COLT DEFENDER

In the 1970's, Colt began producing smaller versions of the company's legendary 1911 model. The smallest of these was the Colt Defender. With a 3" barrel and and overall length of just 6.75 inches, the Defender was a revolutionary development, putting the full power of a 1911 .45 or 9mm into such a small pistol. It was an immediate success.

Colt had already perfected the use of lightweight aluminum alloy as a material for frames back in 1948, so the lightweight frame on the Defender wasn't a technological challenge for Colt. In the 1970's, though, stainless steel frames and slides on pistols at times had problems mating together due to a problem called "galling". With the stainless slide moving against an aluminum frame, galling wasn't an issue.

To further ensure a smooth cycling of the slide, Colt put a Teflon coating on the frame of the Defender, making it one of the most reliable sub-compact 1911 pistols on the market.

The Defender is made for defensive carry, and comes with features particularly suited for that function, such as low profile white dot sights, a beveled magazine well for fast reloading, a skeletonized aluminum trigger, and more. The wrap-around rubber grips feature finger grooves that really provide a solid, comfortable hold on the pistol.

FEATURES

• Wrap around rubber finger groove grips
• Skeletonized aluminum trigger
• Single action
• Fixed sights
• .45 Caliber or 9mm
• 3” barrel length
• 6 3⁄4” overall length
• Beveled magazine well
• Lightweight
• Brushed stainless frame and slide
• 7 + 1 round capacity

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Name: Defender
Frame material: Aluminum
Frame finish: Teflon coated
Slide: stainless steel
Barrel length: 3"
Overall length: 6 3⁄4”
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7 + 1
Hammer: Combat
Trigger: Black anodized aluminum
Action: Single
Front sight: White Dot
Rear sight: White Dot
Grips: Wrap-around Hogue rubber grips
Grip safety: Beavertail
Thumb safety: Standard

Click here to visit Gunshopfinder.com's Colt page. Or to find a Colt dealer near you, select a state and then click "Submit."

Reviews Of The Colt Defender

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
By sirrueger, Fleming Island, FL
April 18, 2011

Primary use: Target Shooting

"I purchased my Colt Defender 45 for target shooting and concealed carry. The gun is my first .45 and also my First Colt. I love the power of this gun. I am used to a 9mm and 357 revolver. It has a perfect grip and the gun is surprisingly accurate. I will say this it does take some practice but after you go through 50 to 100 rounds it just gets better. I was also surprised that the ammunition cost about the same as 380. I looked at the Kimber and the Para and a few others but the colt had the best look and feel. I am completely satisfied and I'm pretty sure a few of my friends will purchase this gun."

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
By jasonhoward, Sikeston, MO
May 17, 2011

Primary use: Defense/Law Enforcement

"I purchased my Colt Defender 45 for target shooting and concealed carry. The gun is my first .45 and also my first Colt. I love the power of this gun. I am used to a 9mm and .357 revolver. It has a perfect grip and the gun is surprisingly accurate. I will say this, it does take some practice but after you go through 50 to 100 rounds, it just gets better. I was also surprised that the ammunition cost about the same as .380. I looked at the Kimber and the Para Ordnance and a few others but the Colt had the best look and feel. I am completely satisfied, and I'm pretty sure a few of my friends will purchase this gun."

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
By David Carver, Chattanooga, TN
August 7, 2011

Primary us: Defense/Law Enforcement

"My Defender has never even once had a hiccup. It is fast, accurate and totally dependable. No other manufacturer besides Colt offers such a comprehensive lifetime warranty. Kimbers are pretty, with a one year warranty. Think about it. I had a choice, and, thank God, I chose a Colt!"

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
By IndependentRealist, Phoenix, AZ
September 17, 2011

Primary us: Defense/Law Enforcement

"I purchased the Colt Defender 9mm for shop carry as well as ccw. I am very pleased with the quality and the custom features that come already equipped on the pistol. My Colt was 100% reliable right out of the box with hollow points or full metal jacket ammunition. A very impressive handgun indeed.!"

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
By azjeep, Tucson, AZ
September 27, 2011

Primary us: Defense/Law Enforcement

"Fit, finish and function are flawless. My only complaint is that I lost all of the white dot sight inserts after the first 100 rounds. Warranty covered it from the gun shop that sold it to me. "

Write Your Own Review Of The Colt Defender

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