Colt Delta Elite

[ScrapMetalSlug]

Guys, I’ve been shopping for a 10mm for a while. I’ve read a ton of reviews and opinions on the delta elite, sig p220, Glock 20, ria 10mm, ruger 10mm, and been doing a lot of looking and research waiting on a deal.

All of a sudden today, on the local classifieds an original Colt Delta elite showed up today. The finish looks worn and the grips are not original. I know slides and the frame can crack on the originals, but is it worth considering as a shooter? I am not looking for a collector piece, but something to shoot with and carry occasionally. What specifically would you look at on the pistol? Is there anything not repairable? What makes a pistol like this worn out beyond repair? I am thinking if I don’t see any visible cracks it is good to go. Please tell me if I am wrong.

Part of me is saying just buy a new RIA 1911 in 10mm and don’t wonder about it, but that delta elite does look cool too.

Any info is appreciated. Here is a pic of the pistol in question.

 

[FL-NC]

That 10mm is a beast of a round, and I wouldn't get one unless I was going to use it on 4 legged animals (which would make it a low round count gun). I have extensive experience with the 1911 series handguns in .45, and the 10mm wasn't even pleasant to shoot, IMO. Could you load it lighter? I guess so, but then what would be the point? Its also pricey to fire. If I was to get a 10mm, it would be a Glock 20- on the big and heavy side for a CCW piece, but nothing handles that round like a Glock 20.

 

[Slamfire]

What makes a pistol like this worn out beyond repair?

I shot with the AMU in a Bullseye Match at CMP Talladega. Got to look at their pistols and ask questions. These are high volume shooters, they said between 5,000 and 7,000 rounds a month.

What they were shooting that day was 185 gr JHP.

I asked the gunsmith David Sams when these pistols were assembled, and he thought it was mid nineties. All the M1911's predated the service time of the AMU shooters. None of these pistols had experienced a slide or frame crack for as far back as any of the shooters could remember, which would be likely seven years at the most. (a guess) None of the Caspian Arms M1911's had required refitting of slide to frame within the memory of the shooters I asked.



Hammers, sears, wore out about twice a year, barrels every couple of years. Recoil springs need to be changed often. These modern alloy pistols don't wear out like the WWII era pistols that the Army All Guard Team uses. These pistols are made of plain carbon steels and they wear out. Probably crack in time as I have seen cracked frames on older M1911's.





Frames that crack above the slide stop notch, on the rail, they are useable. Some M1911 makers mill that off anyway. If the slide is cracked or the frame is cracked elsewhere, I would say that would make the pistol non repairable. Anything else can be replaced, if you have the money.

Mind you, these guys oil their pistols, often putting a drop of oil on the muzzle every ten shots to prevent wear of the barrel bushing. Slide rails are regularly oiled during a match. There is an old saying in Bullseye Pistol: "your elbow is the drip point".

For the Delta in 10mm, it is a modern pistol, should be made of alloy steels, unless there has been several barrels on it, I doubt very much enough rounds have been shot to cause any fatique failures. Since the sear and hammers of Colts of that period were forged parts, the trigger mechanism should be good to go. Just examine the thing, if it has been kept clean and oiled. You don't want something with a pitted barrel. Make sure the sights are tight, I had a front sight come off on a Combat Elite. Pull the slide and see if there is peening on the frame. The slide hits the recoil spring guide, that hits the frame. You don't want to see peening from the recoil spring guide. Check the barrel to barrel bushing fit, should be zero movement with the slide closed. Just push on the inside of the barrel. The slide to frame fit is probably loose compared to a Kimber. When new, older Colts rattle when you shake them, that is OK.

I don't know if this makes a difference, but whatever warranty Colt had on these M1911's, it is over. Not that I think anything major would break, or has broken as people seldom shoot these things enough to wear out anything but the recoil spring. The greatest concern to me is rust. Lots of shooters make excuses not to clean their firearms after shooting and leave powder residue alone to collect moisture, and cause rust. Clean the barrel out and find out if there is pitting!

 

[CDW4ME]

I've got a Glock 20SF and recently acquired a Delta Elite.
Glock subjectively has less felt recoil and may be a better choice for "hot" loads, I don't have any.
My Delta has a beavertail grip safety, years ago I had one with narrow tang it punished my hand.

I've carried Glock 20SF and prefer the capacity, but the slimness of 1911's IWB impacts my choice.
My current carry is a 1911 in 45 acp; I'm planning on deer hunting with the Delta when gun season opens, after that I'll likely carry the Delta.
Some people only content with a 10mm if loaded with the hottest ammo available, not me.
Handloading allows me to construct 10mm producing recoil on par with hotter 45 acp.

With select 10mm I have one more round capacity and increased KE over 45 acp but with comparable felt recoil.
(recoil feels different but has little effect on follow up shots).

Subjective impression of recoil is best when supported by an objective measure:
http://www.shooterscalculator.com/recoil-calculator.php
2.5# firearm weight for 1911
Actual power charge for 10mm handloads, 45 acp estimated from AA manual
10mm Handload 180 Gold Dot @ 1,152 fps / 531# KE - recoil energy 8.1 - PF 207
10mm Handload Nosler 150 JHP @ 1,402 fps / 655# KE - recoil energy 9.4 - PF 210
10mm Handload Hornady 155 XTP @ 1,400 fps / 675# KE - recoil energy 9.6 - PF 217
45 acp Federal 230 HST @ 891 fps / 406# KE - recoil energy 7.8 - PF 205
45 acp Winchester 230 Ranger T @ 915 fps / 428# KE - recoil energy 8.2 - PF 210
45 acp Remington Golden Saber 185 +P @ 1,157 fps / 550# KE - recoil energy 9.0 - PF 214
Subjectively, recoil energy best matches my impression of felt recoil rather than power factor (PF)

Subjectively and supported by either measure of calculation, my 10mm 180 Gold Dot handload recoils about the same as a 45 acp 230 Ranger T (hot for factory load) but generates 20% more energy (KE) and provides an additional round capacity.

In comparison to other calibers:
Glock 35 with factory Speer Gold Dot 180 @ 1,008 fps / 406# KE
(Moderate 10mm handload has about 150 fps & 24% more KE than factory 40 from longslide)
Glock 31 with factory Speer Gold Dot 125 @ 1,363 fps / 516# KE
(Moderate 10mm handload generates more KE than energy oriented 357 Sig)

Whats missing from all this data and calculation is how the bullet performs on deer.
Pictured with two Gold Dots and a XTP recovered from water filled jugs, 4 layer denim in front.
I like this pistol.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I hate to poo poo the Delta, because I know a lot of folks love them, but I don't think I'd buy the gun shown in the OP. It is rough looking, but more importantly, wasn't the chamber support questionable on the original Delta's? If you reload, and any 10mm shooter should, bulged brass will piss you off. I would much sooner spend my money on one of the new Ruger 1911's chambered in 10mm. It just seems a better option.

You also don't know how hard that thing has been run. If it's an original, who knows how many hot rounds it's had through it, and what kind of metal fatigue may be going on. Not to mention the "idiot scratch". Sorry, I hate the term, because it's insulting, but if someon can't even reassemble a 1911 without scratching it up, what else have they done to the gun. I mean no offense to anyone who has a scratch on their gun, it just makes me wonder about what kind of care it has been given.

Honestly, I really prefer the Sig P220 platform for the 10mm, but it is substantially more expensive. Sorry, I know I've said that many times lately and people are probably sick of hearing it.

 

[bannockburn]

ScrapMetalSlug

I'm with 460Shooter on this one. From your photo the gun looks like it hasn't been well cared for, at least on the outside. I would definitely make it a point to ask about the round count, how hot were the loads, what modifications have been done to the gun, and how does the gun look on the inside (things like cracks or excessive metal wear of the slide and frame). You didn't mention what they're asking for the gun so I can't comment on that so proceed with caution if you're thinking about getting it.

 

[ScrapMetalSlug]

Thanks for all of the replies. The guy was $800 firm on price, no idea on round count, and not interested in haggling. I will pass.

I’ve seen ruger and rock island 10mm for much less that look new, and have fully supported chambers. If I do end up getting a delta, I’ve seen some that look much nicer for not much more money. The search continues.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I think you're making a good call. $800 for that gun is absurd.

 

[lowercase]

Get a Smith 1006.

 

[bluecollar]

Here's a new one. Couple hundred more. Course you would have to supply your own idiot scratch

 

[CDW4ME]

Thanks for all of the replies. The guy was $800 firm on price, no idea on round count, and not interested in haggling. I will pass.

I’ve seen ruger and rock island 10mm for much less that look new, and have fully supported chambers. If I do end up getting a delta, I’ve seen some that look much nicer for not much more money. The search continues.

You are in KY, Buds Gun Shop close by? (or shipped free to your FFL)
New Delta like mine for $1,010 cash price.
https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog.../Firearms/Handguns/Colt/COLT+DELTA+ELITE+10MM

 

[cowboy77845]

I believe the S&W 10 series is a better platform for the 10 MM. I like the Colts but I shoot the S&W 1076. Also like the 610 S&Ws.

 

[CDW4ME]

Stainless Delta Elite at KY Gun Co $984 new.
https://www.kygunco.com/Product/View?ItemNo=120629

 

[amprecon]

This gun is on my short list

 

[420Stainless]

I think its probably a good idea to pass up the old one. Looks like a lot of wear for that price. I have one of the newer, although not newest stainless versions and I love it. Wish I would have bought one of the originals back in the 80's, but I wouldn't go $800 for one unless it was in very good condition. I think mine, new about 2 years ago was just a little over $800 at a LGS.

 

[JONWILL]

Stainless Delta Elite at KY Gun Co $984 new.
https://www.kygunco.com/Product/View?ItemNo=120629

They are a great outfit.

I got mine here https://grabagun.com/colt-firearms-delta-elite-10mm-ss-blk-5-8-1.html

It was under $950 the first part of the year. It came with a Colt Range Kit.

Be aware the Colt Chamber is not fully supported. Not a big deal with most common 10mm factory ammo, it is loaded to 40 S&W velocities. I got some PPU 10mm and was very disappointed. It was good for the brass through

I had some Blue Dot and found that 10.3 Grains under a 180 XTP would shoot well but going up to 10.6 would bulge the case at the base.

 

[CDW4ME]

Be aware the Colt Chamber is not fully supported. Not a big deal with most common 10mm factory ammo, it is loaded to 40 S&W velocities. I got some PPU 10mm and was very disappointed. It was good for the brass through

I had some Blue Dot and found that 10.3 Grains under a 180 XTP would shoot well but going up to 10.6 would bulge the case at the base.

The loads I mentioned in post #4 bulge the case when fired from Delta Elite but only none to slight from Glock 20SF.
There is bulge with factory Hornady Critical Duty 175 fired from Delta.
I did not reload 10mm brass fired from Glock 20SF due to slight bulge and will not from the Delta, saving a few bucks on brass aint worth a kaboom.
Factory Critical Duty is nickel cases, my handloads are brass cases, most (worse) bulge is .008

 

[JONWILL]

The loads I mentioned in post #4 bulge the case when fired from Delta Elite but only none to slight from Glock 20SF.
There is bulge with factory Hornady Critical Duty 175 fired from Delta.
I did not reload 10mm brass fired from Glock 20SF due to slight bulge and will not from the Delta, saving a few bucks on brass aint worth a kaboom.
Factory Critical Duty is nickel cases, my handloads are brass cases, most (worse) bulge is .008
View attachment 766775

One 100% agree. If there was the slightest bulge I tossed the brass. Checked mine out with calipers and if the base if out of round they are a no-go

 

[Speedo66]

Just curious why you considered that particular example if new ones can be had for less than $200 more? Is it because it's an original issue? If so, wouldn't any collectibility be gone due to condition?

If on a budget, I understand and applaud your hesitation to go over.

 

[bannockburn]

ScrapMetalSlug

Good to hear you passed on the Delta Elite. Overpriced at $800, no idea as to the round count, and a no haggle policy on a rough looking gun equals a lousy deal for any prospective buyer. Bud's Gun Shop has the Ruger SR1911 in 10mm. for $744.

 

[CDW4ME]

ScrapMetalSlug

Good to hear you passed on the Delta Elite. Overpriced at $800, no idea as to the round count, and a no haggle policy on a rough looking gun equals a lousy deal for any prospective buyer. Bud's Gun Shop has the Ruger SR1911 in 10mm. for $744.

Ruger SR1911 in 10mm is my next acquisition once sufficient funds have accrued.

 

[bannockburn]

CDW4ME

Yeah, I was really quite surprised by that price at Bud's; very reasonably priced for a 10mm.

 

[ScrapMetalSlug]

Does anyone have any first hand experience with the ruger? I read the review on the truth about guns in a comparison with the RIA 10mm, and the first ruger they tested became a single shot and had to be sent back to the factory.

I like the idea of the 10mm Colt Delta, for hunting potential and occasional ccw. It is not really a need I have, I have carry guns and plenty of guns to hunt with, but I think it would be a fun gun. It is a lot of money for me to spend on a new gun I do not have a real need for though, That is why I am trying to bargain shop.

For those of you that have a Delta Elite or other 10mm pistol, what is your primary use? Hunting, ccw, or range toy/ fun gun?

 

[420Stainless]

Mine (Delta Elite) is primarily a home defense option. I shoot best with 1911s and have an affinity for those made by Colt. Haven't shot really hot loads through mine. Mine handles the SIG V-Crown stuff (180 grains listed at 1250 fps) and handloads with 180 grain XTP bullets that are probably running about 1200 fps, although that is just a guess based upon load data - I don't have a chronograph.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

For those of you that have a Delta Elite or other 10mm pistol, what is your primary use? Hunting, ccw, or range toy/ fun gun?

I bought my 10mm for hiking and particularly for hiking in dangerous game country. I wouldn't hesitate to press it into close-ish range hunting service. I could pop a dear easily with it, especially how close the dear in my neck of the woods let you get.

Just need to order up my holster, but the one I want is expensive.