Colt Delta Elite Government Model Series 80 10mm, 5 in, Blued, 1987 Production
This 1987 Colt Delta Elite Government Model Series 80 is a first-generation, blued 10mm 1911 with the DE serial prefix associated with the Delta Elite line. It features the classic full-size 5-inch configuration, Series 80 firing-pin block, and the distinctive red delta-triangle grip medallions that identify Colt’s early factory 10mm offering.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The pistol shows scattered scratches and blemishes. Small, infrequent pitting is present in several areas, including under the grips and on the hammer.
What’s Included
- 1x 8-round magazine (steel single-stack 10mm Auto)
The Government Model configuration uses a 5-inch barrel with a standard 1911 barrel bushing and a short guide rod. The slide and frame are blued steel, and the Series 80 firing-pin block adds an internal safety feature specific to this series.
Controls follow the traditional 1911 pattern: single-action operation, a single-side (left) manual thumb safety, and a standard short-tang GI grip safety. The pistol uses a solid, serrated, non-skeletonized trigger and a Commander-style rowel hammer. An arched, vertically serrated mainspring housing and smooth front strap round out the classic ergonomics.
Sights are fixed three-dot, with a staked single-dot front and a dovetailed two-dot rear for a clean, durable setup suited to the platform. The black textured grip panels with red delta-triangle medallions provide a signature Delta Elite look.
As an early-production Delta Elite from 1987 in the first-generation, non-stainless blued configuration, this pistol represents Colt’s pioneering role in the 10mm Auto’s history. Capacity is 8+1 with the included 8-round magazine, and the pistol was made in the United States.