It’s the name that basically won the West. When you think of "Colt," you probably think of old-school revolvers, the iconic 1911, or the M16s that defined an era of military history. But honestly, if you haven’t checked the news since the early 2000s, who owns Colt firearms today might come as a bit of a shock.
The short version? Colt is no longer an independent, American-owned company.
Since 2021, the keys to the West Hartford, Connecticut, kingdom have belonged to a powerhouse across the Atlantic: Colt CZ Group SE. They’re a massive firearms conglomerate headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic.
The $220 Million Handshake
Back in May 2021, the gun world felt a massive shift. Česká zbrojovka Group (CZG) officially closed a deal to buy 100% of Colt Holding Company LLC. They didn’t just want the brand; they bought the history, the patents, and the Canadian subsidiary (Colt Canada) for about $220 million in cash plus a chunk of stock.
It was a smart move. CZ was already famous for making world-class competition pistols and duty guns, but they lacked the "legend" status in the U.S. commercial and military markets that Colt still carried. By 2022, the parent company even changed its name to Colt CZ Group to make sure everyone knew who the big player in the portfolio was.
Who Really Pulls the Strings?
While "Colt CZ Group" is the corporate name, you might wonder who actually owns that group. It isn't just one person sitting in an office. It’s a publicly traded company on the Prague Stock Exchange.
But don't let the "public" part fool you. There is a very specific power structure here:
- René Holeček is the man behind the curtain. He’s the controlling majority shareholder. He’s been the driving force behind turning a Czech manufacturer into a global empire.
- Česká zbrojovka Partners SE holds the majority stake (around 51-52%).
- A significant "Free Float" (about 25-26%) is owned by individual and institutional investors who buy shares on the open market.
- CBC (Companhia Brasileira de Cartuchos), the Brazilian ammo giant that owns Sellier & Bellot, became a major shareholder recently, holding about 21-22%.
It’s a global web. You’ve got Czech leadership, Brazilian investment, and American manufacturing all tangled up in one legendary brand.
A Leadership Shakeup
Recently, there’s been some musical chairs in the boardroom. As of late 2025 and heading into 2026, Jan Drahota, who was the CEO during the massive growth spurt, moved over to become the Chairman of the Supervisory Board. Taking his place as Group CEO is Radek Musil, the guy who previously ran Sellier & Bellot.
Why does this matter to you? Because it shows the company is moving away from just "making guns" and toward becoming a "total defense solutions" provider. They aren't just selling you a 1911; they want to sell the ammo, the optics, and the training too.
Is Colt Still "American"?
This is where people get heated. If a Czech company owns the name, is it still an American gun?
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Honestly, the answer is "kinda."
Colt still operates out of its historic facility in West Hartford, Connecticut. The workers on the floor are American. The steel is (mostly) American. The "Prancing Pony" logo is still stamped on the side. When CZ bought them, they didn't pack up the machines and ship them to Europe. In fact, they did the opposite. They used the Colt acquisition to get a massive foothold in the U.S. market, which is the biggest firearms market on the planet.
What Changed After the Sale?
If you talk to collectors, they’ll tell you the "CZ era" has actually been pretty good for Colt. Before the buyout, Colt was struggling. They’d been through bankruptcy in 2015 and were basically a "zombie" brand—living off military contracts but ignoring the civilian shooters who loved them.
Under Czech ownership, we’ve seen:
- The Snake Gun Revival: The return of the Python, the Anaconda, and the King Cobra. These aren't just re-releases; they’re often built better than the originals with modern CNC machining.
- Better Quality Control: CZ is obsessed with tolerances. They brought that mindset to the Connecticut factory.
- Stability: No more "will they, won't they" bankruptcy rumors every three years.
The Growing Empire
Colt isn't the only brand under this roof. To understand who owns Colt firearms, you have to look at the "cousins" in the safe. Colt CZ Group has been on a shopping spree lately.
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- CZ (Česká zbrojovka): The original Czech brand.
- Dan Wesson: High-end 1911s made in New York.
- Colt Canada: The primary supplier for the Canadian military.
- Spuhr: A Swedish company that makes arguably the best optic mounts in the world.
- Sellier & Bellot: One of the oldest and most respected ammo brands in the world, fully acquired in 2024.
- swissAA: Small caliber ammo experts.
Basically, if you’re buying a Colt today, you’re part of a massive ecosystem that stretches from Prague to the U.S. to Sweden.
The Bottom Line
Colt is owned by Colt CZ Group SE, a Czech-based multinational corporation. While the ownership is European, the heart of the manufacturing remains in the United States.
It’s a weirdly perfect marriage. The Americans provide the legendary brand and the domestic manufacturing base, while the Czechs provide the capital, the modern engineering, and a much more aggressive business strategy.
If you’re looking to track the company’s performance or see where the brand is headed next, you can actually follow their stock ticker CZG on the Prague Stock Exchange. Just remember that the "American icon" you’re holding is now a citizen of the world.
Actionable Next Steps
- Verify the Stamp: If you're buying a used Colt and want to know if it's "Pre-CZ," look for a manufacture date before May 2021.
- Check the Catalog: Look at the latest Python and Anaconda releases to see the tangible results of the CZ investment in tooling.
- Follow the Money: If you're an investor, monitor the Prague Stock Exchange (PSE) for Colt CZ Group (CZG) to see how their expansion into ammunition is affecting their bottom line.