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Old July 25, 2005, 09:45 PM   #1
Viper88
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Colt Defender? Any good?

Hey, I'm still looking for a good solid conceal/carry pistol that I can also shoot and have fun with (no mini 2-3 finger grip).

The Colt Defender looks sweet size wise...but how does it feel and shoot? Is it just for self defense or can it be a lil more every once in a while?

Thanks!
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Old July 25, 2005, 09:49 PM   #2
Wildalaska
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OK...being a strident defender of Colt defenders, let me note that they are great to carry and they suck to shoot. I have lots and lots of rounds through mine and I try to limit myself to 100 rounds or so per session....

I feel safe shooting mine alot since it has a steel feeed ramp


They are carry guns

WilddefendingdefendersAlaska
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Old July 25, 2005, 09:57 PM   #3
Viper88
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Thanks for the reply...

The 3 guns im considering now are:

1. Colt defender
2. S&W 1911PD
3. HK USP 45 Compact

I guess I need a carry weapon but I also want something a little more...that I can shoot as well...a versitile gun.

What do you all think is the best of the above 3?
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Old July 25, 2005, 10:02 PM   #4
Wildalaska
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Get a Colt stainless XSE or a standard Colt SS

WildthebestoftheshooterquacarrygunsAlaska
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Old July 25, 2005, 10:03 PM   #5
jrklaus
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I have no personal experience with Defenders, and the facts that they are one of the very few Colt models still being manufactured and that they have ardent supporters for them like Wildalaska speak well for them, but I have always heard that the more you depart from the original design, the more problems you potentially introduce.

Would an Officer's Model or a Lightweight Commander serve? When I looked at a Defender versus a CCO (no longer manufactured), I ended up with the CCO due to its closeness to the original design...barrel bushing, longer barrel, etc.

That being said, I have heard of no specific problems with the Defenders, and Wildalaska certainly knows more about them than I.

I sure do miss the days when Colt made many, many models from which to choose!

Good shooting with whatever you choose!
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Old July 25, 2005, 10:26 PM   #6
Wildalaska
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Quote:
I sure do miss the days when Colt made many, many models from which to choose!
??????

Standard 1911s in Blue and Stainless, both series 70 and series 80, XSEs bothe Blue and stainless Full size and commander, Gunsites big and small, 1911 repros, 38 supers in two sizes, two Gold Cups, a whole page of SAAs in various calibers, 7 or 8 different ARs...

WildhowmanyyawantAlaska
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Old July 25, 2005, 10:37 PM   #7
jrklaus
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True, Wildalaska, true...but I was thinking of the double-action wheelguns....
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Old July 25, 2005, 10:46 PM   #8
walk27
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I'd go with the S&W PD. I've got a 1911 Sc. Great gun out of the box. Defender is easy to carry and puts them where you want them, but if you want all that AND a gun that you're not going to mind shooting a lot then I'd go with the Smith.
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Old July 27, 2005, 03:36 PM   #9
StrikeEagle
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Quote:
I guess I need a carry weapon but I also want something a little more...that I can shoot as well...a versitile gun.
Then go for a Colt Commander-size. The Stainless looks really REALLY good to me!

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Old July 27, 2005, 03:43 PM   #10
shield20
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I 2nd the Commander-size. Great grip, accuracy, size & weight. Colt XSE Ltwt commander, SA Champion ltwt, SW1911 PD.

With the right ammo they shoot just fine recoil-wise, and with most ammo shoot fine shooting-wise!
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