@@gutadin5 after a couple years of research it seems that the reliability issues with the 3 inch .45 1911s is isolated to kimbers versions, I haven’t heard of any real issues from the colt defender and sw1911 sc owners
I own a Mustang and a Defender. I have zero problems with function or performance of both guns. However I replaced the Defender duo-recoil spring with a Kimber duo-recoil spring. Not that the Colt recoil spring didn't work, but it was a bear to reinstall after cleaning the gun. Other than that, I love the guns.
@@zack9912000 Actually the Kimber spring is built just like the colt, but its a better design. The one exception is that the plate (a small end plate) on the colt spring wiggles and is hard to install on the this colt model. The Kimber's spring plate is stationary, much easier to install.
I did the same thing. I bought my gun used. It was made twenty years ago. The dual recoil guide rod spring, and two piece guide rod were an absolute nightmare to reassemble. The one-piece Kimber guide rod and spring makes this gun a joy to shoot and much easier to reassemble. Great gun once these changes are made. Maybe Colt is listening?
I’ve owned two Defenders for a couple of years now; one in 9mm and the other in 45ACP. In my practical experience with them I’d say the 9mm was good right away. The 45ACP though has a couple of minor personality issues. The extractor is a little temperamental unless you’re ok with the half moon cuts in your forehead, and feeding reliability is 100% if I constrain my ammo selection to 185 gr flat nose ammo. The gun is a little sensitive to OL issues and some 230 gr FMJ rounds tend stay nose down in the magazine.
I wish they would have incorporated the feed ramp as part of the barrel. Instead the aluminum frame is the feed ramp! A steady diet of ball or HP rounds really beat the feed ramp all to hell! If you own this gun the only way to fix the problem is with a brass brush with a lot of solvent, and brush the hell out of the feed ramp! It will remove the dents and dings. If the frame was stainless instead of aluminum you wouldn’t have that problem. I would opt for the Elite Defender for an extra few hundred or so..
@@silverhorder1969 So the ramp will be more durable? I have a SA Lightweight Operator. Its frame is aluminium. I've read where some folks don't like to shoot anything but ball through it for they fear the ramp will become damaged over time.
@@Joe_Friday I shoot what ever I want in both my 1911’s. Get a brass brush, spray it with Strike Force or some other solvent, and scrub that feed ramp with the brass brush. It takes all the dents and scratches right off the feed ramp.
My Defender in 9mm shoots more accurately than any of my striker fire guns. That 1911 trigger is so crisp and clean with no creep at all. I also have a Canick which has a really nice trigger but the trigger operation is so much more complex with travel, take up and a small bit of creep. I thought it couldn't be beat until I got the Colt Defender. I do wish Colt made it slightly larger to handle 10 + 1 rather than 8 + 1.
Just a FYI, I have a Defender in .45acp. I changed the recoil spring assembly to one from Kimber, using factory mags so far 100% reliable. Search RUclips , you'll find a video covering this.
I really appreciate that they demonstrated this thing's ability to perform adequately out to 25 yards. Truth in advertising, I'm not some crack shot or marksman. I'm not. That being said however, on a 25 yard indoor range, I'm fishing the target out to 25 yards no matter what I'm shooting that day. Anything I carry? I generally have to be putting them in at 4" to 6" @ 25 yards. Am I advocating, endorsing, or otherwise attempting to sing the virtues of 25 yard effective hits with a carry pistol? Nope. Is it a great idea logistically and/or legally? In all likelihood, probably not. Will there ever come a time that it's necessary for someone to attempt to successfully do it?
I think every review, for any specific EDC handgun, should include size and weight so interested viewers dont have to go search that info somewhere else because it's not a part of the review. I dont think that's unreasonable.
The also own dw that makes some awesome 1911 pistols. More likely they haven't changed the production techniques yet. Colt was an awesome brand before, and hopefully will one day again
Looks like my Colt Mustang. The Mustang will not cycle a full magazine. Never has Never will. I couldn't get any help from Colt and a gun Smith tried to help but still junk. As much as I like the way the defender looks I wouldn't touch it
@@CaspersCave I’m late but one of my first guns was a colt mustang that had the same issues as this guy, i recall roughly 2 of 10 mags getting all 6 rounds without jams, traded for an interarms imported walther ppk/s and never looked back. You are right
In 45 okay I guess but .. nowadays unless you just hate polymer guns I don't see why you'd chose a 1000 dollar colt especially in 9 and get less capacity and features then the guns that cost less
@@zack9912000 appenerntly you don't carry a firearm in the waistband , 43 ounces for a full sized pistol lol and even a sub compact your talking over 30 ounces for a tiny steel framed gun and at what point besides the steel framed gun having a less muzzle flip and recoil but that's not worth a diminished compacity especially when compared to things like the hellcat , or the 365
@@Davidmoore-xy6wu LOL I carry everyday with a 5 inch Sig Tacops 1911 in a LAG Tactical holster and I don't even feel the weight. You again clearly dont carry 1911s ever or do not have any clue how to carry one. If you have a stiff belt and good holster the weight is a non issue. A 1911 is a very slim gun with THE best trigger for any pistol. The guns are very easy to conceal carry
1911s are just so much smoother than a polymer. I have both a Glock 26 and a Colt Defender and even though you get more capacity with the 26, the Colt Defender has barely any recoil which makes me much more accurate than I would be with my glock. Plus you get that big 45 bullet that will kill anything that moves.
The velocity/energy difference between the Defender and 4.25 and 5" 1911s defeat the purpose of carrying a 1911. Please do some research on that SIGNIFICANT difference.
@@enricomandragona163 Since you apparently did not research it, I will help you, because I do indeed know what I'm talking about. BTW, that was an ugly thing to say. Are others not to have their own opinions? And is that always your response to an opinion you don't share? If you keep that attitude into adulthood, you won't be very well liked. I know you don't want that. Anyway, the difference in fps in 1911s between a 4.25" barrel and 3" barrels exceeds 100 fps, which equates to significant difference in energy and puts the smaller gun into the 9mm range of energy. Uh oh. There's that word again. Significant. That means . . . no, I ought not tell you. You will remember this lesson longer if you look it up yourself. Perhaps you have a big brother to help you, or maybe your dad.
I’ve had one in 45 for about ten years an absolute beast. About 2k rounds through it always preforms.
How did the aluminum frame hold up is it worn sloppy and lose now ? Skeptical about aluminum frame 1911s
@@isrstrategies not a problem it’s my favorite,shoots better than many other micro guns I have tried. If you like 1911s you should have one.
@@kennethgillette6193 any jams or malfunction with your Defender 45?
@@gutadin5 never, shoots beautifully
@@gutadin5 after a couple years of research it seems that the reliability issues with the 3 inch .45 1911s is isolated to kimbers versions, I haven’t heard of any real issues from the colt defender and sw1911 sc owners
I own a Mustang and a Defender. I have zero problems with function or performance of both guns. However I replaced the Defender duo-recoil spring with a Kimber duo-recoil spring. Not that the Colt recoil spring didn't work, but it was a bear to reinstall after cleaning the gun. Other than that, I love the guns.
I would have upgrade the spring, but certainly not from kimber lol.
@@zack9912000 Still works fine for me, for the last year.
@@zack9912000 Actually the Kimber spring is built just like the colt, but its a better design. The one exception is that the plate (a small end plate) on the colt spring wiggles and is hard to install on the this colt model. The Kimber's spring plate is stationary, much easier to install.
I did the same thing. I bought my gun used. It was made twenty years ago. The dual recoil guide rod spring, and two piece guide rod were an absolute nightmare to reassemble. The one-piece Kimber guide rod and spring makes this gun a joy to shoot and much easier to reassemble. Great gun once these changes are made. Maybe Colt is listening?
Try to keep your Mustang out of the side of the wall
Love mine! In 45 black.
I love my defender
I’ve owned two Defenders for a couple of years now; one in 9mm and the other in 45ACP. In my practical experience with them I’d say the 9mm was good right away. The 45ACP though has a couple of minor personality issues. The extractor is a little temperamental unless you’re ok with the half moon cuts in your forehead, and feeding reliability is 100% if I constrain my ammo selection to 185 gr flat nose ammo. The gun is a little sensitive to OL issues and some 230 gr FMJ rounds tend stay nose down in the magazine.
Damn. I figured round nose would feed good while the flat rounds would jam.
i have the ruger officer in 45, an the sig ultra tu tone in 45. both same size as colt defender but have ramped barrels.
I wish they would have incorporated the feed ramp as part of the barrel. Instead the aluminum frame is the feed ramp! A steady diet of ball or HP rounds really beat the feed ramp all to hell! If you own this gun the only way to fix the problem is with a brass brush with a lot of solvent, and brush the hell out of the feed ramp! It will remove the dents and dings. If the frame was stainless instead of aluminum you wouldn’t have that problem. I would opt for the Elite Defender for an extra few hundred or so..
Does the Elite Defender use a steel feed ramp?
@@Joe_Friday the Elite model is all stainless steel. Even the frame. So yes it’s feed ramp is the stainless steal frame.
@@silverhorder1969 So the ramp will be more durable? I have a SA Lightweight Operator. Its frame is aluminium. I've read where some folks don't like to shoot anything but ball through it for they fear the ramp will become damaged over time.
@@Joe_Friday I shoot what ever I want in both my 1911’s. Get a brass brush, spray it with Strike Force or some other solvent, and scrub that feed ramp with the brass brush. It takes all the dents and scratches right off the feed ramp.
You mention the sights and compatibility with other novac sights. Will this accommodate f8 sights, or is Colt proprietary? Thank you
My Defender in 9mm shoots more accurately than any of my striker fire guns. That 1911 trigger is so crisp and clean with no creep at all. I also have a Canick which has a really nice trigger but the trigger operation is so much more complex with travel, take up and a small bit of creep. I thought it couldn't be beat until I got the Colt Defender. I do wish Colt made it slightly larger to handle 10 + 1 rather than 8 + 1.
Love my defenders also. Great shooting and reliable
Hmmm . This vs Springfield armory ultra compact? .I’ve been waiting 20 years.. let me know?
Just a FYI, I have a Defender in .45acp. I changed the recoil spring assembly to one from Kimber, using factory mags so far 100% reliable. Search RUclips , you'll find a video covering this.
@@fredmartin328 how do i message you?
Dual recoil springs did the trick
I have the talo night defender how does it compare to this one?
i use to have the colt officer model in 45 and loved it wish i didnt trade it. is this as good?
Does the defender comes with a bull barrel?
I have the defender plus lightweight 8+1 in 45 auto . I cant find any info on it can you tell me anything about it. The magazine holds 8 rds.
It was manufactured in 2002
Mine is a series 90
I have one..only made one year..it's becoming quite collectable..I use mine..shoots as good as my series 70 Gold Cup 🏆
@@davebrune4001 whats the value of it??
@@chips5057 mint..1500 to 2000 dollars..👍🏻
Is there any extended mags for this gun if so where can I find them
Any larger .45 1911 mag will work it'll just stick out the bottom
I got a series 90 defender I can’t find sights for them does anyone know any?
I really appreciate that they demonstrated this thing's ability to perform adequately out to 25 yards. Truth in advertising, I'm not some crack shot or marksman. I'm not. That being said however, on a 25 yard indoor range, I'm fishing the target out to 25 yards no matter what I'm shooting that day. Anything I carry? I generally have to be putting them in at 4" to 6" @ 25 yards. Am I advocating, endorsing, or otherwise attempting to sing the virtues of 25 yard effective hits with a carry pistol? Nope. Is it a great idea logistically and/or legally? In all likelihood, probably not. Will there ever come a time that it's necessary for someone to attempt to successfully do it?
Love this gun
I think every review, for any specific EDC handgun, should include size and weight so interested viewers dont have to go search that info somewhere else because it's not a part of the review. I dont think that's unreasonable.
Beautiful
What OWB holster was that?
Where do I buy the Colt Defender
I’m gun broker maybe
Watched a recent interview with a CZ executive bragging his employer's ownership of Colt, clearly we do live in interesting times 🤔
The also own dw that makes some awesome 1911 pistols. More likely they haven't changed the production techniques yet. Colt was an awesome brand before, and hopefully will one day again
All true.
Is it loud? And how lethal is .45? Is more deadly than .22? I want a light kill and quiet gun.
I’ve had one forever and have never shot it. Probably should just get rid of it
in .45? I'd be interested.
Looks like my Colt Mustang. The Mustang will not cycle a full magazine. Never has Never will. I couldn't get any help from Colt and a gun Smith tried to help but still junk. As much as I like the way the defender looks I wouldn't touch it
I didn’t give up on my Defender, but I know a few who have. It’s the mags! they are junk
The wife's Sig P238 does a good on feeding with proper maintenance and recoil spring replacement.
The Walther PPK remains the best 380 pistol ever made, often copied but never matched 🇩🇪👍
u didn't know COLTS 1911 OR JUNK AND overpriced?they fell off back in the day for using plastic parts on their guns
@@CaspersCave I’m late but one of my first guns was a colt mustang that had the same issues as this guy, i recall roughly 2 of 10 mags getting all 6 rounds without jams, traded for an interarms imported walther ppk/s and never looked back. You are right
In 45 okay I guess but .. nowadays unless you just hate polymer guns I don't see why you'd chose a 1000 dollar colt especially in 9 and get less capacity and features then the guns that cost less
clearly never carried or shot a 1911 before.
@@zack9912000 appenerntly you don't carry a firearm in the waistband , 43 ounces for a full sized pistol lol and even a sub compact your talking over 30 ounces for a tiny steel framed gun and at what point besides the steel framed gun having a less muzzle flip and recoil but that's not worth a diminished compacity especially when compared to things like the hellcat , or the 365
@@Davidmoore-xy6wu LOL I carry everyday with a 5 inch Sig Tacops 1911 in a LAG Tactical holster and I don't even feel the weight. You again clearly dont carry 1911s ever or do not have any clue how to carry one. If you have a stiff belt and good holster the weight is a non issue. A 1911 is a very slim gun with THE best trigger for any pistol. The guns are very easy to conceal carry
1911s are just so much smoother than a polymer. I have both a Glock 26 and a Colt Defender and even though you get more capacity with the 26, the Colt Defender has barely any recoil which makes me much more accurate than I would be with my glock. Plus you get that big 45 bullet that will kill anything that moves.
@@chipkipperly3904 i shoot better with my 5 inch 1911 Colt 45 than my Beretta 92 fs 9mm.
How about your are a great shot.
Very nice gun even though it comes with the worst guide rod on the planet. Colt get your shit together
The velocity/energy difference between the Defender and 4.25 and 5" 1911s defeat the purpose of carrying a 1911. Please do some research on that SIGNIFICANT difference.
You don't know what you're talking about!!
@@enricomandragona163 Since you apparently did not research it, I will help you, because I do indeed know what I'm talking about. BTW, that was an ugly thing to say. Are others not to have their own opinions? And is that always your response to an opinion you don't share? If you keep that attitude into adulthood, you won't be very well liked. I know you don't want that. Anyway, the difference in fps in 1911s between a 4.25" barrel and 3" barrels exceeds 100 fps, which equates to significant difference in energy and puts the smaller gun into the 9mm range of energy. Uh oh. There's that word again. Significant. That means . . . no, I ought not tell you. You will remember this lesson longer if you look it up yourself. Perhaps you have a big brother to help you, or maybe your dad.