Colt Delta Elite Stainless 02020 5″ 1911 10mm Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1989
SOLD FOR: $1,426.00
WOA#: WY240418JS068
Make: Colt
Model: Delta Elite Stainless
Serial Number: DS09470
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 a triangle in the center and “10mm” inside the triangle, the right is marked “COLT GOVERNMENT MODEL / 10mm/SEMI-AUTO”. The right of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” and “DS09470”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “X” and “VP” in triangle, the right is marked “C”. The barrel, visible through the ejection port, is marked “-CAL. 10MM AUTO-“.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with a white dot fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch with two white dots dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a textured black rubber wraparound with Delta Elite medallions on each side. The grip has no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no rips or tears. Overall, the grip is in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn copper fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered tiny nicks and scratches. There is a light “idiot mark” below the slide stop on the left of the frame. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The slide has light play to 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: This pistol comes in a maroon cardboard Colt box with hand-written label, two-piece styrofoam inserts, and a single 8-round magazine.
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 became 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 is a Stainless model which is in Fine condition, showing signs of limited and responsible use. This will make a fun shooter for the 10mm fans, but would also be a nice addition to a Colt or 1911 collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
