Crossword Genius

Next generation Colt a bit of a rascal? (3,2,1,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

son of a gun

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a rascal?' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'next generation colt a bit of' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'a' is present in the answer.
'bit' could be 'o' (resembles 0, a binary digit or bit) and 'o' is found within the answer.
'of' could be 'o' and 'o' is located in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for son of a gun that I've seen before include "expression of mild annoyance" , "Rascal" , "Maybe Billy the Kid's issue" , "Rogue American" , "Jocular form of address (for Colt's relative?)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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