By Duane A. Daiker
https://www.coltsmfg.com/Catalog/ColtPistols/Colt380Mustang®.aspx
The XSP’s slide and barrel are machined from stainless steel with a black diamond-like carbon finish. Note the tiny rail on the dust cover that will undoubtedly accommodate a weapon light or laser in the future.
In 1982, Colt introduced the Mustang—a lightweight, single-action .380 ACP with a design very similar to the Colt 1911. The Mustang was an instant classic and was extremely popular as a back-up or off-duty gun for law enforcement officers. For a long time, it was hard to even find one to purchase. Colt produced the Mustang in a number of different versions before ultimately discontinuing it in the late nineties, when the company shifted its focus to military sales. As the demand for small, concealed-carry guns has skyrocketed in recent years, the market for used Mustangs has been very strong. Many of us have wondered over the past decade—why doesn’t Colt bring back the Mustang? Then in 2012, after a long hiatus, the Mustang officially rejoined the Colt stable. The new Mustang Pocketlight was an alloy-frame Mustang that revived the model line. The new Pocketlight met with rave reviews, but Colt did not rest on the old-school design. In 2013, Colt innovated with the new Mustang XSP—a polymer-framed version of the classic Mustang .380 auto-pistol.
At first glance, the XSP closely resembles the original Colt Mustang. The pistol is small—only about 5.5 inches long and less than 12 ounces empty. With a capacity of 6+1 rounds, the XSP is perfectly sized for pocket carry or other deep concealment methods.
The thumb safety is ambidextrous.
There is no grip safety, just a nicely checkered back strap.
Interestingly, however, the incorporation of a polymer frame really transforms this classic pistol into a modern marvel. First, the polymer frame saves about an ounce of weight over the alloy-frame Pocketlite model. When you are carrying in a pocket, every ounce counts, and the weight saving is noticeable. The polymer grip also feels great in the hand, with checkering in all the right places. The grip features an undercut trigger guard to help get the most out of the short handle. The right-side grip panel even has a relief cut to provide easier access to the magazine release button. These are all features that you usually expect to see only on customized, high-end pistols. The polymer frame also seems more comfortable to shoot, with better recoil characteristics than the aluminum-framed guns. All of these improvements over the alloy-frame Pocketlite design actually make the XSP much nicer to shoot. The polymer frame really changes the feel of the Mustang—in a good way.
The squared-off trigger guard differentiates the XSP from other Mustangs—and makes holsters much harder to find.
I do take some issue with the squared-off trigger guard on the XSP. It appears Colt is encouraging shooters to wrap the fingers of their support hand around the trigger guard, which is not exactly a well-accepted technique. More important, the use of the oversized square trigger guard means that finding holsters becomes much more difficult. The many Colt Mustang holsters already on the market for the past 30 years won’t fit the XSP. In fact, I had considerable difficulty finding a pocket holster for this review. Ultimately I wound up using a DeSantis Nemesis, which has a generic fit and could accommodate the oversized trigger guard. The Nemesis is a fine pocket holster, but I wish Colt had stuck with a standard shaped trigger guard for more holster flexibility.
The thumb safety (shown in the off position) is easy to disengage, despite its small size.
The XSP is single-action and designed to be carried cocked and locked, like a traditional 1911 pistol. As a result, the trigger has a relatively light five-pound pull. The trigger is light and crisp with very short travel and is much better than you would expect from a pocket pistol. The thumb safety is easy to disengage, yet it has sufficient tension to keep it from moving accidentally. I am happy to say theXSP does not have a grip safety. Grip safeties are common on single-action guns but can be particularly hard to disengage in small guns.
The XSP’s controls are very standard, but small in size. The matte stainless finish offsets the controls nicely against the black pistol.
The XSP has dovetailed front and rear fixed sights. The sights lack any type of dot or white outline, presenting a “black on black” sight picture. The factory sights are real sights, and are much better than the barely visible “nubs” that are found on many pocket pistols. Although the sights are quite useable, I would like to see more contrast between the front and rear sights. There will undoubtedly be a selection of aftermarket sights to choose from before too long, and the dovetail fit will make sight replacement an easy task for any gunsmith.
The front and rear sights are dovetailed, so sight upgrades will be possible. Perhaps an XS Big Dot will be forthcoming?
I was quite impressed with the XSP at the range. I did most of the shooting at seven yards, which I consider realistic for a pocket gun. At that distance, the Mustang will tear up an x-ring with no problems. When I backed up to 25 yards, the groups opened up considerably, which is to be expected from such a small pistol. Even then, I had no problem keeping all my shots inside a standard silhouette target. The accuracy of this smallest Colt is quite impressive, due in large part to good sights and an excellent trigger.
At seven yards, the XSP shoots a tight group and the fixed sights are dead on target.
Overall, the Mustang performed flawlessly for me. The pistol digested three different brands of premium defensive ammunition, as well as a variety of range ammo and reloads. The best-performing ammo was the Speer Gold Dot 90-grain jacketed hollow point, which averaged just over 900 feet per second from the stubby 2.75 inch barrel.
For a very small gun, the Mustang is a soft shooter. I passed this gun around at the range and everyone praised the gun’s handling characteristics. Even the most recoil sensitive shooter will have no problems with the XSP.
XSP comes with two magazines, a cable lock, and a hard plastic case.
The Mustang XSP is packed in a hard-side plastic case, and includes two magazines and a cable lock. The MSRP is $649, which may seem a little high for a polymer .380 ACP, but this is truly a top-notch pistol. You simply can’t compare the quality of this Colt to some of the $300 to $400 guns in the pocket pistol category. Colt was wise to rejuvenate the Mustang line. Colt’s biggest mistake was waiting too long. The discontinuation of the Mustang opened the door for Sig Sauer to introduce their excellent 238 single-action .380 that is a close copy of the Mustang. Nevertheless, Colt is an iconic brand and the Mustang is an iconic pistol. Many will buy the XSP strictly for the Colt prancing pony logo. But many others will buy the XSP for its more modern take on the single-action pocket pistol concept. Colt seems truly committed to bringing the Mustang back to its prior glory, and the XSP is a big step in the right direction.
The XSP seems to disappear in large hands, but is still very shootable
Anyone who is a Colt fan, or a fan of the 1911 manual of arms in general, will definitely appreciate the Mustang XSP. This is a high-quality, soft-shooting and accurate pocket pistol. If you were one of the people who lamented the demise of the Mustang, now is the time to get one. With the new XSP, the Mustang is back and better than ever.
The stainless-steel magazines hold six rounds and seat flush in the magazine well.
Field stripping is quick and easy and requires no tools.
The hammer is the traditional Colt Commander style.
Shooters with smaller hands will have no problems shooting and controlling the XSP.
I like my XSP Mustang just fine the way it is (single action). I have been CC carrying it for about 2 years now in Condition One and have never had an issue. The Colt handles all different ammo with aplomb, never has FTF or jammed. It also saved me from two banger’s who were going to mug me (I am disabled) without firing a shot!!!
For you that are looking for a holster for the .380 Mustang XSP, go to theholsterstore.com. They have a real nice leather owb belt clip holster that is specifically made & molded just for that gun only. It’s only $34.95 usd. They are in St Cloud Florida. I like mine really well. I think it was a great buy. They also have a lot more holsters for a lot of different guns. I hope this is helpful.
I bought the Mustang PocketLite when it came out a couple of years ago, having missed a chance to buy the original model. I like the gun, but I wish I had waited. I’m left-handed, and the new XSP has an ambidextrous safety, facilitating proper Condition One carry.
Every metal part of every gun, at least every gun made since Davey Crocket’s days, is made of one alloy or another. Steel is an alloy. The gold fillings in Granny’s teeth are alloy. The engine block in that Peterbuilt is cast alloy. Stop sayin metal frames are alloy. If they’re metal, they’re alloy. Now, an aluminum alloy frame is a different from a steel alloy frame, but they’re both alloy frames. Someday someone will address the stupid, almost universal, use of the word polymer to describe plastic things.
I have been a happy owner of an original Mustang Plus II Series 80 for about 20 years. It is a very sweet and accurate shooter. It was always carried cocked&locked with NO mishaps. [I used the past tense, because it was appropriated by my wife and has been her preferred carry piece in a stylish Coronado leather ladies’ shoulder bag]. She is a Front Sight grad, and has had her CCP for about 8 years. I would not want to be in front of her very practiced pointandshoot rendition of placing several Hornady defensive rounds, even with the mediocre sighting on the Mustang. But recently, with the reintroduction of the “new” Mustangs, Crimson Trace saw fit to design and offer a nifty, perfectly fitting, front mounted laser. We added one, and this woman is now faster and more accurate than ever. She shoots the 9 and 40mm’s very well, but will not give up the Mustang even if her friends badmouth the .380.
Now as to price–we all know Colt msrps are ridiculously uncompetitive, including perhaps the new Mustangs. But every time we go to the range, we always get offers to buy ours [mostly from LEOs]. Offers are ranging from USD600 to USD900. So– I guess the current real pricing of the two new models is not too bad. That reminds me, I need to go look at them, and buy one!!
I own a Mustang XSP, I am very pleased with it. I used “Olive Drab” model airplane paint to change the sight contrast, just painted the rear of the front sight blade. it is still darker, but with good contrast and it is easy to see against dark or light targets. I did the same on the miniature silver sights on my Browning BDA (.380) a big help. I also have S&W Sigma ,380, Ruger LCP, Kahr CW380, Glock G-42. I have not yet shot the Kahr, so I can’t say much except it is small enough. The S&W is my bottom of the barrel choice. It does go bang if you pull on the trigger long enough. Hard to grip, poor channel and nub sights, big clunky slide. If it did not work I would not keep it, but it does so I will. The LCP is reliable, accurate, very concealable, economical too. I like it, but it is not a pleasure to shoot. G-42 is great period. Just a bit bigger for my taste. The Browning would be my favorite, 13 rounds, made by Berretta, a pleasure to shoot. Way too big, my desk gun. The Mustang XSP is my go to .380. Easy to carry and conceal, reliable and accurate, fun to shoot.
Olive drab model paint – Brilliant! What a great idea, Gary. I’m going to try that on my XSP. Low impact to the aesthetics of the gun, but a fast way to pick up the sight picture. I’m glad I read this.
Picked one up and immediately put 113 Fiocchi xtphp’s and 50 rds of ball. No issues. Only bad thing is it’s hard to pick up the front sight at my indoor range. Painted it white and we’ll see if that helps. Sweet shooter! They shouldn’t have changed the trigger guard because I can’t find a good belt holster for it.
Ralph, he may have meant that you were limp risting the pistol while you were pulling the trigger. It is very common for smaller compact pistols to jam or ftf if you don’t hold a very stout grip. I have seen it many times with my own pistols. I have several compacts as well as a Colt Mustang XSP. Last fall at the range I let my friend fire my Kimber Ultra Carry II. It failed to feed 2 different times due to his limp risting. It has never done that to me before or after. Just a thought…
Just bought new .380 colt mustang from local LOtus dealer. First time at Lotus range I fired 4 clips (1st 2 were single shot; 2nd two were rapid fire) and expeienced at lest one jam per clip. Lotus range monitor tells me it’s becasue of the way I squeeze/pull trigger. I am a novice but I think that’s that’s crazy; expecially during raid fire exercise. I think gun or modle is defective. What say you. Look forward to prompt reply. Ralph
Ralph, he may have meant that you were limp risting the pistol while you were pulling the trigger. It is very common for smaller compact pistols to jam or ftf if you don’t hold a very stout grip. I have seen it many times with my own pistols. I have several compacts as well as a Colt Mustang XSP. Last fall at the range I let my friend fire my Kimber Ultra Carry II. It failed to feed 2 different times due to his limp risting. It has never done that to me before or after. Just a thought…
Have a 1993 Mustang “niclel” love it, recently purchased an XSP love it even more ,lighter, more accurate, easier to conceal . Had a S&W “body guard 380”, had a NAA “Guardian 380” no comparison to the XSP . Have a Walther PPK 380 love that too , too heavy for EDC . XSP fits that role perfectly . Get a colt , you will not be disappointed…
Have a 1993 Colt Mustang “nickel” love it , recently purchased an “XSP”, love it even more … No recoil, more accurate than the the 93, much lighter, easier to conceal . Best pocket 380 in that price range . Had a S&W “body guard 380”, had a NAA “Guardian” 380 , no comparison to the Colt…Also have a Walther PPK 380 love that too. A little to heavy to carry every day . XSP fits that role perfectly … Get one , you will not be disappointed …
Remember the original “Mustang Plus 2,” which had a longer grip frame and held two additional rounds?
It was a little easier on the hands.
Colt did make a modern (relatively) double-action only, 380 ACP, the Pocket-Lite. It was small, mustang size, lightweight, with a manual thumb-safety. Obviously, Colt marketing got that one right, since they stopped making it too.
Ruger and Glock will continue to punch the headlights out of everybody, until they are either out of business, or wake up. Just saying.
Hey they are both great gun companies, but neither of them have Colt on the side of their guns.
Colt made the DAO Pony in regular and Pocketlite versions (1997-1999).
The Mustangs (regular and Pocketlite) have always been SA.
Over the years Colt has made various DA pistols, but apparently there was not a big enough demand for them. They would show up in catalogs and disappear within a few years.
I have owned several DA pistols, but sold them all and only have 1911 style pistols now. When I first got into guns, Colt was just about the only maker of 1911’s. But now, most of the major manufacturers have one in their line. So, it must not just be old guys like me that are buying them.
I received the Colt Mustang .380 for a birthday gift in 1985 from my wife. I tried 3 different Mustangs because they would jam every 3-4 rounds. I also used 3 different brands of ammo without any difference in jamming rate. I returned the gun to my dealer and he suggested to give the Colt Government model .380 a try. I tried this model out and found it that it would not jam with any loads. This gun is a little larger but very very dependable to this day. I might take a peek at this new Colt Mustang due to its weight and size advantage over the Government model.
I do like the new design, however I also take issue with the new trigger well. It is more from a looks point of view more then a functional one. I own one of the original Colt Mustangs and the design of it has grown on me. But all in all great looking pistol.
The looks of the trigger guard and the price are off-putting for me. I would have been interested in the metal Mustang, although finding one for sale is tough. For a plastic gun, I bought a S&W Shield in 9mm which is an awesome gun for me @$419. A decent caliber, light weight, soft shooting and great sights.
They may be hard to find but we try to keep them in stock at Blue Star Police Supply. It is an excellent pistol and quite a bit lighter (and cheaper) than the P238. In fact, I changed from my P938 to the XSP. Great job Colt.
Has this forum done an Evaluation of a FEG PA-63 @ 9×18 makarov.
“The discontinuation of the Mustang opened the door for Sig Sauer to introduce their excellent 938 single-action .380 that is a close copy of the Mustang.”
Not trying to be critical, but the Sig P938 is a 9mm. The Sig P238 is the .380 version.
I like the polymer frame compared to the heavier aluminum frame of the P238. I also like the cheaper price. However, the sights on the Sig look like they leave the mustang behind in the dust. Assuming the trigger is conquerable, this pistol will provide major competition to the P238.
Paul — that is definitley not critical — that is just the truth. Mental mistake there. I am going to see if I can get it fixed.
It was already fixed.
I believe that would be a Sig 238 in .380. The 938 is 9×19.
These are really nice firearms … I have owned one for years.No issues with it but you need to be adapted to locked and cocked concealed or learn how to cock the hammer as you are on the draw. Compared to the Sig 380 version of this firearm the Colt is not as good ..But if you can not find the Sig version the Colt is a great firearm for the money.. I have owned one of these colts for 20 years, not one issue..
It would be nice if they brought back the Colt Python also, they could sell all they could make! A .44 Mag in the same design as the Python would be a seller too…
The .44 Mag design of the Python was called the Anaconda. I have 3 Pythons and 2 Anacondas and although the P and A do not have exactly that same type internal trigger design, they are so close that I would say there isn’t 8 eggs difference.
Nice pistol with a ridiculous price!
Premature remark. It’s really quite comforting, inexpensive and not inconvenient to carry on a secluded stretch of beach where knucklehead and belligerent AH’s let their belligerent pit bulls run loose to intimidate everything in sight and think it’s cool. 3 Rem GS, when needed, prevented LOTS of stitches and several thousands wasted in the hospital rather than on a deserved vacation to Hawaii for a week when at 12 above zero and unexpectedly, my Mustang saved the day for us. Maybe I should have started with, “silly remark” after our experience.
I agree with the trigger guard statement, and further, in this day and age, a double action trigger is due. I know this would cause much grave turning in the old 1911 class but in a pocket pistol a good double action is essential. A pocket pistol with controls all over the frame is not comfortable to carry in a pocket. I am sure the wonderful engineers at Colt can make a smooth slide release and do away with the manual safety using double action. At least offer a poly frame with these options alongside the reviewed model.