Colt Delta Elite Series 80 Government Model 10mm 1911, Blued, 5-inch Barrel, 8+1 Capacity (1987–1988)
This first-generation Colt Delta Elite Government Model Series 80 is a full-size 10mm 1911 with a blued finish, 5-inch barrel, and 8+1 capacity from the 1987–1988 era. It retains the classic, non-enhanced configuration and the distinctive Delta Elite identity, including wrap-around rubber grips with red Delta medallions and polished flats with matte rounds. The DEI-prefix serial follows Colt’s convention for this period.
Condition
Overall Condition: Excellent condition, showing only faint signs of any prior use or handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The pistol is in great shape overall. There are minor, superficial scratches and small blemishes on the exterior surfaces.
What's Included
- Colt factory maroon cardboard box
- Colt Series 80 Government Model/Delta Elite safety and instruction manual
- Three 8-round single-stack steel magazines (10mm Auto)
Built on the Government Model 1911 platform, this Delta Elite is a recoil-operated, locked-breech, single-action pistol chambered in 10mm Auto. It uses the Series 80 firing-pin safety system and retains the traditional manual thumb safety and grip safety, delivering the classic 1911 manual of arms in a 10mm package.
This is a first-generation, non-enhanced configuration. It features rear cocking serrations only, a GI-style grip safety, an arched mainspring housing, and a Commander/rowel-style hammer. The lowered ejection port supports reliable ejection with full-power 10mm loads.
The factory-blued finish shows polished flats with matte rounds for a purposeful, period-correct look. Sights are fixed: a staked front blade with a white dot paired to a fixed square-notch rear, as issued.
Model-specific markings include the slide legend "DELTA ELITE" with the Delta triangle and "GOVERNMENT MODEL," plus a barrel hood marked "CAL 10 MM AUTO." The DEI-prefix serial reflects Colt’s convention of using "I" in place of "1" and aligns with 1987–1988 production. Black one-piece wrap-around rubber grips with red Delta triangle medallions complete the original Delta Elite appearance.