Colt defender range report

[American1776]

Bought a new COLT Defender .45 acp. Got to the range today to test for function, shot 100 rounds of GI ball ammo.

100 percent perfect function. Zero malfunctions of any kind, slide locked back on empty mags every time. Shells ejected perfectly at 3 and 4 o clock every time.

This gun is a little beast. Loud with significant muzzle flash, recoil is snappy but not uncomfortable.

Colt definitely knows how to make a 3 inch 1911 that works. I recommend this pistol.

 

[LEO918]

I've had a Colt Defender for about six months now. Mine is chambered in 9mm and I really like it. No failures of any kind.

 

[Sportsdad60]

I've been debating between another Colt in 9mm such as this particular Defender model or a CZ Rami BD. I have a CZ 75 PCR D in 9mm and absolutely love it, it's my main carry but sometimes I switch out to a colt commander.

I'll have to research those Colt defenders closely. They look nice and... IT'S A COLT!

 

[dubshooter]

Love mine in 45. Switched out the wrap around to some wood panels. Debating putting a flat trigger in. Wouldn't mind one in 9mm as well. Great shooting gun and can take some abuse on long range trips. My first putting put about 500 rounds through it without an issue

 

[Electraclyde]

I have a 9mm Defender that has been 100% for several years now. I also have a Kimber lightweight, 3" in .45 ACP that has also been 100%

 

[Toyman]

I bought this on a consignment at a local shop with box and 2 magazines. I like the wrap around grips and have put them on my other 1911 based guns.
I have not had any problem with failure to extract or failure to feed. I now use Wilson magazines,

 

[American1776]

I've been debating between another Colt in 9mm such as this particular Defender model or a CZ Rami BD. I have a CZ 75 PCR D in 9mm and absolutely love it, it's my main carry but sometimes I switch out to a colt commander.

I'll have to research those Colt defenders closely. They look nice and... IT'S A COLT!

I am a fan of Colt 1911's. Every one I had, just plain WORKED. I can't say the same for every 1911 I've had.

I highly recommend the Defender. Mine works flawlessly. Extractor is perfectly tuned on this one. The .45 out of this small pistol is...dramatic. I'd say a Defender in 9mm would be very shootable and low recoil.

Keep the rails greased to protect the aluminum frame. Keep the recoil spring assembly fresh. This gun is a great carry option.

 

[LEO918]

I changed the grips on my Defender for some double diamond grips as well. I also run Wilson Combat seven round mags.

 

[Pef]

I have a Colt Defender. Love the gun, but I *would not* recommend it to everyone. I would only recommend it to a person that is mechanically inclined and is willing to tinker.

My defender shot brass to my face (a not uncommon occurence with 3" 1911's) and failed to feed about every three mags. I tuned the stock extractor and still got brass to the face. I finally purchased a Wilson bullet proof extractor, got the tension about at 20 - 24 ounces. I still had to polish polished the bevel and bottom curve of the extractor claw before it finally stopped with the brass to the face. It's now reliable and I really enjoy this gun.

Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to be a contrarian. I just think that there are better options for people that really just want a gun that runs out of the box - Glock, M&P, CZ, and XD's come to mind.

I suppose all gun models have some problems, but when I was trying to figure out how to fix my gun, I read about a lot of occurrences of problems I was having.

 

[mcoe74]

@American1776, Congratulations on your new Defender and I really like the grips you have on it. BTW, I have a Defender in 9mm.

 

[American1776]

@American1776, Congratulations on your new Defender and I really like the grips you have on it. BTW, I have a Defender in 9mm.

Thanks. The new Defenders are shipping with those grips. Note the 'wedge' at the front of the slide. This is the new version.

 

[American1776]

I have a Colt Defender. Love the gun, but I *would not* recommend it to everyone. I would only recommend it to a person that is mechanically inclined and is willing to tinker.

My defender shot brass to my face (a not uncommon occurence with 3" 1911's) and failed to feed about every three mags. I tuned the stock extractor and still got brass to the face. I finally purchased a Wilson bullet proof extractor, got the tension about at 20 - 24 ounces. I still had to polish polished the bevel and bottom curve of the extractor claw before it finally stopped with the brass to the face. It's now reliable and I really enjoy this gun.

Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to be a contrarian. I just think that there are better options for people that really just want a gun that runs out of the box - Glock, M&P, CZ, and XD's come to mind.

I suppose all gun models have some problems, but when I was trying to figure out how to fix my gun, I read about a lot of occurrences of problems I was having.

I agree with what you say here. for folks who want a low mainteance pistol, get an hk or glock.

the 3'' 1911 is a gun for those who are really gun folks. it's like the muscle car or guns.

That said, Colt has seemed to produce a 3 inch 1911 that's as easy to use as possible. if you're willing to pay attention to magazines and springs, and possibilty extractor tuning, the Colt defender seems to be a good option.