This is my first post but you folks can give me some needed advice. I am looking at adding a Colt Defender to my collection and I shoot all guns I own except one (Gold Cup Commander). Because I shoot my collection the gun can be new or a used cherry. There are four choices. The Defender was made in both 40S&W and 45acp. I am a 45 guy (see handle) but thought the 40 would be tolerable and might be a bit more collectible long term (although I really don't see any of these mass produced guns setting price records). The other variable is the wedge shaped (Novak looking) sights which cosmetically don't seem "right" on this gun vs the 3 dot billboard rear, the more recent addition. There are the 4 choices, 2 possible calibers, two sight styles, please give me some points to consider along with opinions on this gun. Thanks, nice to be here wih you. Ed
Defender Decision
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
Joined
·
4,775 Posts
Hello, Ed45. I am neither a Defender expert nor a fan as I don't particularly care for short pistols, but I have shot several.
All had the Novak type sights you mentioned.
All of these pistol's sights were well-regulated out of the box and all were dependable although most of my shooting with them was only with ball ammo.
The sights gave a good sight picture and recoil was not nearly so "bad" as originally expected.
Fit and finish was fine on these guns.
That's about the best I can do from personal experience.
Best.
All had the Novak type sights you mentioned.
All of these pistol's sights were well-regulated out of the box and all were dependable although most of my shooting with them was only with ball ammo.
The sights gave a good sight picture and recoil was not nearly so "bad" as originally expected.
Fit and finish was fine on these guns.
That's about the best I can do from personal experience.
Best.
I have a Defender with the Novak sights. Had the choice between the different sights and I liked the Novaks better. Little longer sight radius and easier to pick up for follow up shots. Shot both before I bought one and bought the one I liked best. It's now my off duty carry piece. The recoil on the .45 is a push compared to the snap of the .40 and easier to shoot.
Joined
·
1,561 Posts
I'd recommend the .45 for sure. I don't think the .40's were all reliable.
The older (Novakish sights, grip safety and extended safety) are in more demand.
The newer one's aren't made in .40 AFAIK.
The older (Novakish sights, grip safety and extended safety) are in more demand.
The newer one's aren't made in .40 AFAIK.
I will echo the comments already made and add that I love my Defender. I have the later edition with the standard three dot sights, I dont care for the ski ramp rear sights, ala Novak etc, that is just my opinion and preferance. I dont care for three dots either and I blacked out the rear dots after the white dot departed from the front.
I have only known of one Defender owner that was unhappy with theirs and tend to think it was more of size issue than it was function and reliablity.
Mine shoots to point of aim out to 25 yards, the action is quite smooth and the recoil is well managed with the recoil spring design which soaks up a lot of recoil. As Mr Camp said, the recoil was much less than one would expect out of a compact 1911 style.
All and all this is one fine gun in 45 ACP. I have heard a number of comments about the Defender in .40 not being as reliable as the 45. I have not shot one in that caliber so I really cant say for sure.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
I have only known of one Defender owner that was unhappy with theirs and tend to think it was more of size issue than it was function and reliablity.
Mine shoots to point of aim out to 25 yards, the action is quite smooth and the recoil is well managed with the recoil spring design which soaks up a lot of recoil. As Mr Camp said, the recoil was much less than one would expect out of a compact 1911 style.
All and all this is one fine gun in 45 ACP. I have heard a number of comments about the Defender in .40 not being as reliable as the 45. I have not shot one in that caliber so I really cant say for sure.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Welcome Ed45. I have had a Defender for two or three years now. .45 cal. Great gun. I love the sights and beavertail. It is reliable and accurate. The recoil is very manageable and this would be one of if not the last one that I would let go. They are so nice to carry. Light and easy to conceal. I have added a Chip McCormick trigger, 19lb main spring, checkered MSH and day before yesterday rosewood grips. I guess from my post you can tell I am a definite fan of the Defender. I think Mr. Neal and I always respond to the Defender posts. By the way the only .40 cal Defender I have had any experience with is not reliable and doesn't get shot any more. It belongs to a Dr. friend of mine.
Chuck
Chuck
Joined
·
1,289 Posts
Except for two problems, I am very happy with my Defender.
1) One of the two magazines supplied (they have plastic followers)won't lock the slide open.
2) The ejector has/had my forehead sighted in. About every other empty would whack me just above and between the eyes. A little filing on the ejector fixed the problem. It now will do it only with wimpy commercial reloads. Another guy at my range complained of exactly the same problem with his Defender.
****
The gun is surprisingly accurate in offhand shooting and double taps, and is 100% reliable with quality ammo. I may add a mag well to make the grip just a bit longer, but that's about it.
1) One of the two magazines supplied (they have plastic followers)won't lock the slide open.
2) The ejector has/had my forehead sighted in. About every other empty would whack me just above and between the eyes. A little filing on the ejector fixed the problem. It now will do it only with wimpy commercial reloads. Another guy at my range complained of exactly the same problem with his Defender.
****
The gun is surprisingly accurate in offhand shooting and double taps, and is 100% reliable with quality ammo. I may add a mag well to make the grip just a bit longer, but that's about it.
I have a Defender and love it. It`s one of the "older" models with the Novac type sights in .45 caliber. It`s been very reliable thus far and the only thing I`ve done with it is to have it dehorned and add the "slim grips" which I highly recommend. Great gun for concealed carry.1 - 9 of 9 Posts
