page_title: Colt Delta Elite
section_title: Design
hierarchical_section_title: Colt Delta Elite / Design
caption_attribution_description: English: Colt Delta Elite on display at the National Firearms Museum.
context_page_description: The Colt Delta Elite is a modified M1911 pistol, Series 80 configuration, chambered for the 10mm Auto. It is similar to the M1911 in design and operation. Colt manufactured both stainless steel and blued versions with eight-round magazines. A Delta Gold Cup model was also offered for target competition. The stainless steel Government Model version has recently been reintroduced.
  Released in 1987, it was the second commercial pistol chambered in the 10mm cartridge, following the Dornaus & Dixon manufactured Bren Ten pistol, which was released in 1983 and pioneered the 10mm Auto chambering.
context_section_description: The Delta Elite is a standard M1911 design, with a few minor differences from the latest Series 80 derivative of that pistol. It carries the rowel "Commander" type hammer of that pistol and the same overall features of the 1911 that have made it so popular with users. However, the Delta Elite carries a stiffer double recoil spring to handle the increased recoil of the 10mm round. Unlike the .400 Corbon, the 10mm can easily exceed the pressure levels of the .357 Magnum, thus stressing the original design's limitations, unless care is given.  Many gunsmiths have their own modifications which they feel adjust the level of felt recoil of the Delta Elite.  Some of the very first Delta Elites had a tendency to suffer flex-induced slide rail stress cracks.  This was quickly addressed by removing the section of the rail above the slide-stop cutout.
caption: A Delta Elite on display at the National Firearms Museum. Police issue from Hartford, CT.
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