Intro
Discover the Colt Double Eagle, a iconic 90s handgun that revolutionized the firearms industry. Learn about its features, specifications, and impact on the market. Explore the Double Eagles performance, reliability, and styling, and find out why it remains a sought-after collectible among gun enthusiasts and collectors today.
The Colt Double Eagle is a semi-automatic pistol that was produced by Colt's Manufacturing Company from 1989 to 1997. During its production run, the Double Eagle gained a reputation as a reliable and accurate handgun, making it a popular choice among firearms enthusiasts. In this article, we'll delve into the history of the Colt Double Eagle, its design and features, and what made it an iconic handgun of the 1990s.
A Brief History of the Colt Double Eagle
The Colt Double Eagle was first introduced in 1989 as a more affordable alternative to Colt's flagship pistol, the Colt 1911. At the time, the 1911 was a highly sought-after handgun, but its price point made it inaccessible to many firearms enthusiasts. The Double Eagle was designed to fill this gap, offering a high-quality pistol at a lower price point.
The Double Eagle was initially available in 9mm and.45 ACP calibers, with subsequent models chambered in.38 Super and 10mm. The pistol was produced until 1997, when it was discontinued due to declining sales.
Design and Features
The Colt Double Eagle was a recoil-operated, semi-automatic pistol that featured a stainless steel slide and frame. The pistol's design was influenced by the Colt 1911, with a similar grip angle and trigger mechanism. However, the Double Eagle had a number of distinct features that set it apart from its predecessor.
One of the most notable features of the Double Eagle was its trigger mechanism. The pistol featured a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger, which allowed the user to fire the pistol in double-action mode (without cocking the hammer) or single-action mode (with the hammer cocked). This trigger mechanism was designed to provide a smooth, consistent trigger pull, making it easier for users to shoot accurately.
The Double Eagle also featured a decocking lever, which allowed users to safely lower the hammer without firing the pistol. This feature was particularly useful for law enforcement and military users, who often needed to safely decock their pistols in high-stress situations.
Performance and Reliability
The Colt Double Eagle was known for its excellent performance and reliability. The pistol's stainless steel construction made it highly resistant to corrosion, and its recoil-operated design provided a smooth, consistent cycling action.
In terms of accuracy, the Double Eagle was highly praised by firearms enthusiasts. The pistol's barrel was precision-machined to provide a tight, consistent fit with the slide, resulting in excellent accuracy and groupings.
One of the most significant advantages of the Double Eagle was its reliability. The pistol's design and construction made it highly resistant to jamming and other malfunctions, making it a popular choice among law enforcement and military users.
Impact on the Firearms Industry
The Colt Double Eagle had a significant impact on the firearms industry, particularly in the 1990s. At the time, the pistol market was dominated by Glock and other polymer-framed pistols, which were known for their lightweight design and affordability.
However, the Double Eagle offered a more traditional alternative to these pistols, with its stainless steel construction and DA/SA trigger mechanism. The pistol's popularity among firearms enthusiasts helped to establish Colt as a major player in the pistol market, and paved the way for future models like the Colt 1991 and Colt Defender.
Collectibility and Legacy
Today, the Colt Double Eagle is a highly sought-after collector's item among firearms enthusiasts. The pistol's rarity and historical significance make it a valuable addition to any firearms collection, particularly for those interested in Colt pistols.
In terms of its legacy, the Double Eagle played an important role in establishing Colt as a major player in the pistol market. The pistol's innovative design and features helped to pave the way for future models, and its popularity among firearms enthusiasts helped to establish the Double Eagle as an iconic handgun of the 1990s.
Comparison to Other Pistols
The Colt Double Eagle is often compared to other pistols of its era, including the Glock 19 and Smith & Wesson 5906. While these pistols were popular among law enforcement and military users, the Double Eagle offered a more traditional alternative with its stainless steel construction and DA/SA trigger mechanism.
In terms of performance and reliability, the Double Eagle was highly praised by firearms enthusiasts, and was often compared to other high-end pistols like the SIG Sauer P226.
Conclusion
The Colt Double Eagle is a highly iconic handgun that played an important role in the firearms industry during the 1990s. Its innovative design and features, combined with its excellent performance and reliability, made it a popular choice among firearms enthusiasts.
Today, the Double Eagle is a highly sought-after collector's item, and its legacy continues to be felt in the firearms industry. Whether you're a seasoned firearms enthusiast or just starting to build your collection, the Colt Double Eagle is an excellent choice for anyone interested in high-quality pistols.
Colt Double Eagle Image Gallery
What is the Colt Double Eagle?
+The Colt Double Eagle is a semi-automatic pistol that was produced by Colt's Manufacturing Company from 1989 to 1997.
What calibers was the Colt Double Eagle available in?
+The Colt Double Eagle was available in 9mm,.45 ACP,.38 Super, and 10mm calibers.
What is the significance of the Colt Double Eagle?
+The Colt Double Eagle played an important role in establishing Colt as a major player in the pistol market, and its innovative design and features made it a popular choice among firearms enthusiasts.