Colt Defender Set Right!

Bill Lear · #1 06-18-2019, 07:55 PM

I bought my Colt Defender some years back - right before the microstamping law went "live." But it never really grew on me. I love full size 1911's but the lightweight compact did not possess the fit and feel of the larger versions. The factory grips made it feel too long and the factory "long trigger" added to the sensation of the awkwardness.
Then one day I tossed the factory wrap-around rubber grips and replaced them with simple rubber scales. That made me like it a LOT more, but still, it's spent more time relaxing in a safe than being played with.
Then the other day I got it out and happened to compare it to my Kahr P40 and was surprised to see the two pistols are nearly identical in length, height, and thickness! Granted the Kahr has it for weight at 18 ounces versus 23, but the Defender holds and honest eight shots of 45 Auto with standard flush magazine to the Kahr's 6+1 of 40S&W! So then I decided to finally address the trigger length and found a brand new Remington brand trigger on eBay for a great price - no overtravel limit but who cares on a SD gun. Yesterday I installed the short trigger and who would have thought such a tiny change could make such a huge difference!
NOW the gun feels perfect for carry...and clearly competitive with the kahr in terms of size.

4T5GUY · #2 06-18-2019, 11:07 PM

I guess I’m allot like you.

I got a new Defender some years ago. It’s a 100 year stamped anniversary edition. I bought it in spite of the 100 yr thing not because of it. It came with the Crimson Trace Laser grips which I took off but still have. I got it for a great price but it wasn’t perfect, (for me.) I replaced most of the working parts and for me it’s perfect now. I am a fan of Videki triggers and actually enjoy fitting/adjusting them.

It carries well and is very reliable and accurate enough. My Kahr PM45 is a bit smaller and more accurate but it wouldn’t bother me if it got “locked up in evidence” where as I’d miss my Defender if it ended up “there.”

Jim

American1776 · #3 06-19-2019, 08:27 AM

I've owned several of them. They always worked.

Of the 3 inch 1911's out there, it's the only one I can say is consistently reliable. Colt has figured out the 3 inch .45, and it works.

They do eat recoil spring assemblies though. Replace every 800 rounds or so.

Old_Cop · #4 06-19-2019, 08:50 AM

I had one which I traded for a S&W 624. It was reliable and accurate. Put on some aggressive VZ grips and a long trigger. Even with the positive experience, I'm not a fan of anything shorter than a Commander.