Connecticut-based Colt's Manufacturing Co., whose corporate ancestors made the Colt .45 six-shooter of Wild West lore, filed today for bankruptcy court protection from its creditors.

The Chapter 11 reorganization filing comes after the company failed to reach an agreement with creditors to restructure its debt. In a news release, Colt's said it will continue normal operations during the reorganization.

Also, the company said its chairman, Anthony Autorino, had resigned.