Colt Delta Elite Review

Colt is a manufacturer known for its classics—think Colt Python, Colt King Cobra, Colt Single Action Army—and that isn’t limited to revolvers. The Colt Delta Elite is a 1911 platform handgun in a big bore that’s retained something of a cult following for years. It’s understandable, really, considering how solid and well-made it is. Even if you’re not a 1911 fan the Colt Delta Elite is a gun worth shooting, and we’re going to tell you why.

Colt Delta Elite

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Colt Delta Elite Background

The Colt Delta Elite was first release by the renowned gun maker in 1987. This followed closely on the heels of the 1986 FBI Miami Shootout, an event that lead to the attempt to use 10mm firearms for agents (which then lead to the creation of 40 Smith & Wesson). At that time the 10mm was only a few years old and hadn’t managed much of a fan base—and, in fact, the cartridge didn’t really start getting popular again until rather recently.

That first run of the pistol lasted until 1996, after which there was a long pause before it re-entered production in 2009. The second run of the gun continued until 2016 at which time Colt made some changes. Changes were relatively minor, so you can consider the Delta Elites currently being produced to be part of that same run (after all, there’s been no gap in production this time). That or you can think of them as Gen 2.5. Either way, the Colt Delta Elite is still in production and seems to be enjoying a greater following now that 10mm is on the rise.

Other Models and Colors

Colt Delta Elite Rail

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Features of the Colt Delta Elite

The current iteration of the Colt Delta Elite has a lot of shared features with the original. However, there are some nuances, such as different sights. Features of the current production gun include:

1 Novak Iron Sights

2 Dual Spring Recoil Assembly

3 Skeletonized trigger

4 Undercut trigger guard

Better grip and improved comfort during live fire

5 Extended beavertail safety

Encourages a high, firm grip

6 Composite stocks/grip panels

Colt Delta Elite—Our Take

The Colt Delta Elite is a Government-size 1911, meaning it has a 5.0-inch barrel and a full-size frame. This model is heavier than some 1911s—a sensible featuring considering it’s a 10mm—but not excessively so. Fitment of parts is excellent and attention has clearly been paid to quality control. Despite it being a heavier pistol, the Delta Elite has nice balance. It’s made with an eye for accuracy and consistency, and it delivers.

Shootability

If you’re not used to Government 1911s and 10mm, you might be unsure what to expect—or put off by its weight. However, the weight of the stainless steel frame and slide ensure felt recoil and muzzle rise are mitigated to controllable levels (even if you find yourself shooting full-power 10mm). The composite, rubberized grip panels feel good in the hand and do provide some texture to reduce potential slipping. If you prefer more aggressively cut panels they’re certainly available, but the factory Colt grips work quite well. Once you’re familiar with the 1911 controls and feel of the pistol you’ll find it’s highly shootable, even enjoyable.

Accuracy

While this isn’t necessarily an incredibly precise gun, it’s an accurate one. With slow, steady fire you can get one-hole, five-shot groups shooting offhand from 10 yards. And because it’s a full-sized gun in a larger caliber, it continues to perform nicely at 25 yards. If you’d like to stretch it to 50 yards you can, and the results are accurate and repeatable. For some real fun, ring steel at 100 yards—it’s easier than you might realize. The Colt Delta Elite is a reliably accurate gun that’s a reasonable choice whether you’re hunting or using it for self-defense.

Ergonomics

The Colt Delta Elite is ergonomically sound and mirrors the expected design of a Government 1911. It’s a little heavier than some but not excessively so. Its size makes it a good fit for the hand size of your average shooter as well as those with larger hands. And if you’re thinking it won’t fit shooters with smaller hands, you’d be wrong. Controls are placed so you don’t need to overly adjust your grip to operate them. Thanks to the extended beavertail safety, maintaining a high, firm grip is easier than on the original generation models.

Value

Generally speaking, handguns that are well-made and chambered in 10mm aren’t sub-$1k firearms. Those do exist, and some perform just fine, but if you want a high-quality gun it’s going to cost you. It’s possible to find a used Colt Delta Elite under $1k, but not by much. That said, the superior construction, fit, and feel of the Delta Elite makes it worth the cost. It not only performs as expected but does even better, and it’s the kind of durably designed gun you could hand down to your kids or grandkids.

Pros and Cons

Report Card
Reliabiltiy	Not only is the Colt Delta Elite inherently reliable, it’s more reliable than many factory 1911s. It isn’t ammo finicky and runs dirty so long as it’s kept lubed. Also, it runs consistently whether you’re using factory magazines or aftermarket magazines.	A+
Shootability	Although I’d like to give this gun an A for shootability because it deserves it, the reality is that the felt recoil can be off-putting for some shooters. Despite that it’s well-made and sits naturally in your hands, so it earns a B+.	A-
Accuracy	This is an accurate gun and remains accurate during rapid fire once you have the experience to manage it.	A-
Ergonomics	It would be nice to have a little more texture on the grips. Otherwise, the ergonomics are spot-on and there are no complaints.	A-
Value	Even at brand new prices the Colt Delta Elite fulfills its promise for value. It’s made well, fitment is great, and it cycles reliably. Then there’s the possibility you could pass it down to future generations, and that’s awesome as well. It’s worth it.	A+

Colt Delta Elite

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Our Grade

A-

Reviewed by Kat Ainsworth-Stevens

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Below you will find some of my top recommended upgrades, accessories and ammo options.

Upgrades, Accessory and Ammo Options

Trijicon Bright & Tough Night Sights		Check It Out
Colt Delta Elite Spare Magazine		Check It Out
Preferred Ammo Remington Core-Lokt 10mm 200 grain JHP		Check It Out
Buffalo Bore Heavy 10mm 180 grain JHP		Check It Out