For one the Colonial Mechanical mod is made from lightweight aluminum. The second and most important difference is the unique concave firing switch. Not only is the switch concave it's also recessed into the mod giving it a nice smooth and rounded feeling. The recessed switch also eliminates the need for a locking ring. It's important to note that the switch on this mod is actually integrated into the tube so there is no separate switch assembly, you must insert you batteries through the top of the mod.