Colt.. Defender or New Agent.

[mkim1120]

I am looking to purchase either a colt defender or new agent...
owners of both please put 2cents in please...

only thing i dont like is the sights on the new agent..is the sights easy to overcome?

and on the defender i hear that the gun has aluminum parts to it?

help me decide!!!

[TattooPaul]

I'm not personally familiar with the functionality of the sights on the Agent but I surely wouldn't let the alloy components of the Defender dissuade me. It takes 10's of thousands of rounds before any issue may even begin to appear.

If I were in your shoes I'd go with the Agent just based on what I have seen so far. They appear beautifully fit and finished. Mind you, I have not handled, fired or examined one in person to this point. This is all based on what I have read here and elsewhere. The Defender is tried and true and you can't go wrong there either. Officers models could fit the bill as well for compact use.

Perhaps those with New Agents could post with input as to what they would like to see revised.

Either way, happy shopping. I look forward to when I can add to my Colt corral. Let us know what you you decide and maybe even what swayed one way or the other. Good luck. _Paul

[elijdub]

As Paul said, both models are "tried and true". I've never fired either, but i've handled both and know many owners of each. It was all i could do to not buy a New Agent that my local shop just got in ;). That little gun felt great with the thin grips. I think i could get over the trench sight. From what i've read, here and elsewhere, it may take a little getting used to but the sight can most definitely be mastered.
It really depends on what you're after, IMO. Each gun has points in it's favor. Both guns have an alloy frames (which make them lightweight). I agree with Paul on this point as well; i wouldn't worry about the alloy in the least. Colt has been using alloy frames since 1949 with the inception of the Commander. It has stood the test of time as a safe material to manufacture frames from. The Defender has easy-to-acquire, white-dot sights and a "duckbill" grip safety and only comes in stainless. The New Agent has thin grips and a trench sight and comes in "blue". It's designed to be a refined conceal carry pistol...and from my understanding it fits the bill perfectly ;)!
Personally i'd buy the NA just because i have a need for that type of gun. If you want a conceal carry gun that you could take to the range regularly for target shooting maybe the Defender is the right one. Of course you could certainly shoot the NA regularly also.... I just think it has a bit more of a specific purpose (with it's lack of sights and slim profile).
Good luck with your decision and let us know what you decide on! ..And don't forget to post pics!

[G-Man]

I would recommend handling both before you decide; however, you won't regret either one. I have a New Agent and love it...like the Defender, it also has the alloy frame, but that's a good thing; it's a lightweight and extremely durable material. After several boxes, my NA's frame looks the same as it did on day 1. The "trench sight" takes a little getting used to, but the NA is for up-close work and it performs that role quite well! :)

[michael t]

I like my Defender and don't really see any real Difference other than sights finish ,grips.
Both I belive have alloy frames,barrels and recoil springs are also same

[India0311]

I was torn as well. After handling and inspecting both the Defender and New Agent at the gunshow, the NA came home with me, at a slightly higher pricetag than the Defender.

There was just something about it...that felt really, really good.

The trench sites are a non-issue at 7yds for me. My groups are slightly looser than my govt model.

My buddy who shot it 2 weeks ago is hooked is now dropping hints to Santa (wife) for a NA. I would check them both out and see which one feels like "you".

[IN Defender]

I have had a Defender for about 6 months. I absolutely love it. I am a detective with a state police agency and carry it daily instead of my department issued gun. I am able to make head shots at 25 yards. We shoot the same qualification course as the FBI and the day I bought it I went to the range and qualified with a score of 100/100. As a side note, this is the first .45 I had shot. I was, and still am, really impressed with it. Hope that helps. If you have any other questions let me know.

[DEE DEE DEE]

since people are recommending the New Agent
I have one here for sale barley used
http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=38827

[clughog]

Well, I have owned a Defender for some time and love it. And when I handled the New Agent, I really liked it. Now I have both! The New Agent will become my carry gun and the Defender will spend most of it's time on the nightstand...and at the range. I must admit that I haven't shot the New Agent yet, but am confident that it will be just like my Defender. Since the New Agent's purpose is strictly close range personal defense, I don't anticipate a problem with the trench sight. If I could only have one, I'd probably go with the Defender as it was/is a fine carry gun and with the sights, it's more than a little fun at the range. But I love the way the New Agent seems smaller even though it's the same frame. You can't go wrong either way!

[DENDEN]

I also have both and I find myself carrying the NA in favor of the Defender - probably just because I have had the Defender for a year or so and the NA is pretty new. I would probably leave the NA home on rainy, moist days as the stainless slide is more durable as far as the finish. Check out the e-zine review on the New Agent and the threads relating to it.

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff16/dddenden/S6000713.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff16/dddenden/S6000714.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff16/dddenden/S6000680-1.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff16/dddenden/S6000678-1.jpg
This Defender is the old style - does not have Novak style sights.

[LOBO]

On the Defender, is the guide rod, recoil spring, and plunger set up the same as on an Officers/Compact?

[44 Man]

I have to say I really love my Defender! If I have to dress really light, I will put on my S&W 37, but other than that, my Defender is my full time carry gun. I also like that fact that if I have another chance to pop a coyote at the back of the property (one opportunity, 40 yds, but I had the S&W that day), the sights are good for 40 yds if need be. I'm sure I could take a ferral cat or a 'possim at that distance given the opportunity for a careful shot. Yup! Give me real sights on a gun that will always be at my side for any needed purpose. 44 Man
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b15/clare44man/defender1.jpg

[DENDEN]

Lobo, the OACP has a 3 1/2" barrel and has a short barrel bushing. The function is the same as the Governmant model - only shorter parts.

[LOBO]

Thanks for the info on the OACP. Is the Defender the same way? Does it have the notched plug and frame?

[dakota1911]

For some people. At least look at a Commander.

[44 Man]

No, the Defender has the 'improved' system, a reverse plug on the recoil system, captured spring, and a 'bushingless' barrel. It works very well and shoots very well. 44 Man

[dakota1911]

I would vote Colt Commander. Since that was not an option I guess I should pick the Defender.

[K9american]

I would vote Colt Commander. Since that was not an option I guess I should pick the Defender.
Same here. The Commander is more manly. :D

[LOBO]

Thanks 44Man.

[dakota1911]

I did this on the other forum also. Maybe a better question. Do you want to put lead into a target at 4 yards or 40?

[44 Man]

It might be hard to convince a jury of the imminent danger at 40 yds in a self defence shooting, maybe not. But here in the country, a gun is used for much more than just defense and must be capable of handling many chores. It must be available, accurate, and powerful. You may have to stop a rabid racoon or dog. Sometimes you might have to stop a feral dog attack on livestock or drop a coyote. You might just want to put a small critter in the pot, or you MAY have to stop a two legged predator. That gun has to be able to handle many duties and still be unobtrusive and concealable. My Defender fills that role very well. 44 Man

[Rich-D]

I have a Defender and I love it. However I also crave the New Agent, mostly because of it's appearance. If I were you, I would take both in hand and buy the one that feels the best in your grip. You can not go wrong with either one.

Rich

[saxconnection]

This is my carry combo for 95% of all situations. The colt New Agent in a Royal Guard Holster by Galco. The other 5% of the time I carry my S&W 342pd for those times when concealment is a big concern. I live in the city, so most of my concerns to 10+ yard encounters are minimal.

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee63/saxconnection/coltnawithgalcorg.jpg

Adam