. Colt revived the PocketLite in 2011— just in time to miss the .380 craze. And now that Ruger’s sold twenty trillion LCPs (and LC9s) Colt’s rolling out their polymer Mustang XSP. “The new XSP takes the best of its predecessor models and adds features that will make it appealing to an even wider customer base,” Colt Marketing Veep Joyce Rubino proclaims in her presser. Specifically, Colt reckons the XSP (also the IATA code for Seletar Airport) has ergonomic advantages over its Ruger and SIG SAUER competition . . .
Taking advantage of the polymer grip frame, the most noticeable features of the XSP model revolve around optimizing grip comfort and utility. A molded thumb perch under the safeties lets the gun sit easily and comfortably in hands of all sizes. A special enhanced cut behind the trigger guard also helps the gun sit lower in the user’s hand. Blended safety and sidestop profiles, as well as enhanced texturing on the front and back strap, provide increased comfort and create a snag-free profile.
While some basic features of the Mustang Pocketlite, such as size, magazine and slide, continue in the Mustang XSP, numerous changes to the new model reflect customer sentiment. This includes upgrading the front sight on the XSP to a dovetailed design that is more visible to the user. The slide serrations on the XSP have been enhanced to offer an improved grip when working the slide. The XSP also features ambidextrous safeties, rather than the typical single sided safety. Two additional changes are an integral 3/8” accessory rail below the dust cover, and a squared off trigger guard that will allow for easy mounting of lasers and lights to enhance personal protection capabilities.
The Mustang XSP is constructed of an ultra-durable engineered polymer, making it the lightest-weight of all the Mustang models at less than 12 ounces. The slide and barrel are machined from stainless steel bar stock, and the slide has a blackened finish. The XSP has a 6-round magazine capacity, is chambered in .380 Auto and has a recommended retail of $649.
Whoa. Six-and-a-half bills? You can get a slim and trim 9.4 ounce Ruger LCP for $379. Not the same, obviously. But it fires the same cartridge and does so reliably. You pays your money . . .