Posted: 2/6/2007 9:34:26 AM EDT
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I have convinced myself that I need another 1911. I have a few Kimbers (ultra carry and a warrior). I have been looking at the Colt Defender. Anyone have any input on the quality of the gun? Anything bad about it? Thanks |
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I've had a Defender for about 1 1/2 years now. It has been reliable from day one save for some PMC stuff that was definitely out of spec. [problems in many guns] It has been my favorite CCW piece and I'm very happy I bought it. No regrets. Only problem was that on the 2nd or third mag, the front site white dot departed to parts unknown.  . A little time filling the hole with brilliant white automotive paint and it's better then the original dot. Not a huge fan of the grips, but sooner or later I'll find the grips I want. They work very well but tend to grab clothing a bit to much for me when carried in a SOB holster. I'd personally recommend it, for a shorty .45 it has been very reliable. |
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If you are a 1911 guy with a collection of toys as well as tools then by all means, round out your collection with another size and get it because you think the mighty mouse looks cool. If you have expectations or reliance on this for CCW I strongly suggest you look at something else. Dismissing for a moment the ideology that a 1911 under 4" is an unreliable design you are left with a pistol that is more of a liability for CCW. Advantage Defender: Compact frame and tightest barrel profile for ultimate concealabilty and comfort Liability Defender: EXTREMELY difficult to control in comparison with larger 1911s and doubletaps are a pipedream unless you train like you're taking it to the sandbox with you. You also lose sight radius and velocity, although I cannot say how significant the latter is. The comfort and the concealability is absolutely marginal in comparison to a compact (4" barrel on an officer frame) and the controlability issue (by comparison to the larger CCW 1911s) is enough to dismiss the Defender outright IMO. I don't know what you have now, but if you want a great CCW package then I suggest you consider a Compact (mentioned above) or Colt's CCO (Commander slide mated to an officer frame). I think you'll be much happier with one of those unless of course you are just looking for a tiny toy. |
a gun this small isnt a range gun and is more of a close range ,SHTF pice.most gunfights are about 15-20 feet anyway. |
The "typical gunfight" is 15' or less and a long gunfight is 3 rounds exchanged total. When my number was up, it began at 30', progressing past 150', and at least 15 rounds were exchanged total. Are you really comfortable preparing with mimimum coverage for the typical case? I know I am not, and I don't limit my preparations to one point blank shot at 4'. The equipment I use is designed to give me the maximum tactical and ballistic advantage for the smallest (SENSIBLE) package possible. I agree, it's not a range toy. In my opinion it's just a toy, or perhaps a BUG. Given the benefits of the alternative 1911s I find Defenders to be piss-poor primary weapons. |
I have one. No issues; no problems. Get one ! 
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It has been dehoned, a 3.5# trigger job, Wilson ambidextrous saftey , S&A magwell , VZ grips and then I refinished the frame with Norrell's SOCOM black. I can say that mine has never once had a problem and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one to someone that is entertaining purchasing one. As far as double tapping or control , I guess it really depends on one's skill level because I have no problems what so ever when it comes to tight groups or quick follow up shots. Just keep in mind it is a very compact weapon with a 3" barrel so there are limitations. I personally own a fairly wide range of 1911s from the Springfield Operator in the pic, several Kimbers including my original carry / Pro CDP and too many full size 1911 or at least according to the wife too many  but I still prefer my Defender as my daily CCW.
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