Colt 1911 Government Model Delta Elite 10MM 5″ Semi-Automatic Pistol 1987
SOLD FOR: $1,775.00
LSB#: LSB260303CS001
Make: Colt
Model: M1911 Government Model
Serial Number: DE07486
Year of Manufacture: 1987 / Modern
Caliber: 10MM Auto
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 2x 8-round magazine. The magazines show operational use. Overall, the magazines rate in Excellent condition.
Barrel Length: 5″
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a metal blade with a white dot, fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch with white dots, dovetailed to the slide. The top of the slide has a matte finish to reduce glare.
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “DELTA ELITE” / “–COLT AUTO”, and a triangle with 10MM inside. The right side of the slide is marked “GOVERNMENT MODEL”. The right side of the frame is marked with “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” and the serial number. The top of the barrel is marked with “-CAL 10MM AUTO”.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are a one piece wrap-around textured synthetic, with a red triangle in a black circle outlined in silver-color. There is little to no handling wear. There are no rips or tears. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is minor fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates a 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its finish. There are some fairly minor scratches on the slide. There are small dings in the left slide serrations. There is operational wear from the slide cycling. There are scratches below the slide stop and the backstrap safety from use. The barrel and barrel hood show operational use. There is minor corrosion freckling on the serrated back strap. The screws are sharp with light tooling. Overall, this pistol rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: 2x 8-round magazines, serial matching factory box, 2x recoil spring guides.
Our Assessment: The Colt Delta Elite marked a major moment in the evolution of the 1911 platform when it was introduced in 1987 as one of the first major-production pistols chambered for the then-new 10mm Auto cartridge. Developed to harness the power and flat trajectory of the 10mm round within the familiar Government Model format, the Delta Elite combined the proven ergonomics and trigger characteristics of the 1911 with substantially increased ballistic performance. The 10mm Auto cartridge itself was introduced in the early 1980s with the goal of delivering magnum-like energy in a semi-automatic platform, quickly gaining attention among law enforcement, hunters, and enthusiasts seeking greater velocity and penetration than traditional service calibers. Early Delta Elites have become especially collectible as the pistol that firmly established Colt’s place in the 10mm market during the cartridge’s formative years.
This 1987 example remains in excellent condition with strong original blue finish retention and only light evidence of operational and handling wear. The pistol retains its iconic Delta Elite appearance with the distinctive red triangle emblem set into the wraparound synthetic grips, white-dot combat sights, and matte-topped slide. The bore remains bright with sharp rifling, while the included serial-matching factory box, spare recoil spring guides, and extra magazine significantly enhance the package’s desirability. Early production Delta Elites continue to attract collectors and shooters alike due to their association with the rise of the 10mm cartridge and their place within Colt’s Government Model lineage. Combining classic 1911 styling with one of the most powerful mainstream semi-automatic handgun cartridges of its era, the Delta Elite remains one of Colt’s most recognizable and sought-after modern production pistols. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY