Colt defender

[Raporcaro]

What is a good price to pay for a lightly used colt defender. And in your opinion is this a gun that you would recommend?

[dakota1911]

What is a good price to pay for a lightly used colt defender. And in your opinion is this a gun that you would recommend?

I bought one about a year ago for $500 from a range I go to with a gunstore in the front. The lady who bought it shot it once, screamed and threw it downrange (that is what I was told, was not there). It had a few scuff marks on it (cement floor). So maybe not a good gun for the unexperienced. I sold it to a friend for $600 a couple of months later. He still has it and loves it. I have over 4K rounds on mine which was about $600 new with taxes when I bought it years ago.

[dakota1911]

By the way, nothing bad about the Defender. I also bought a Glock36 for $450 out the door at the same range with two extra mags. At least the guy didn't drop or throw it. Small, light .45s may not be for everyone.

[clughog]

Welcome to the Forum, Raporcaro! I really like my Defender, and have never regretted my purchase. Mine was $699 NIB back in late 2005, but I couldn't really say what a good used one would be worth.

[michael t]

I paid 550 for mine used about 6mo ago. Saw one go last week in a pawn shop for 750 and it wasn't all that nice.

[ColtCustom45]

Great little gun. Paid $700 for a NIB one a couple of years ago.

[dougmyers5]

Paid $750 last month for a used 99% gun with box and papers.

[DemoMan]

What is a good price to pay for a lightly used colt defender. And in your opinion is this a gun that you would recommend?

I paid just over $700 and probably paid too much as the gun was more used than I had been led to believe. I had a few problems with it at first but replacing the recoil springs made a big difference.

I mainly use the Defender for times where I need to carry but cannot wear a coat or otherwise hide a full size. It is very light also, which is a plus when I'm carrying for long periods of time.

I do like this little Colt a lot but it has quite a kick compared to a heavier gun and of course is not as accurate. It really depends on what you need. If you want a small, easy-to-conceal 1911 this is a great way to go.

[44 Man]

I bought my Defender two summers ago and paid $800 new at "Jay's". It was a pretty neat deal as my boss gave me a $1000 gift certificate for there for working with him for 20 years. I had been lusting over it for a while so I brought it home. I love it. Mine is also quite accurate. I have shot a couple of 3 shot groups under 3" at 40 yds off the back porch rail, and a couple of pairs that were under 2". It certainly can outshoot me. I've done just a little to it. I added a Pearce grip adaptor, a Wilson drop in beavertail, McCormick thumb safety, and an STI short trigger. It was shooting high (8" at 40 yds) when I got it but just a quick e mail and Colt sent me a taller front sight and that cured it. It has been totally reliable for me. As I said before, I love it!
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b15/clare44man/ColtDefender.jpg

[dakota1911]

Or to put it another way,the best little .45 ACP lead launcher I have owned.

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

[rondawg]

Are those alloy framed?

[clughog]

Are those alloy framed?The Defender has an alloy frame (as does it's sibling, the New Agent). Great pistol!

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f290/clughog/Defender001.jpg

[airbornerangerboogie]

The Defender has an alloy frame (as does it's sibling, the New Agent). Great pistol!

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f290/clughog/Defender001.jpg

I think, if I remember correctly, the older model Defenders were stainless-steel. Did that change with the new ones?

[clughog]

Phil, the slide is stainless steel, but I think the frame has always been alloy. I'm sure some of the "oldtimers" can tell us for sure. I have a friend with one of the older models (has the ridgeback grip safety and different rear sights) and his is alloy as well. I know that at least as far back as 1995 the Colt catalog listed it as alloy frame.

[Noah Zark]

Phil, the slide is stainless steel, but I think the frame has always been alloy. I'm sure some of the "oldtimers" can tell us for sure. I have a friend with one of the older models (has the ridgeback grip safety and different rear sights) and his is alloy as well. I know that at least as far back as 1995 the Colt catalog listed it as alloy frame.
Both of mine are "early" models and both have alloy frames.

http://www.guns-and-ammunition.com/photoplog/images/97/large/1_DSC07984M.jpg

I paid $500 and $600 respectively for them, both used. Both have been extremely reliable with Wilson officers mags. They are incredibly well-regulated and accurate, and have less felt recoil than one would expect. I love them, and one has become my daily carry gun, since January 2007.

Noah

[airbornerangerboogie]

I just sold my Colt Defender to pay for full-size 1911....I miss it already, it was my carry piece. I'll be looking to get another in a couple of months, it was a good shooter, light, and accurate. :(

[clughog]

The good news is that Colt still produces the Defender and they're pretty readily available in the under $800 price range NIB. I've seen a couple of really nice used ones lately sell for $650, but most at that price are very "experienced."

[airbornerangerboogie]

The good news is that Colt still produces the Defender and they're pretty readily available in the under $800 price range NIB. I've seen a couple of really nice used ones lately sell for $650, but most at that price are very "experienced."

I know what you mean, I bought mine "used" and invested about $300 dollars to get it up to spec., it was one of the Defenders that would eject the brass into the shooter forehead without warning. A good gunsmith took care of that problem, I had to practice with it until I wouldn't flinch every time I pulled the trigger though, that brass hurt and could draw blood.