Colt Bolts On AR-15

One of the largest firearm manufacturers in the world has decided to discontinue production of one of the world's most popular rifles.  Proponents of gun control laws on Thursday received support from an unexpected source: the Colt gun manufacturing company. In a surprise announcement, Colt officials revealed they're no longer going to produce rifles for the civilian market, instead focusing on manufacturing firearms for the military and police.

Among the rifles that will no longer be available is the popular AR-15 automatic. "The fact of the matter is that over the last few years, the market for modern sporting rifles has experienced significant excess manufacturing capacity," says Dennis Veilleux, Colt's chief executive officer. "Given this level of manufacturing capacity, we believe there is adequate supply for modern sporting rifles for the foreseeable future."

The company will, however, be expanding its production of pistols and revolvers, Veilleux adds. More than 2.3 million U.S. residents applied for background checks to purchase guns in August, according to FBI statistics. That's up from 1.8 million in July.  Listener reaction on KIDO Talk Radio this morning did not favor Colt.  Many told Kevin Miller that they're more affordable makers of the AR-15 in this country.  One person said, 'that they're an AK-47 man.' If all firearm manufacturers followed Colt's lead, would the gun violence problem in the U.S. be solved?