Colt Defender

[swampthang]

Kimber guy needs info on a colt defender.I went to get some 22 ammo for my conv. kit and came across a defender, I dont know anything about colts. What is a fair price,very good condition series 90 light weight,serial# dro7969,two mags. seems to be a brushed alum type finish. Is there any issues with these models, They are asking 599$, Being from out of state Ill have to pay transfer fees and shipping, probably anther 50$. on top of the nix fee. Any help appreciated Would like to put deposit on it soon as possible. Thanks Mike

[trio]

i think thats a pretty good price for it...I am trying to sell mine, and I am asking 600 for it FTF...

i would be stunned if you found any for less than 550

[44 Man]

That sounds like a reasonable price. I paid $825 for mine new and I love it!
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b15/clare44man/ColtDefender.jpg
Enjoy! 44 Man

[dakota1911]

If you haven't already, you might want to look at Colt's web sight.:
http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/pistols.asp

The price seems very reasonable. Check out online sites like gunsamerica.com and gunbroker.com I was in a gunstore about a week ago looking for a baby Kimber Raptor, which they had new for $970, and they had a new Defender for $870.

I have had one for a couple of years now and carried it. I have also owned and still own quite a few other small .45 ACP lead launchers from SA, S&W, Glock, Detonics, Para Ord, etc.

Posotive features of the Defender for me:
-It shoots a wider range of .45 ammo with no problems than other small .45 autos I have shot. I have shot over 2K rounds through mine with no problems with factory ammo after the first 200 rounds. I have had some issues with cast lead semi-wadcutters I reloaded and use as "plinking ammo".
-With the rubber wrap-around grips is is very comfy to shoot for me, even with full power loads.
-With its alloy frame it is pretty light. Mine is a little over 25 oz. with empty mag.
-It has good accuracy for a 3 inch barrel.

>Bad features:
-One. Be careful to put the large recoil spring in the right way after you take it apart and clean it. I still wonder if there is a reason Colt could not have made both ends flat on the sping. It is a minor point, but it is there.

I put some aftermarket grips on mine, and you will note the sites are not as nice as the new models.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e193/dakota1911/colt_defb.jpg

[Hunter]

That sounds like a great price. I have no personal experience with the Defender but have heard only great things about them. if it is a Colt how bad can it be? The last few I have seen at the local gunshows were around $750 like new in box.

[swampthang]

Thanks for the info, Will I become a colt freak and sell everything else ? Ill be puttin a deposit on it tommorow, livin in jersey it could take from 3 weeks to 90 days for my permit to go thru(thats why I always apply for two at a time)

[Hunter]

You asked "Will I become a Colt freak and sell everything else?" Well I will give it to you straight, more than likely. Though I have never sold another gun to buy a Colt (most my others being Winchesters, Rugers, and the like quality) but I have sold a boat, 4 wheeler and a few other toys (and soon to be a pick up) to further my Colt hobby. Those Colts tend to multiply.

[daveohno]

I have been looking at that Defender, too. It is a nice lil pistol. I live in the peoples republic of chicago, a very unfriendly handgun city. They make you register guns, and unless you are in private security or a LEO, you just can't register a handgun here. And if you can, they make you wait months before they send you the registration papers back and then you have to register everyting each year. I have one full time job and two part time jobs to help support my "Colt Problem:".

[swampthang]

Well sounds like a problem Im gonna enjoy

[JDL]

swampthang (Mike), I carry and shoot my Defender often. It's aluminum with a teflon coating. Top is stainless obviously. It's a nice light pistol and you will be surprised as to how accurate it actually is. I have about 1200 rounds though this one and haven't had any trouble. As long as it's through it's break in period you should be fine. If not you'll get the occasional feed problem I would guess. I spent about the same as 44mad did last year new. That price is pretty good for a like new Defender. And, dakota's right watch the spring. Good luck...

[clughog]

Swanpthang, my Defender was made in 2005 and I've put about 400 rounds through it so far. Shoots anything I put in it, and is surprisingly accurate (more so than me). I've had two issues with mine. One of the factory magazines wouldn't load the shells and had to be replaced, but I can't fault the pistol for that! The other problem was with the sights. The front "dot" just blew off! Guess it's the higher recoil with the short barrel or something, but I've heard of several others doing the same thing--and that area of the slide sure gets hot. There are several posts about Defenders if you do a search. Incidentaly, I love mine and plan to keep it. It's my favorite carry gun.

[Elmo C]

I love my Defender and I have large hands, no bite or grip problems.It is a joy to shoot and people at the range haven't seen too many of them. One thing in cleaning the mag,make sure that the spring fits in the follower under the tab.I had to take a screwdriver and open it up a little.It would not lock the slid back.
Happiness is a Colt

[swampthang]

Thanks guys I put the deposit on it yesterday,now ill sit and wait for the permits to come thru Only problem was there was a mk IV on the shelf underneath it, (wait! i did apply for two permits)...... Look what you guys started! Hunter looks like I got some stuff to sell!
Thanks Mike (colt freak in the making)

[Phil]

Hunter looks like I got some stuff to sell!
Thanks Mike (colt freak in the making)After awhile, you'll be a Colt Addict - you'll want every nice one that you see :)

[daveohno]

Thanks guys I put the deposit on it yesterday,now ill sit and wait for the permits to come thru Only problem was there was a mk IV on the shelf underneath it, (wait! i did apply for two permits)...... Look what you guys started! Hunter looks like I got some stuff to sell!
Thanks Mike (colt freak in the making)
Hunter will be proud of you. Don't forget the pics when you get 'em!

[Phil]

Hunter will be proud of you. Don't forget the pics when you get 'em!Every time Hunter finds another good one, I'm in more danger of becoming a Coltaholic :scared: