Custom Colt Delta Elite, Blue 5″ SA Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol, MFD 1989 10mm

SOLD FOR: $1,126.09
LSB#: 180907KG69

Make: Colt

Model: Delta Elite Government Model

Serial Number: DE30567

Year of Manufacture: 1989 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: 10mm Auto

Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Removable Magazine Fed Pistol

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “DELTA ELITE / -COLT AUTO-” with “10mm” in triangle, the right is marked “GOVERNMENT MODEL”. The left of the trigger guard bow is marked “2” and “VP” in triangle, the right is marked “8”, the right of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” with the serial number, the barrel is marked “-CAL 10MM AUTO-”. The firing pin retainer is marked “1”.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with a white dot. The rear sight is a Novak’s square notch with two white dots. Both are dovetailed to the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered panels with double diamonds around the grip screw escutcheons. The grips have a few scattered light compressions, scuffs and handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined. The grips rate in about Very Good-Fine overall condition as not original to the handgun. During inspection, the grip screws came out fine, but we were unable to remove the panels from the frame, whether due to tight fit or to being glued or otherwise fixed in place.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 93% of its metal finish. The finish is lightly thinning at most edges. There is handling wear in the textured frontstrap and stippled, curved mainspring housing. The after-market grip safety has some light scratches in the back with a wear mark from the hammer on the top of the beavertail. The slide has some light marks on the top behind the ejection port. The frame has some scattered light marks including a short, light mark under the slide stop from reassembly. The slide stop and after-market extended thumb-safety show handling wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition as refinished and customized. Please see Our Assessment for more information on customization.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The slide has little play to the frame. The firing pin safety has been removed, this pistol has a thumb safety and a grip safety. There are no cracks in the frame. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a single after-market 9-round stainless magazine with black plastic basepad. The magazine has light operational wear with intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Fine condition as not original to the gun.

Our Assessment: The Delta Elite was introduced in 1987 as a 10mm version of the 1911. The 1911 already had a following, of course, while the cartridge was popular as a result of Jeff Cooper’s involvement in its development and use in the Bren-10. It has remained popular with fans of the 1911 and the 10mm cartridge ever since. This example was made in 1989 and has been customized with most of the popular 1911 upgrades. The gun has had the slide cut to accept dovetailed sights including Novak-style rear sight and the ejection port has been flared to improve ejection. The guide rod has been replaced with a full-length guide rod assembly. The standard grip safety has been replaced with a beavertail grip safety to prevent pinching by the Commander-style hammer. The frontstrap has been textured and the backstrap replaced with a stippled mainspring housing. Finally, the thumb safety has been replaced with an after-market extended safety, making it easier to engage and disengage quickly. The result is a fine defensive handgun chambered in a powerful cartridge which is suitable for handgun hunting, hunting sidearm, home defense or action pistol matches. Please see our photos and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This handgun CANNOT be transferred as a dealer sale in California, but CAN be sold as a PPT at our store in Simi Valley. This does not apply to out of state residents.