thedriver101
Member
Just got back from my first trip to the range with my new Colt Defender, and I thought I'd share my opinions and experience with others who may be in the market for a compact 1911.
After picking up my new Defender, I did not clean the gun at all. I simply did a quick field strip to check for obvious flaws (there were none), but I did add a touch more grease to the slide rails - I use Wilson Ultima grease, since it gets up to 100+ in the summer here. Although on the subject of flaws, my thumb safety does go slightly further down when disengaged for some reason. Brief research seems to point towards some fitment issues on the safety detent, but it did not seem to affect function. I will have a smith take a look at this later. I also changed out my grips for some Micarta double diamonds. Despite the ugliness of the stock Hogue finger-groove grips, they actually are very comfortable (if they fit your hand) and the grooves probably enhance recoil control. I never tried them though, but it still shot ok - more on recoil later.
Went to the range with 250 rounds of Remington UMC 230gr FMJ, as well as 50 rounds of Gold Dot 230gr JHP. I had two FTF early on (within the first few mags) where the slide did not fully go into battery, but once it got running there were no issues. I saved the Gold Dots for last. I did my standard set of tests for carry ammo (I would still like to put more through it before I'm comfortable with it). Tried rapid fire, shooting from odd angles, limp wristing, etc. No jams so far on the JHP. The normal Colt 7-rd magazines that come with the Defender worked fine - it has wadcutter feed lips, for those of you interested. I personally prefer Hybrid type lips, but oh well.
After 300 rounds (including 50 rounds of carry ammo), I'm fairly confident of it as far as carry reliability goes. I wouldn't actually carry it until I've had at least 500+ rounds trouble free, including 200 rounds of carry ammo, but the Defender seems to be on the right path so far. I'll try to report back once I reach that mark (if I remember, since that could be months down the road when I get to the range again).
Cleaning after the range was fairly simple, as far as 1911's go. Take down is mostly the standard 1911 affair, although removal of the slide stop is easier than expected. No tools needed, despite the bull barrel/FLGR configuration. Check out YouTube for further demos. Yes, you'll have to deal with the Series 80 components. The only hiccup was that the firing pin stop seems to be fitted extremely tight. I had to really smack it back in to fully seat and allow proper firing pin travel. Probably need a smith to have the firing pin stop properly fitted - possible sign of questionable Colt QC?
A lot of the internal surfaces seem a bit...rough? Granted, it's CRES so it’s not as slick as carbon steel, but I was a little disappointed on internal finish. There's a little bit of binding here and there, so some minor polish may be in order to smooth up the action. That would be purely for my sake though, as it doesn't really affect the reliability of the gun.
Other observations that may be of interest to those shopping around, but aren't commonly noted on most reviews or spec sheets. The slide bottom is very slightly beveled, and a few corners have been dehorned. It's nothing extreme, but I believe most of the sharp edges and corners have been taken care of courtesy of Colt. Definitely a nice touch in my opinion.
The magwell is also beveled in typical Colt fashion - that is to say, the stupid way. Colt bevels the front and only part of the sides. That being said, it's still beveled, so I suppose it helps somewhat? I didn't notice much difference. YMMV.
Also, I bought the latest (2012) model, which is notable for its true beavertail grip safety. That in particular I like - older models had a flatter, duck-tail type deal. It also has Novak, or Novak-like 3 dot sights. This shouldn't be notable, but I believe very old Defenders had a different type of 3-dot sights.
Finally, the recoil is definitely more pronounced than a Government model. Nothing unmanageable - in fact, I believe .40 cal Glocks to be worse (which I did shoot at the same trip, a G27 to be exact). However, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to those who may worry over recoil, as it's very easy to tame with a little practice. But if you're truly worried over recoil, that's ok too - Colt made a 9mm version for you. Word is that the 9mm version is a charm as well, but no personal experience here. Either model will fit your hand like a glove in typical 1911 fashion. Grip length is slightly on the stingy side though. Mine barely fit given the limited real estate – I have smallish hands – so try before you buy. If you can handle them fine, then great. If not, you likely will enjoy a Commander sized 1911. In afterthough, the stock Hogues probably help a bit. I however will be keeping my new stocks, since they just look way better.
In short, I highly recommend the Colt Defender for those looking for an easy to carry 1911 and/or .45 caliber defense gun. Apologies in advanced for the lack of organization to this review, but I hope there is information aplenty to help anyone out there. Cheers!
After picking up my new Defender, I did not clean the gun at all. I simply did a quick field strip to check for obvious flaws (there were none), but I did add a touch more grease to the slide rails - I use Wilson Ultima grease, since it gets up to 100+ in the summer here. Although on the subject of flaws, my thumb safety does go slightly further down when disengaged for some reason. Brief research seems to point towards some fitment issues on the safety detent, but it did not seem to affect function. I will have a smith take a look at this later. I also changed out my grips for some Micarta double diamonds. Despite the ugliness of the stock Hogue finger-groove grips, they actually are very comfortable (if they fit your hand) and the grooves probably enhance recoil control. I never tried them though, but it still shot ok - more on recoil later.
Went to the range with 250 rounds of Remington UMC 230gr FMJ, as well as 50 rounds of Gold Dot 230gr JHP. I had two FTF early on (within the first few mags) where the slide did not fully go into battery, but once it got running there were no issues. I saved the Gold Dots for last. I did my standard set of tests for carry ammo (I would still like to put more through it before I'm comfortable with it). Tried rapid fire, shooting from odd angles, limp wristing, etc. No jams so far on the JHP. The normal Colt 7-rd magazines that come with the Defender worked fine - it has wadcutter feed lips, for those of you interested. I personally prefer Hybrid type lips, but oh well.
After 300 rounds (including 50 rounds of carry ammo), I'm fairly confident of it as far as carry reliability goes. I wouldn't actually carry it until I've had at least 500+ rounds trouble free, including 200 rounds of carry ammo, but the Defender seems to be on the right path so far. I'll try to report back once I reach that mark (if I remember, since that could be months down the road when I get to the range again).
Cleaning after the range was fairly simple, as far as 1911's go. Take down is mostly the standard 1911 affair, although removal of the slide stop is easier than expected. No tools needed, despite the bull barrel/FLGR configuration. Check out YouTube for further demos. Yes, you'll have to deal with the Series 80 components. The only hiccup was that the firing pin stop seems to be fitted extremely tight. I had to really smack it back in to fully seat and allow proper firing pin travel. Probably need a smith to have the firing pin stop properly fitted - possible sign of questionable Colt QC?
A lot of the internal surfaces seem a bit...rough? Granted, it's CRES so it’s not as slick as carbon steel, but I was a little disappointed on internal finish. There's a little bit of binding here and there, so some minor polish may be in order to smooth up the action. That would be purely for my sake though, as it doesn't really affect the reliability of the gun.
Other observations that may be of interest to those shopping around, but aren't commonly noted on most reviews or spec sheets. The slide bottom is very slightly beveled, and a few corners have been dehorned. It's nothing extreme, but I believe most of the sharp edges and corners have been taken care of courtesy of Colt. Definitely a nice touch in my opinion.
The magwell is also beveled in typical Colt fashion - that is to say, the stupid way. Colt bevels the front and only part of the sides. That being said, it's still beveled, so I suppose it helps somewhat? I didn't notice much difference. YMMV.
Also, I bought the latest (2012) model, which is notable for its true beavertail grip safety. That in particular I like - older models had a flatter, duck-tail type deal. It also has Novak, or Novak-like 3 dot sights. This shouldn't be notable, but I believe very old Defenders had a different type of 3-dot sights.
Finally, the recoil is definitely more pronounced than a Government model. Nothing unmanageable - in fact, I believe .40 cal Glocks to be worse (which I did shoot at the same trip, a G27 to be exact). However, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to those who may worry over recoil, as it's very easy to tame with a little practice. But if you're truly worried over recoil, that's ok too - Colt made a 9mm version for you. Word is that the 9mm version is a charm as well, but no personal experience here. Either model will fit your hand like a glove in typical 1911 fashion. Grip length is slightly on the stingy side though. Mine barely fit given the limited real estate – I have smallish hands – so try before you buy. If you can handle them fine, then great. If not, you likely will enjoy a Commander sized 1911. In afterthough, the stock Hogues probably help a bit. I however will be keeping my new stocks, since they just look way better.
In short, I highly recommend the Colt Defender for those looking for an easy to carry 1911 and/or .45 caliber defense gun. Apologies in advanced for the lack of organization to this review, but I hope there is information aplenty to help anyone out there. Cheers!
