Trying to prove that the market for the 10mm pistol round isn’t dead and still attractive to shooters, Colt has announced plans to release their new Colt Delta Elite Railgun chambered in 10mm. The pistol which is expected to be released very soon will be very similar to the already established Delta Elite model but will feature an accessory rail on the bottom of the frame. Many of us here aren’t exactly sure why this pistol is being released because of the recent downward trend in 10mm sales across the firearms industry as a whole. While at SHOT Show 2017, The Arms Guide writer Travis Pike and I had quite a few conversations about the 10mm cartridge. It seems from my surveys of the 10mm market that most users of the round prefer to use Glock models 20 or 29.
Colt initially didn’t list this pistol at all on their web site but recently has and put up a full list of specifications and the manufacturers suggested retail prices for the gun. It’s worth noting that this pistol will only be released in Stainless Steel at this time. Lets take a quick look at the run down on the Colt Delta Elite Railgun and see how different it is from the non railed version.
Specifications:
Name: Colt Delta Elite Railgun
Part #: SKU 02020RG
Caliber: 10mm
Capacity: 8+ 1
Slide Material: Stainless Steel
Slide Finish: Brushed
Frame: Stainless Steel
Frame Finish: Matte
Barrel Length: 5″
Barrel Spec: Stainless Steel 1:16 LH, 6 groove National Match
Overall Length: 8.5″
Overall height: 5.5″
Width: 1.25″
Sights:
- Novak Shite Dot Front
- Novak Low Mount Carry Rear
Weight: 38 oz (2.375 Lbs)
MSRP: $1299
Impressions:
While not yet getting a chance to hold or fire this pistol my initial thoughts on this is “Meh ?”. There is honestly nothing about the Colt Delta Elite Railgun that appeals to me, and its not because I am an anti American 1911 hater. Colt as a company has lost its way for several years now and it’s painful to watch. Even at SHOT Shot 2017 the .38 caliber Colt Cobra revolvers that we were allowed to shoot had misfires and cycling problems, while I know that may seem like comparing apples to oranges it still paints the company in a bad light.
The Colt Delta Elite Railgun appears on the surface to be exactly the same as the Colt Delta Elite with the exception that the Railgun weighs three ounces more and features a solid trigger, where as the Delta Elite has a three hole aluminum trigger. The only other difference between the two is that if you want the Delta Elite with a rail it will set you back an average of $200 more than the non railed variant. This next part of the first look will be very critical so if you are a Colt or a 10mm fan hang on.
WHY a Colt ?
There are shooters out there that love the 10mm cartridge, and that’s just fine. I however am not one of them, but my problem with this gun is less about the 10mm cartridge as it is about Colt itself. Colt is one of those iconicity American companies like Chevrolet, Ford, or Coca Cola, but they have lost their way and it shows. In 2017 there is more competition in the 1911 market than ever before, now how much of that is chambered for 10mm I’m not sure. I just think that for a retail price of $1200.00 there are better buys on the market, in both 10mm and specifically in 1911’s. If I was dead set on getting a 10mm and spending $1200.00 I would buy a Glock 20 for a full sized pistol and a Glock 29 for conceal carry use. It’s the same cost and you get more rounds in either variety.
I know this whole article has a very bad slant to it, and not the type of article I usually write but I’m getting frustrated with the lack of innovation and originality some companies are putting out. I understand trying to refine existing designs and add a few things in order to grow market share but in my opinion this isn’t what Colt is doing. The company is just sending out old designs and trying to make sales on the legacy of their name and the power of the 10mm cartridge.
If you are a 10mm fan or an owner of the Colt Delta Elite or are planning on buying the Delta Elite Railgun we want to know why. Not to bash your choice but to better understand why people want this particular gun. I understand the power of the 10mm is equivalent to a .41 Magnum, but why wouldn’t people just go for a Glock for half the price ? Is it the polymer vs steel debate? We want to hear from both sides of the debate, Polymer or Steel for a 10mm..
Feature Image Courtesy: www.gatdaily.com
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