Colt Delta Elite Series 80 10mm Stainless 1911, First-Generation Government Model, 5-inch Barrel (1989)
This first-generation Colt Delta Elite Series 80 brings the 10mm Auto to a full-size stainless 1911 Government Model. Built in 1989 in the USA, it combines a matte stainless finish, 5-inch barrel, and the model’s distinctive Delta triangle emblem and DELTA ELITE rollmark. Historically notable as the first 10mm pistol offered by a major manufacturer, this example includes two factory-pattern single-stack magazines and a Plano Protector case.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are markings from previous handling and use. Refer to the photos for close-up views of surfaces and markings.
What’s Included
- Plano Protector Series Single Pistol Case
- Two 9-round single-stack steel 1911 magazines
The Delta Elite configuration delivers a classic Government-length 5-inch barrel paired with a single-stack 9-round magazine for a 9+1 capacity in 10mm Auto. The Series 80 firing system, single-action operation, and 1911 platform controls make it a familiar, purpose-driven setup.
Construction is all stainless with a matte finish on both frame and slide. Slide details include rear serrations and a lowered ejection port. The Commander-style rowel hammer, standard magazine release, and the 1911’s grip safety and thumb safety complete the control layout.
Sight picture comes from fixed 3-dot sights: a single white-dot front blade and a square-notch rear with two white dots. These provide a clean, straightforward aiming reference consistent with the model’s period-correct setup.
Model identifiers include the Delta triangle emblem and DELTA ELITE rollmark, along with black pebble-textured grips featuring red Delta medallions. As a stainless Government Model variant, these early-production guns are identified by the factory DS-prefix convention. Production year is 1989, and manufacture is USA.