The Genesis of the 10mm and Colt’s Entry
The 10mm Auto cartridge. The very name conjures images of raw power, impressive ballistics, and a reputation for stopping power. It’s a round that has captured the imagination of gun enthusiasts, hunters, and competitive shooters alike. And at the forefront of this powerful caliber’s history, stands a name synonymous with American firearms: Colt. Specifically, the Colt Delta Elite. This review will delve deep into this iconic handgun, examining its heritage, features, performance, and ultimately, its suitability for a variety of applications. We’ll aim to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the Colt Delta Elite, giving you, the reader, the information needed to determine if this handgun deserves a place in your collection or as your preferred sidearm.
The 10mm Auto wasn’t born out of happenstance. It emerged from a need for a more potent handgun round, one that could offer superior ballistics compared to the existing offerings at the time. The cartridge was developed in the late 1970s by firearms enthusiast, Jeff Cooper and others, and designed to be powerful enough for hunting or self-defense situations where other cartridges might fall short. This new cartridge was designed to deliver impressive velocities and energy, promising stopping power that would quickly grab the attention of both law enforcement and civilian shooters.
Colt’s decision to embrace the 10mm Auto was a pivotal moment for both the company and the cartridge itself. Colt, with its rich history in the development and production of the 1911 platform, saw the potential of the 10mm and adapted it to this tried-and-true design. The result was the Colt Delta Elite, a handgun that would become a flagship for the cartridge. Colt’s entry signaled a level of legitimacy and a commitment to the caliber that helped cement its place in the firearms world. This move was crucial for establishing the 10mm as a viable option and for giving shooters a reliable, powerful option.
The Delta Elite’s introduction marked a significant moment. It wasn’t just a new handgun; it was a statement about power, reliability, and the timeless design of the 1911. The adoption of the 10mm Auto by a respected manufacturer like Colt instantly raised the profile of the round. This boosted the availability of ammunition and other firearms chambered for this round.
Exploring the Core Features and Design
The Colt Delta Elite, at its core, remains a 1911. This design, originally conceived by John Browning, is revered for its ergonomics, its trigger, and the overall feel that it provides. This platform, built on a time-tested design, has a solid reputation for reliability and ease of use.
From an aesthetic perspective, the Delta Elite often boasts a stainless steel frame and slide, a choice that not only provides durability but also gives the handgun a sleek, modern appearance. The finishes, often stainless or blued steel, add to the appeal.
The magazine capacity is a factor to consider. While the traditional 1911 design typically holds a certain number of rounds, the Delta Elite typically provides a reasonable ammunition capacity that meets many practical needs. The magazine release button is readily accessible.
The sights fitted to the Delta Elite generally include a design which helps in quickly acquiring the target. The quality of the sights is crucial for accurate shooting, so the Delta Elite’s sights are usually well-made to provide clear sight pictures, ensuring the shooter can quickly and accurately place shots.
The trigger is a hallmark of the 1911 platform. The single-action trigger pull is typically crisp and clean, allowing for precise shot placement. The trigger is an important feature and it plays a pivotal role in a shooter’s overall experience, and in the Delta Elite, it helps make for smooth and controlled firing.
The grip is often built from materials that improve the feel, allowing the shooter to maintain a firm hold, even under the heavy recoil. This is particularly critical when managing the powerful 10mm cartridge. The ergonomics are finely tuned, providing a good feeling, comfortable hold.
Examining the Ergonomics and Handling Characteristics
The Colt Delta Elite is surprisingly comfortable, despite the potent cartridge it fires. The ergonomics of the 1911 design naturally lead to a good grip. The shooter’s hand wraps comfortably around the frame, providing a secure and natural hold. This is extremely crucial when dealing with the recoil of the 10mm round.
The controls, including the safety, slide release, and magazine release, are readily accessible. The manual safety is intuitive, allowing the shooter to quickly engage or disengage it. The slide release functions smoothly, making it easy to chamber a round. The magazine release is well-placed and easy to operate, enabling quick and efficient reloads.
The balance of the Delta Elite is, in general, good. The weight of the all-steel construction helps to mitigate the felt recoil. This is particularly important because of the 10mm cartridge’s power. The balanced design of the handgun makes it easier to keep the sights on target during rapid fire.
Regarding concealment, the Delta Elite is a full-sized 1911 and might be challenging for concealed carry. Its size requires a high-quality holster and a good belt, but the 1911 design, the grip and its shape lend itself fairly well to carrying if this is a priority.
Assessing Performance: Accuracy, Reliability, and Recoil
The performance of the Colt Delta Elite is what truly sets it apart. Accuracy is crucial, and the Delta Elite generally delivers consistent results. The combination of a quality trigger and well-designed sights allows for tight groupings at various distances. The inherent accuracy of the 1911 platform, combined with the power of the 10mm Auto, gives the Delta Elite a significant edge for target shooting and defensive applications.
Reliability is also key. The 10mm cartridge generates significant power, and the Delta Elite’s robust construction is designed to handle it. With proper maintenance and the use of quality ammunition, the Delta Elite is normally very reliable, showing few issues.
The recoil of the 10mm is significant, to be expected from the cartridge’s power. However, the Delta Elite’s all-steel construction helps to manage this. The weight of the handgun absorbs some of the recoil, making it more manageable than some other pistols chambered in 10mm. The pistol is balanced, so it generally helps to maintain a good level of control.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of the Delta Elite
The advantages of the Delta Elite are many. First, and foremost, is the power of the 10mm Auto. This cartridge provides exceptional stopping power and long-range performance. Second, the Delta Elite benefits from the inherent qualities of the 1911 platform: its ergonomics, its trigger, and its ease of use. Third, Colt’s build quality is usually very good. The Delta Elite is designed to last, making it a sound investment. Finally, the 1911 design, which has been honed over the years, is generally reliable.
However, there are also some disadvantages to consider. The recoil of the 10mm, although manageable, is still substantial. The cost of the pistol may be higher than some other handguns in different calibers. Furthermore, 10mm ammunition can be more expensive than more common calibers.
Comparing to the Competition
The Colt Delta Elite faces competition from other 10mm handguns, most notably models produced by Glock, Smith & Wesson and Dan Wesson. Glock’s offerings, such as the Glock 20, are known for their reliability and high-capacity magazines. Smith & Wesson’s M&P 10mm are also popular due to ergonomics and other factors.
The Colt Delta Elite stands out because of the 1911 platform, the iconic design, and the crisp trigger. It is likely to appeal to those who appreciate the classic feel. These competing models offer different advantages, so selecting a handgun really depends on individual requirements.
Suitability for the Intended User
Who is the Colt Delta Elite designed for? It’s a good choice for those who appreciate the classic 1911 design, and those who value the power of the 10mm cartridge. It’s suited for self-defense, particularly home defense. For those who hunt, the 10mm Auto offers sufficient power for various game. Moreover, target shooters may appreciate the accuracy and the trigger. For collectors, the Delta Elite holds historical significance and appeals to those who value well-made firearms.
Overall, the Delta Elite is a reliable choice for many. It may not be for everyone, especially for those who are new to firearms or not familiar with the 1911 design. But for those who appreciate power, precision, and the legacy of Colt, the Delta Elite is a compelling option.
Conclusion
The Colt Delta Elite is more than just a handgun; it’s a piece of firearms history. It flawlessly combines the power of the 10mm Auto with the time-tested 1911 platform. This is a gun with a distinguished history. The Delta Elite offers impressive power, accuracy, and a satisfying feel. Its recoil is noticeable, its capacity might be lower than some alternatives, and the cost can be a factor, but the overall package is still appealing. It is a suitable handgun for those who want power and performance in a durable, reliable platform.
If you are in search of a handgun chambered in 10mm and want a weapon with a history, the Colt Delta Elite deserves your close consideration. You will be adding a gun that has shown itself worthy. It is a powerful and precise handgun that will give its owner years of reliable service.
