Colt Delta Elite Stainless 10mm 1911 Government Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1989

SOLD FOR: $1881

LSB#: 210205MS23

Make: Colt

Model: Delta Elite Stainless

Serial Number: DS03380

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”. The right of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” and “DS03380”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “2” and “VP” in triangle, the right is marked “8”. The barrel, visible through the ejection port, is marked “-CAL. 10MM AUTO-“.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide. The sights were a three-dot set, the dots have been removed.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece serrated black synthetic panels with Delta Elite medallions. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are in Excellent condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Stainless Steel

Finish Originality: Original to the parts, the mainspring housing, slide stop and trigger have been replaced.

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

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are light nicks, scuffs and scratches scattered throughout. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The slide has very little play to the frame. Customization includes a serrated, arched synthetic mainspring housing, extended slide stop and skeletonized trigger. 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 with a single 9-round Wilson Combat magazine. The magazines shows faint operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in Excellent condition.

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 has been customized with an extended slide stop, skeletonized trigger, new mainspring housing and custom grips. The pistol is in Very Good-plus condition with some light operational wear and scattered light nicks and scratches, retaining a great bore and strong mechanics. This will make a fun shooter for the 10mm fans. Please see our photos and good luck!