Colt Delta or Dan Wesson 10mm?

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Cashfan

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I have become increasingly intrigued with 10mm and am beginning to look very seriously at purchasing one. I looked at the Glock 20, but don't really care for it. 1911's fit me much better. I looked at Colt Delta today and liked it a lot. I know where there is a Dan Wesson Silverback I can look at when I get a chance to take a little drive, but I'm pretty sure it'll feel better in my hand than the Colt. I already own a Dan Wesson in .45 ACP, and I know that fit and finish will far exceed the Colt Delta.

My questions are,

Which one is the more durable gun?
Which one will handle hotter loads?

Is the Dan Wesson going to be prettier, but unable to handle some hot loads? I don't wanna spend the extra money on eye candy, but I would if it is just a better quality gun.

Any thoughts?

Thanks in Advance!
 
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Neither. I own two STI perfect 10's and couldn't be happier. I liked the first one so much I bought another.
 
M16 said:
Neither. I own two STI perfect 10's and couldn't be happier. I liked the first one so much I bought another.
Click to expand...

STI looks like a fantastic 10mm. Might have to try to find one to look at.
 
I was one of the instigators in the creation of the Razorback 10mm back about 15 years ago.
RZs.jpg

I liked the Gummint model so well that I called Bob Serva, the owner of DW back then, and asked about a CCO version set up like the Razorback.
He said that sounds like fun. Let's do it.
I've been carrying and shooting these two since then.
I've used many pretty warmish reloads during that time.

So far, so good.
 
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Go with the Dan Wesson for the quality,go with Colt for the name.Colt was at the top of their game when they were up against brands like Singer.
 
IMO, you can't go wrong with either. I don't believe one is any more durable/capable of handling hotter loads, compared to the other. You'll hear some people talk about some stress crack issues on the frame with the Delta Elite, but that was a limited issue with the gen 1 DE. From what I've read, it could happen in an area that did not affect function, and Colt fixed the issue by modifying the cut out area near the slide stop; non-issue, especially with the new ones.

And yes, as you know, the fit and finish on the Dan Wesson is nicer than the Colt, they are very nice. But, the Colt is also very nice, and it does cost significantly less than the Dan Wesson. Honestly, the money was not the issue, it's just that Dan Wessons just don't trip my trigger. I believe that Colt makes an excellent 1911, and if I really want a nice/custom 1911, I'd either have a base Colt customized by a quality smith, or buy a nice a Wilson, or Ed Brown.

I went through the same dilemma last year when I was looking to buy a 10mm 1911. I also looked at the Kimber 10mm 1911. I ended up getting the Delta Elite, and I'm very happy with the decision. At the end of the day, I've had great experiences with my Colt 1911s in terms of quality and function. I figured I could always upgrade a couple things here and there (front strap checkering, beaver tail grip safety) if I really wanted, for around the same money as the DW, but I'd still have a Colt.

Anyway, the Delta Elite is very nice, great trigger, and accurate. Zero function issues, and I've run a variety of loads through it. BTW, I wouldn't go super hot with any 10mm 1911-platform gun... I've got a Glock 29, and have shot some pretty hot stuff through that gun, with no issues.

To sum up, they're both quality guns, and I'd say that you probably already really know what gun you want, you should just go and buy it! ;)
 
10mm

Since this IS the Smith & Wesson Forum I'll put in my vote for a good 1006. I have one and a Glock 20 like both better than any 1911 version I've looked at. Glock, EAA and RIA (Armscor) all have 6" models now. EAA has a Match grade model too. What are you going to do with it? I've seen comments about the 1911 design not being strong enough for full power 10mm loads. In the end though it's all personal preference. I just recommend you look at as many models as you can and research the subject thoroughly before you make a commitment.

PEH
 
I mostly want it for a range gun, but I would consider deer hunting with it. I've been hunting for two years with a .44, and I love handgun hunting. I won't use a shotgun again.

I want a gun that will withstand a full load; that is a high priority to me. I might not utilize it, but I want the option. If the 1911 style can't handle it, and it looks like it can't (at least without modification that I don't want to do) than i will probably look in another direction.

STI's look really nice but pretty spendy.
SW1006 looks like it is tank, but might be hard to find.

Can the Glock withstand a full load?
Is a different barrel necessary?

The price on a glock is great, but they are so ugly and all they do is hit where I aim. : ) I have a few thousand rounds through my G22 and it is a tack driver, but it doesn't appeal to shoot it anymore, and hasn't been shot in more than a year, maybe even two. I'd rather shoot the 1911's and wheel guns.

They aren't uncomfortable to shoot, but 1911's are more comfortable. I don't think I'd want a 1911 in 10mm if I can't run hot loads through it.
 
If you plan to shoot a lot of heavy-duty 10mm loads I think you are going to beat up any 1911, no matter who made it, quicker than you might like, but I really don't have a lot of experience to justify that statement. I don't do that with my Colt, mainly because I don't enjoy it.

You've got experience with and like DWs so that is what I would buy, particularly if there is a model that is equipped the way you want it. I would be looking for the usual things in a 1911 - good sights YOU can see, good trigger action, a good barrel that seems to be properly fitted, the "highest" grip safety possible, and (in my case) a checkered front strap. That's what's important to me, but your criteria may be a little different. If the DW happens to have a ramped barrel as opposed to the usual, standard 1911 barrel, I would definitely favor the DW for that reason. I think 1911s in 10mm should have a ramped barrel.
 
S&W 1006, etc.

The 1006 is very heavy duty and probably one of the strongest. Not sure what your price range is but they are usually available on Gunbroker, etc. for about $1000 + or -. The Glock is also very good but if you don't like the style/feel take a look at the EAAs, based on a CZ design they are also very strong guns and you can get one (in 10mm) at just about any price point, depending on your requirements. I have one of the all steel ones in 38 Super and it's great. I could get a 10mm conversion kit for it but probably would go with a complete gun for the difference in cost.

PEH
 
Can't say anyting about either Colt or Dan Wesson, but I LOVE my frankengun. It looks like a gunsmith got ahold of the best parts he could and built a match 10mm with an Ed brown barrel and bushing, Novak sights andCrimson trace grips. Best $400 1911 varient I've ever got my hands on
 
For the price I went with the Delta. The others are really nice guns but the prices exceed the cost of the colt by at least a third if not double. Picked up my Delta for a grand from Buds. It isn't a tack drive like my glock 20 but I am a fan of the 1911 platform.
 
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Thanks for all the replies.

I've been going around and around trying to figure out what to do...

Looked at the Glock again. With all the reading I've done, I haven't seen anyone not like their Glock 20 so they are worth a look. They seem to hold up well and are very accurate. The Gen 4 is more comfortable to hold than my Gen 3 G22.

There is no doubt that the 1911 style is more comfortable to hold, I just wish they were tougher. Under normal target shooting and maybe a little hunting it will probably hold up well.

For those that have a 1911 style, what kind of rounds are you running through it and how many?
 
My Colt Delta Elite model has a ramped Kart barrel that shoots lead like a champ so for target shooting on the indoor range I use a the Lyman 401638 or similar 180-gr LTC at about 900-950 FPS. I've never carried the gun in the field but if I were to do that I have a Blue Dot load with either 200-gr Hornady HP or FMJ that goes about 1100 FPS. Though no .41 Magnum that is a pretty sturdy load, and the best part is that it shoots very well.

I do not get the impression that G20s are "bullet-proof" by any means but maybe you are reading different things. I do know they are popular with some folks who live in big bear territory. Sixteen 10 mm FMJs at close range might be comforting? I'd have to think about that one a bit but my first impression is that if worse came to worse you might not have the time needed to fire more than six rounds anyway. I wouldn't know about any of that but I do know the G20s don't please me in a lot of other ways.

I'd stick with a DW or maybe an STI properly configured the way you want it. My Colt was a "parts gun" until a good pistolsmith got his hands on it. Maybe Colt DEs are a lot better these days? JMHO. :)
 
M29since14 said:
My Colt Delta Elite model has a ramped Kart barrel that shoots lead like a champ so for target shooting on the indoor range I use a the Lyman 401638 or similar 180-gr LTC at about 900-950 FPS. I've never carried the gun in the field but if I were to do that I have a Blue Dot load with either 200-gr Hornady HP or FMJ that goes about 1100 FPS. Though no .41 Magnum that is a pretty sturdy load, and the best part is that it shoots very well.

I do not get the impression that G20s are "bullet-proof" by any means but maybe you are reading different things. I do know they are popular with some folks who live in big bear territory. Sixteen 10 mm FMJs at close range might be comforting? I'd have to think about that one a bit but my first impression is that if worse came to worse you might not have the time needed to fire more than six rounds anyway. I wouldn't know about any of that but I do know the G20s don't please me in a lot of other ways.

I'd stick with a DW or maybe an STI properly configured the way you want it. My Colt was a "parts gun" until a good pistolsmith got his hands on it. Maybe Colt DEs are a lot better these days? JMHO. :)
Click to expand...

Capacity isn't an issue for me, I have no problem with 7 or 8 +1.

No firearm is bulletproof, but Ive been reading a lot about the Glock being a more durable gun in the long run, especially with an aftermarket fully supported barrel. I want to be able to shoot warm loads, otherwise I would stick with my G22.

While the looks and finish is nicer on the 1911's I'd probably cry if I scratched a DW or even a Delta deer hunting with it. I would not care if I scratched the Glock. I would be taking this camping too, so it would take some abuse.

Probably should get a Glock and either a Delta, DW, SW10xx or Sig. Then I would have the best of both worlds. Probably will end up doing that anyway eventually. :)
 
Probably should get a Glock and either a Delta, DW, SW10xx or Sig. Then I would have the best of both worlds. Probably will end up doing that anyway eventually. :)[/QUOTE]

You really can't go wrong with the G20 and for what you can get them for in the used market with very few rounds through them is a deal. Here in Texas a slightly used 20 can be had for 500-575. Depending on if there are any mods. I have a FDE and upgraded to a Zev trigger kit and a lone wolf barrel and have put through it about 100 rounds of old stock 200 and 175 grain Norma's with no hiccups. I know I should save the Norma for collectors purpose but you can't take them with you. I will pull the ol girl from the safe and post up a pic.
 
M29since14 said:
....If the DW happens to have a ramped barrel as opposed to the usual, standard 1911 barrel, I would definitely favor the DW for that reason. I think 1911s in 10mm should have a ramped barrel.
Click to expand...

Agreed. Find a model with a ramped barrel in a 10mm 1911. I have a Fusion and a Kimber in 10mm and both have this feature. Both handle warmer loads with no high pressure indications. The Fusion is a beautifully made 1911.
 
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