Brian sits down with Mark Redl for a look at his journey from running a family auto salvage business to becoming one of the longest-tenured figures on the Colt shooting team. Mark got his first handgun in 1981 and discovered competition shooting as a way to keep his defensive skills sharp. Nineteen years ago, a conversation at SHOT Show led to him shooting for Colt, and eleven years ago Paul Patale brought him on full-time as product manager. Over the years he served as law enforcement manager, worked closely with engineers on the return of the snake guns (Cobra, Python, King Cobra, and Anaconda), and became the primary firearms tester at Colt's facility, once putting 1,000 rounds through an Anaconda in a single day. Mark walked through how the new snake guns kept the retro exterior while modernizing the internals with a V-spring action, better metallurgy, and a machine-fitted hand that produces consistent trigger pulls. He also discussed Colt's transition after the CZ UB acquisition, which brought financial stability, new machinery, and modernization while leaving Colt's leadership, heritage, and Hartford location intact. Other topics included his years running the shooting team (from Maggie Reese through Wyatt Gibson and the Williams sisters), Colt's relationships with law enforcement agencies like NYPD ESU and LAPD SWAT, the manufacturing of the M4 (he recently held serial number 1,000,000), Academy graduation 1911s, single action army production tied to SASS, and the challenges of finding shooters willing to run single-stack 1911s. Mark also shared thoughts on the state of competition shooting, the aging demographic in USPSA, and the need for organizations like NSSF to develop a "first competition" program alongside their first shot initiative. He closed by confirming interesting things coming across all three product lines at the next SHOT Show and offered to send the Colt Python giveaway directly to the winner's FFL. Elevate your game with our trusted partners: Right To Bear Use Code HuntersHD10 When you sign up part of your contribution will go back to the Shooting Sports. Get Carry Insurance with a Company that Supports the Shooting Sports. IWI Use Code HDG15 for 15% off your order RealAvid Use Code RAHHDG for 10% off your order Ghost HolsterUSA Use Code HuntersHD 15% off Jessie James JJFU Coffee Use Code HuntersHD for 5% off ACE Virtual Shooting Use Code HHDG for 10% off your subscription and physical handset. Imperium Roots Use Code HuntersHD for 20% off Speed Beez Use Code HuntersHD for 10% off Discover the world of competitive shooting sports through the eyes of industry leaders, top athletes, and match directors in the Behind the Lens Podcast, hosted by Brian Conley of Hunters HD Gold. Delve into captivating conversations that reveal the passion, dedication, and skill that define the shooting sports community. Brian, a steadfast supporter of the shooting sports, brings unique insights and expertise to each episode. Uncover the latest trends, techniques, and stories from the people who shape the shooting sports landscape. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of competitive shooting, the shooting industry, and the remarkable individuals who make it all possible. Hunters HD Gold Links: Website: https://huntershdgold.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huntershdgold/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HuntersHDGold YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBWH4kOqaX-x34uYOviQ-tg United States Practical Shooting Association Official Eyewear: https://uspsa.org Steel Challenge Shooting Association Official Eyewear: https://scsa.org Metal Madness Official Eyewear: https://...
