Colt Delta Elite 10mm Auto 5″ Blued Semi-Automatic Pistol & 5 Mags MFD 1991
SOLD FOR: $1,240.00
LSB#: LSB260305BL002
Make: Colt
Model: Delta Elite
Serial Number: DE35571
Year of Manufacture: 1991 / ATF Classification: Modern
Caliber: 10mm Auto
Action Type: Single action, semi-automatic, fed by detachable magazines
Barrel Length: 5″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a staked post with a white dot. The rear sight is a dovetailed square notch with two white dots.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are one-piece rubber with the iconic Delta medallions. There is minimal wear on the grips. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are in Fine to Excellent Condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp with faint fouling present. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. The firearm shows light operational and handling wear. The only notable blemish is a scratch through the bluing caused by the slide-stop rubbing during disassembly/assembly. The screw heads are unmarred and remain turnable. The markings are clear and complete. This has the frame relief cut introduced by Colt to reduce the chances of cracking the frame when shooting hot 10mm loads. Overall, this pistol is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. There is very little play between the slide and frame. This manual and grip safeties function correctly. This has the frame relief cut introduced by Colt to reduce the chances of cracking the frame when shooting hot 10mm loads. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One blued Colt 8rd magazine, two stainless Colt 8rd magazines, one blued Springfield Armory 8rd magazine, one stainless Metalform 8rd magazine, and a soft case.
Our Assessment: This Colt Delta Elite, manufactured in 1991, stands as one of the most iconic 10mm pistols ever produced. Introduced by Colt in 1987, the Delta Elite was the first major-production 1911 chambered in 10mm Auto and quickly became synonymous with the cartridge’s rise in popularity. Built on the classic Government Model pattern with a 5 inch barrel and blued finish, the Delta Elite combined the proven ergonomics of the 1911 platform with the power and velocity of a modern magnum-class semi-automatic cartridge. By the early 1990s, it had already earned a reputation as a serious, full-power sidearm.
The 10mm Auto cartridge itself was developed in the early 1980s through the efforts of Jeff Cooper and Dornaus & Dixon, originally chambered in the Bren Ten pistol. Designed to offer greater velocity and energy than the 9mm and .45 ACP while maintaining semi-automatic capacity, the 10mm quickly gained attention for its ballistic performance. After the Bren Ten faltered commercially, Colt’s introduction of the Delta Elite brought the cartridge into mainstream production. This example incorporates the frame relief cut that Colt later added to reduce stress and mitigate the possibility of frame cracking when firing high-pressure 10mm loads, a notable design refinement. The bore rates 9.5 out of 10, and the action functions correctly.
This pistol retains approximately 98 percent of its metal finish, presenting in strong cosmetic condition. The grips rate in Fine to Excellent condition, and the pistol includes five magazines. Overall, this Delta Elite rates in Fine condition and remains a highly recognizable and historically significant 10mm 1911 from the period when the cartridge cemented its place in American handgun culture. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! -C.R.