The Colt All American 2000 was a short-lived 9mm pistol introduced at the 1990 SHOT Show, featuring a unique rotating barrel design developed by Reed Knight and Eugene Stoner. You’ll find it equipped with a 4.5-inch barrel, 15+1 capacity, and both polymer and aluminum frame variants. Despite its innovative mechanics and balanced weight profile, the model suffered from widespread reliability issues, poor quality control, and a problematic 12-pound trigger pull. The pistol’s complex history reveals why it became one of Colt’s most notorious commercial failures.
Key Takeaways
- The Colt All American 2000 was a 9mm semi-automatic pistol developed by Reed Knight and Eugene Stoner, introduced at 1990 SHOT Show.
- It featured an innovative rotating barrel design with five locking lugs and came in both polymer and aluminum frame versions.
- The pistol had a 4.5-inch barrel, 15+1 round capacity, and double-action-only trigger with second-strike capability.
- Despite promising features, it suffered from severe reliability issues, poor accuracy, and quality control problems leading to a 1993 recall.
- Commercial failure led to discontinued production, with used models ranging from $399-$980 based on 1993-1994 production examples.
Description
The Colt All American 2000, unveiled at the 1990 SHOT Show, represented Colt’s ambitious entry into the polymer-framed pistol market.
The pistol was a collaboration between Reed Knight and Eugene Stoner, featuring a rotating barrel design based on early 20th century mechanics. You’ll find it equipped with a 4.5-inch barrel and 15+1 magazine capacity.
Both polymer and aluminum-framed versions were produced.
Price Range
Market values for the Colt All American 2000 reflect its limited production run and historical significance. You’ll find this American pistol’s price ranging across several value tiers:
| Condition Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 80% Condition | $275.17 |
| Trade-in Value | $423.33 |
| Average Used | $449.60 |
| Recent Sales | $399-$980 |
These values reflect the 1993-1994 production models, with documented sales establishing the pistol’s current market position.
Specifications
Looking at the Colt All American 2000’s specifications, you’ll find a 9mm Luger pistol built initially with an aluminum frame before transitioning to polymer construction. The pistol’s core features include a 4.5-inch barrel, an overall length of 7.5 inches, and a weight of 29 ounces. The design incorporates a unique rotary barrel action with five integral locking lugs, complemented by a 15-round magazine capacity.
| Specification | Measurement | Material/Type |
|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 4.5 inches | Steel |
| Weight | 29 ounces | N/A |
| Frame | Varied | Aluminum/Polymer |
Weight
Weighing in at 29 ounces, Colt’s All American 2000 pistol strikes a balance between handling and mass. The pistol’s weight distribution accommodates its 4-1/2 inch barrel and rotating barrel action design.
You’ll find the overall 7-1/2 inch length complements the weight, making it manageable for its 15-round capacity. The roller bearing trigger system adds to the balanced weight profile of this 9mm handgun.
Barrel Length
The Colt All American 2000’s 4.5-inch barrel complements its balanced weight profile while delivering precision through its 6-groove, left-hand twist design.
The barrel operates with a 1:14 twist rate and integrates seamlessly with the slide in its rotating bolt action system.
You’ll find the short barrel configuration achieves a compact 7.5-inch overall length, and Colt’s modification kit lets you customize your barrel length preferences.
Material Made Out Of
Constructed with a pioneering mix of materials, Colt’s All American 2000 featured both polymer and aluminum frame variants during its production run. You’ll find early models sporting polished slide flats, while later versions adopted a matte finish.
The design incorporated removable grip panels, setting it apart from other polymer-framed pistols of its time. The locking lugs were integrated into the barrel and slide assembly.
Chambered In
Standard specifications for the Colt All American 2000 centered on its 9mm Luger chambering, paired with a 4-1/2 inch barrel featuring six-groove left-hand twist at 1:14.
The pistol’s design optimized the 9mm Luger cartridge performance through its barrel length configuration, allowing for a compact 7-1/2 inch overall length while maintaining a practical 15-round magazine capacity.
Capacity
Featuring standard military specifications, the Colt All American 2000’s magazine held 15 rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition with an additional round in the chamber, providing a total capacity of 16 rounds. The pistol’s magazine capacity matched its contemporaries like the Beretta 92FS and Glock 17, while maintaining a compact 4-1/2 inch barrel length suitable for both military and civilian applications.
Trigger Pull
Though initially designed with a lighter pull weight, the Colt All American 2000’s trigger pull was significantly increased to 12 pounds during development due to corporate liability concerns.
You’ll find this heavy trigger pull was one of several design changes that proved detrimental to the pistol’s success. The trigger weight, far heavier than typical service pistols of the era, drew widespread criticism and contributed to the model’s commercial failure.
Safety?
Safety concerns plagued the Colt All American 2000, culminating in a major recall during 1993 when reliability issues surfaced. You’ll find the trigger pull was doubled to 12 pounds due to safety considerations, making it notably heavier than originally designed.
The combination of out-of-spec barrels and mechanical failures led to accuracy problems, while the pistol’s unique rotating barrel system, borrowed from the Steyr 1912, proved problematic in practice.
Action
The All American 2000’s action incorporated a rotating bolt system that locked directly with the barrel, operating similarly to the Steyr 1912’s mechanism. The barrel and slide locked together initially before unlocking during operation.
You’ll find a double-action-only trigger utilizing roller bearings for smooth operation, featuring a 12-pound pull weight and second-strike capability – an innovative design for semi-automatic pistols of that era.
Optic Ready?
Unlike modern pistol designs built for optics compatibility, the All American 2000 emerged during an era when red dot sights weren’t yet commonplace on handguns. The pistol featured one fixed sighting system with a front blade and adjustable rear sight.
You won’t find any optic-ready features on this model, as its rotating barrel design and locked slide weren’t engineered to accommodate mounting plates or optical sights.
Review
You’ll find the All American 2000’s innovative rotating barrel design and Knight/Stoner engineering pedigree overshadowed by its poor reliability and manufacturing inconsistencies that led to the 1993 safety recall. The pistol’s heavy, gritty trigger pull and frequent feeding issues resulted in widespread customer dissatisfaction, despite the attractive polymer and aluminum frame options.
While the design showed promise on paper, its mechanical shortcomings and quality control problems ultimately sealed its fate as a commercial failure, though its rarity has ironically made it desirable among collectors.
Pros
Professional shooters and collectors alike found several compelling features in Colt’s All American 2000 pistol. You’ll appreciate the innovative rotating barrel design, paired with a roller bearing system that delivers smooth trigger operation. The pistol’s teardown simplicity and balanced ergonomics showcase Knight and Reed’s engineering excellence.
| Feature | Benefit | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Rotating Barrel | Enhanced Accuracy | Unique Design |
| Roller Bearings | Smooth Trigger Pull | Superior to 1911 |
| Frame Options | Collection Value | Dual Materials |
| 15+1 Capacity | Combat Ready | Matches Competitors |
Cons
Despite its promising features, the Colt All American 2000 faced significant mechanical and production challenges that led to its downfall. The pistol became one of Colt’s most embarrassing failures due to a safety recall in 1993. The failures in the company’s design changes and outsourced production resulted in poor quality, heavy trigger pull, and reliability issues.
| Issue | Impact |
|---|---|
| Trigger Pull | Increased to 12 lbs |
| Accuracy | Severely compromised |
| Production | Poor quality control |
Reliability
The reliability issues that plagued the Colt All American 2000 marked it as one of the company’s most notorious failures. Despite the involvement of Knight and Eugene Stoner in its development, you’ll find the pistol suffered from out-of-spec barrels and chronic malfunctions.
It’s widely considered one of the worst handguns Colt ever produced. After a 1993 recall and continued problems, Colt eventually sold off remaining inventory.
Similar Models
Several notable variants emerged alongside Colt’s main pistol line, including the distinctive Double Eagle and specialized .22 Single Action Cadet.
You’ll find the Double Eagle offered a unique alternative to common tilting barrel designs. Colt also produced an aluminum-framed version of the All American 2000 with wooden grips, and in 1993, they introduced a compact model.
The .22 Cadet was later rebranded when the All-American’s production ceased in 1994.
Similar Models From Other Manufacturers
Major manufacturers produced comparable handguns during the All American 2000’s brief market presence, with Beretta’s 92FS and Glock’s 17 leading the competition through similar 15+1 round capacities.
The All American 2000’s mechanical design drew inspiration from earlier models, incorporating the Steyr 1912’s rotating barrel mechanism. This engineering approach put it in direct competition with established platforms like the Beretta 92FS and Glock 17 in the defensive pistol market.
Maintenance
Despite its complex internal design, maintaining the All American 2000 involved a straightforward process of breaking down the pistol into seven primary components.
You’ll find the removable grip panels provide quick access to internal parts. When rotating the barrel and slide unit during reassembly, proper timing is crucial. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the roller bearing trigger system ensures reliable operation.
History
In 1990, Colt unveiled the All American 2000 pistol at the SHOT Show, marking their collaboration with renowned firearms designers Reed Knight and Eugene Stoner.
When Reed Knight teamed with Colt to produce the pistol, they assembled it using outside vendor parts at their West Hartford facility. Despite modifications like a 12-pound trigger and extended barrel, reliability issues led to a 1993 recall before production ended in 1994.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is a 2000 Colt All American Worth?
You’ll find that in average condition, this handgun typically sells between $400-600 at auction. However, its historical significance as one of Colt’s less successful ventures can affect collector interest.
Custom modifications generally don’t increase value since purists prefer original configurations. As a limited production model from 1992-1994, you might see pristine examples commanding up to $800, but they’re relatively uncommon due to the model’s brief market presence.
What Is the Price of American Colt Pistol?
Like a compass pointing to true north, American Colt pistol prices vary based on market demand and manufacturing costs. You’ll find their collector’s value spans a broad spectrum across different models and eras.
For the All American 2000 specifically, you’re looking at around $450 for a used model, while pristine new old stock examples can command up to $2,099. The trade-in and private party values hover around $423, reflecting the model’s unique place in Colt’s legacy.
What Is the Most Popular Colt Pistol?
The Colt 1911 is undoubtedly the most popular Colt pistol you’ll encounter. Since its 1911 debut, it’s been renowned for its reliable 7-round magazine capacity and various barrel length options, typically ranging from 3.5″ to 5″.
You’ll find that trigger design improvements over the decades have enhanced its already exceptional performance. The 1911’s proven track record in military service and civilian use has cemented its status as Colt’s flagship pistol for over a century.
What Colt Pistol Was Used in the Civil War?
During the Civil War, you’d find over 200,000 Colt Model 1860 Army revolvers in service, making it the most widely used Colt pistol of the conflict.
The Colt Pistol manufacturing history shows they also produced the Model 1851 Navy and Model 1849 Pocket, but the 1860 Army’s design features, including its .44 caliber round and streamlined loading lever, made it superior.
You’ll recognize its distinctive eight-inch barrel and six-shot cylinder as iconic Civil War colt pistol models.
Conclusion
You’ll find the Colt All American 2000 represents a fascinating yet cautionary chapter in firearms engineering. Though its polymer-framed, striker-fired design echoed through gunsmith workshops in the early 1990s, this 9mm’s short production run tells a complex tale. When you field strip one today, you’re handling both innovation and lessons learned – a reminder that even legendary manufacturers like Colt weren’t immune to market pressures and design challenges.
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