Colt Monitor: The First Official FBI Fighting Rifle

Published on October 5, 2017
Duration: 17:14

This video provides an in-depth look at the Colt R80 Monitor, a rare variant of the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) developed for law enforcement. Expert Ian McCollum details its history, mechanical features, and limited production, highlighting its adoption by the FBI as their first official fighting rifle. The analysis emphasizes its unique design elements like the Cutts compensator and its historical context in 1930s law enforcement.

Quick Summary

The Colt R80 Monitor, adopted by the FBI in 1933, holds the distinction of being the agency's first official fighting rifle. This rare variant of the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) was developed for law enforcement, featuring an open-bolt firing system, a Cutts compensator, and a limited production run of only about 125 units.

Chapters

  1. 00:19Introduction to the Colt Monitor
  2. 01:23Post-WWI Development and Licensing
  3. 03:20The R80 Monitor for Law Enforcement
  4. 05:44Mechanical Features and Operation
  5. 10:21Sales History and Rarity
  6. 11:44Shooting Demonstration

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the Colt Monitor the FBI's first official fighting rifle?

The Colt R80 Monitor, adopted by the FBI in 1933, was designated their first official fighting rifle due to its specialized design for law enforcement, offering improved maneuverability and intended to counter emerging threats like armored vehicles of the era.

Why is the Colt Monitor considered a rare firearm?

The Colt Monitor is exceptionally rare because only approximately 125 units were ever produced. The FBI purchased 90 of these, and their high initial cost limited broader adoption by local police departments, contributing to their scarcity today.

What are the key mechanical features of the Colt Monitor?

The Colt R80 Monitor fires from an open bolt, features a three-position selector for Safe, Automatic, and Fire modes, and utilizes standard 20-round BAR magazines. It also incorporates a Cutts compensator to manage recoil.

What was the intended purpose of the Colt Monitor?

Designed for law enforcement in 1931, the Colt Monitor aimed to be a lighter, more maneuverable rifle than military versions, specifically to address the challenge posed by the heavy body panels of 1930s vehicles that resisted pistol rounds.

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