Now that I picked up my sig p238 I'm really thinking I'd like to pick up a full sized (4-5 inch barrel) 1911 or 1911 style gun. I've wanted a colt delta elite ever since I bought my first 10 mm (g29) four years ago and know that they've started producing them again. I also like the kimber eclipse in 10mm. I've only shot two 1911's, a llama and a kimber crimson carry and the kimber shot very nice and i loved the trigger. The llama wasn't really that bad either but it wasn't a kimber that's for sure. Between the Delta elite and eclipse what one would you guys suggest? I'm in favor of the colt about 65/35 mainly because I've always wanted a real colt firearm and how iconic and "legendary" the Delta elite seems to be.
new colt delta elite 10mm
- Thread starter dubya450
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allaroundhunter
Member
It's hard to go wrong, especially with your two options.
But it seems like you already have your answer...
But it seems like you already have your answer...
Robbins290
Member
Delta elite! No doubt
Good, thats what I was hoping to hear! Only problem none of the LGS'S carry that pistol, let alone any colt firearms. Every place I've talked to said it'd be a special order and that's even if they could get one. I've seen em online from time to time for $900-$1100 but I've never ordered a gun online and am somewhat leary of it. Hopefully I can just get one at LGS for a decent price!
ApacheCoTodd
member
I've got a Gold Cup Delta Elite and love the tar outa it - purported chamber support issues not withstanding.
However, were I to slide past a screamin' deal on that Kimber - hell, I'd swing that way too.
In short, I'm no help to you whatsoever... Sorry. I'm sure the hate-baiters will chime in to dissuade you from one or both but I think you're headed in a good direction in either case.
However, were I to slide past a screamin' deal on that Kimber - hell, I'd swing that way too.
In short, I'm no help to you whatsoever... Sorry. I'm sure the hate-baiters will chime in to dissuade you from one or both but I think you're headed in a good direction in either case.
intercooler
member
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Don't get a Delta. Unless something has changed they don't have a ramped barrel so you will need to swap for a good one to shoot anything real.
Edarnold
Member
The big-name ammo makers have loaded the 10mm Auto down to .40 S&W +P levels, apparently to accommodate reported problems with less-than adequate chamber support in the Glock 20: the rear of the chamber is ramped to aid feeding, but results in a bulge in the base of the fired case.
Handloads that take advantage of the full ballistics of the cartridge, and commercial loads by specialty suppliers like CorBon and Underwood, have higher pressures and have suffered case failures in some guns. The original Delta Elite is reported to fully support the case, and apparently has no problem with the full power loads. One THR poster has reported a case failure in his new manufacture Delta Elite, so there may have been a change of the chamber design in the re-issued guns. Don't know of any reports of problems with other 1911-based 10mm's.
The Lone Wolf 10mm replacement barrel for the Glock 20 is reported to fully support the case head. Third-party barrels for the 1911 should be available that would also solve the problem. Why manufacturers like Glock, and perhaps Colt, ship guns with a known, correctable fault of this magnitude is another question.
Handloads that take advantage of the full ballistics of the cartridge, and commercial loads by specialty suppliers like CorBon and Underwood, have higher pressures and have suffered case failures in some guns. The original Delta Elite is reported to fully support the case, and apparently has no problem with the full power loads. One THR poster has reported a case failure in his new manufacture Delta Elite, so there may have been a change of the chamber design in the re-issued guns. Don't know of any reports of problems with other 1911-based 10mm's.
The Lone Wolf 10mm replacement barrel for the Glock 20 is reported to fully support the case head. Third-party barrels for the 1911 should be available that would also solve the problem. Why manufacturers like Glock, and perhaps Colt, ship guns with a known, correctable fault of this magnitude is another question.
swinokur
Member
Loose tolerances in a combat pistol help assure reliability. That's more important than accuracy.
intercooler
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Dan Wesson makes a very fine 10mm maybe the best of the bunch but it also has unramped barrels somewhere along the line. Over 70% of the DW 10's I inquire about on GunBroker reply to me they have unramped/unsupported chambers.
swinokur
Member
My Colt Delta Elite's are the same way. I shoot the 1200 FPS 180g GD Underwood Ammo or 175g Silvertips out of them. Problem solved.
loadedround
Member
What more can I say about the Colt Delta Elite thanthe fact that I own two of them. A blued model fron the 80's and a new stainless steel Colt purchased last year. Both enjoy taking long walks in the woods.
Lothar
Member
I was faced with the same decision that you are, dubya450, between the Colt Delta Elite and the Kimber Eclipse Custom II. Both are great guns. I ended up going with the Kimber for two reasons: (1) Because of its fully-supported barrel, and (2) It's a drop-dead gorgeous gun.
I think you'd be happy with either.
I think you'd be happy with either.
MachIVshooter
Member
Both great guns, I think it comes down to which look you prefer. I find the Eclipse to be one of the most attractive guns out there, but I also already have a Stainless Target II in 10mm, so I'd probably go for a blued Delta if I were buying another 10mm 1911.
I really like my new production Delta Elite a lot, except for the old style small grip safety and the plain GI type sights. I'm thinking about getting it fitted with a nice stainless beaver tail grip safety and possibly getting an adjustable target rear sight and a fiber optics (maybe Dawson) front sight later down the road. The only thing I have changed out on mine so far is the grips (they are alumagrips from www.gungrips.net). Didn't care for the stock rubber type grips that came with it. The Kimber 10mm 1911s look very nice indeed. I wouldn't mind owning one of them as well, but for now my Colt DE and my G29SF keep me happy while shooting 10mm. Here is a pic of my Delta Elite:
I just can't tolerate the small tang grip safety; IMO a beavertail grip safety should be standard on any 1911 type pistol.
Jon Coppenbarger
Member
I had one back in the 80's and really liked shooting it. Sold it back then to fund another project and had several chances over the years to get another one.
Then last year I found one new in the box from the late production in blue from the 90's for $900 and could not pass it up.
Did buy a few boxes of different ammo to try but still have not shot it. Bought 2 boxes each of the following. winchecster 175 gr silvertips with being only 20 round boxes but I have always liked the stuff, pmc eldorado 170 gr hp, winchester 155gr fmj truncated cone match and some 180 gr fmj stuff.
The delta elite is a fine pistol
Then last year I found one new in the box from the late production in blue from the 90's for $900 and could not pass it up.
Did buy a few boxes of different ammo to try but still have not shot it. Bought 2 boxes each of the following. winchecster 175 gr silvertips with being only 20 round boxes but I have always liked the stuff, pmc eldorado 170 gr hp, winchester 155gr fmj truncated cone match and some 180 gr fmj stuff.
The delta elite is a fine pistol
dubya450, After tax (I live in the same state as gungrips.net) and shipping they set me back about $109.
CDW4MEk, I agree. I have a Colt New Agent and the small tang grip safety on it sometimes bothers me as well. I don't think I will ever change the grip safety out on it though. The Delta I'm thinking is just a matter of time before I find a good local 1911 gunsmith.
CDW4MEk, I agree. I have a Colt New Agent and the small tang grip safety on it sometimes bothers me as well. I don't think I will ever change the grip safety out on it though. The Delta I'm thinking is just a matter of time before I find a good local 1911 gunsmith.
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