Colt Delta Elite 10mm
Model: O2020XE
Colt Delta Elite 10mm
Model: O2020XE
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
The Delta Elite is the gun that helped launch 10mm into the mainstream. Colt first chambered a Government Model in 10mm in 1987, and the current version keeps the same basic formula: a full-size stainless 1911 with a 5" barrel, 8+1 capacity, and a 35 oz loaded weight. That all-steel construction is the point. Full-power 10mm loads generate serious slide velocity in polymer guns, and the Delta Elite's stainless frame soaks up more of that energy than the 28.4 oz Glock G20.
The single-action trigger breaks at 5 lbs, which is heavier than the Dan Wesson Bruin's 4.2 lb pull but about average for a production 1911. Colt fits Novak Low Mount Carry sights from the factory, a sensible choice for a gun likely to ride in a chest rig or belt holster in the field. There is no optic cut and no rail, which limits accessory options but keeps the slide profile clean. The three-safety system (thumb, grip, firing pin block) is standard 1911 architecture, and Colt adds a Series 80 firing pin block that some owners dislike for its effect on trigger feel.
Buy the Delta Elite if you want a traditional 1911 in 10mm with Colt's name on it and enough weight to tame full-power loads. Skip it if you need more than 8 rounds or want to mount a red dot. The Sig P320 XTEN carries 15 rounds and ships optic-ready, and the Springfield XD-M Elite holds 16 rounds at 31 oz.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- The 35 oz stainless steel frame handles full-power 10mm loads with noticeably less muzzle flip than polymer-framed alternatives like the 28.4 oz Glock G20
- Novak Low Mount Carry sights are fast to acquire and snag-free for holster draw, well-suited to a field carry gun
- Series 80 firing pin block adds a passive safety layer beyond the standard 1911 thumb and grip safeties
- No optic cut and no accessory rail. Mounting a red dot requires aftermarket slide work, and adding a weapon light needs an adapter
- Eight-round capacity is half of what the S&W M&P M2.0 10mm offers with its 15-round magazines
Category Rankings
How the Colt Delta Elite 10mm ranks among full-size 10mm Auto handguns.
Compatible Ammunition
Find the best prices on compatible 10mm Auto ammunition.
Shop 10mm Auto Ammo →Ballistics Calculator
Calculate trajectory, drop, and energy for 10mm Auto ammunition.
10mm Auto Ballistics →Where to Buy
No prices available at this time.
Alternatives to Consider
Similar full-size 10mm Auto handguns ranked by similarity.
| NAME | BEST PRICE |
|---|---|
|
Rock Island Armory TAC Ultra 10mm
Rock Island Armory
|
— |
|
Ruger SR1911 Target 10mm
Ruger
|
— |
|
Dan Wesson Bruin 10mm
Dan Wesson
|
— |
|
EAA Witness Steel 10mm
EAA
|
— |
|
Glock G40 Gen4 MOS 10mm
Glock
|
— |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Colt Delta Elite handle a steady diet of full-power 10mm?
The current production Delta Elite uses an upgraded recoil spring system designed for full-power loads. Earlier versions (pre-2009) had a reputation for cracking frames with hot ammunition. The current stainless frame and dual recoil spring address that. Owners on 10mm forums report thousands of rounds of full-power ammunition without frame issues, though replacing the recoil spring every 2,000-3,000 rounds is common practice.
Does the Series 80 firing pin block hurt the trigger?
The Series 80 system adds a plunger in the trigger path that some shooters can feel as a slight hitch in the take-up. It does not affect the break or reset. Many 1911 purists prefer Series 70 designs (no firing pin block) for a smoother pull, and aftermarket gunsmiths offer Series 70 conversion kits for the Delta Elite. The trade-off is losing the passive firing pin safety.
Will Glock G20 magazines work as a backup for the Delta Elite?
No. The Delta Elite uses single-stack 1911-pattern magazines. Glock G20 magazines are double-stack polymer and are completely incompatible. The Delta Elite takes standard 10mm 1911 magazines, and aftermarket options from Wilson Combat and Metalform are widely available in 8 and 9-round capacities.