Jump to content

Colt Monitor Automatic Machine Rifle


Recommended Posts

I am pleased to announce that my new article on the "Colt Monitor Automatic Machine Rifle" has now been published as the latest issue of ARMAX is shipping.

In the article, I explain why it was introduced to the market and detail when, where, and how it was used. I trace a large number of official users, including the FBI and users abroad. I list 101 serial numbers and explain why I think there were quite a few more than the 125 usually quoted. Further, I provide very detailed examinations of two 1934 shootouts that supposedly featured a Monitor, the "Death of Bonnie & Clyde" (no) and the "Battle of Barrington" with "Baby Face Nelson" (yes, but differently than often claimed). 

All of this in a peer-reviewed article with hundreds of footnotes referencing mainly period sources. I am enormously grateful to the good folks at the Texas Ranger Museum & Hall of Fame in Waco, who gave me privileged access to their Monitor (the one claimed to have been used on Bonnie & Clyde or at least owned by Frank Hamer).

 

Cheers

 

HANS 

 

 

 

583144094_1249077300578150_1087715616303026253_n.jpg

630157126_1312131360939410_1931579107758108732_n.jpg

  • Upvote 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

8 hours ago, John Dillinger said:

I know nothing of Colt Monitors.

I does look very similar appearance wise to the B A R I have to say!

Why, in that case the article is perfect for you, for it explains its history and use!

And yes, the Monitor is a derivative of the M1918 BAR, specifically for law enforcement use -- although it was prominently employed by John Dillinger associate Lester Gillis (alias "Baby Face Nelson").

 

Cheers

 

HANS

Link to comment
Share on other sites

11 hours ago, HANS said:

Why, in that case the article is perfect for you, for it explains its history and use!

And yes, the Monitor is a derivative of the M1918 BAR, specifically for law enforcement use -- although it was prominently employed by John Dillinger associate Lester Gillis (alias "Baby Face Nelson").

 

Cheers

 

HANS

Hans many thanks always learning and looking to improve my knowledge on these classic weapons.

 Cheers

J D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

Hiya Ron,

 

if their direct contact armax@helios.house didn't work out, you could probably talk to Caitlin Fitz Gerald to set you up: caitlin@helios.house

You should also be able to get it via https://www.headstamppublishing.com/armax even though the volume in question isn't displayed. See https://www.headstamppublishing.com/contact. Headstamp have a marvelous selection of other stuff as well ;)

Frankly, some of these contacts have been on the slow side in the past (I understand these are side gigs for most of the folks involved), but I have always gotten a response, even if I had to wait a bit.

If none of these work tell me and I'll talk directly to the editors (who don't handle sales but can investigate ...).

 

Cheers

 

HANS

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
  • 1 month later...

Saw a Colt Monitor Ohio ordnance converison on Tacswap, by Dan. That is one of my unicorn guns. Just don't have the 11k for it. Really wish Ohio ordnance would sell recievers by themselves again. Or if anyone made BAR gun receivers still.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...

Congratulations on getting the article published.

One of Stephen Hunter's novels has a Colt Monitor in it.  I've forgotten which one.  It's been years since I read the book, but IIRC, the muzzle device is a "MacGuffin".

Edited by Merry Ploughboy
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
On 4/29/2026 at 2:15 PM, dalbert said:

Hi Ron,

Headstamp Publishing is the way to get it.

David

Hi David, 

They told me to contact ARMAX (Helios House).  Messaged them again to no avail.  Their website shows 2022 as the current issue so very strange.  Messaged on Facebook as well…nothing yet.  


Ron

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...