I'm looking to buy either a Delta Elite or a Delta Gold Cup.  A new Elite is about $1000 and a used Gold Cup is around $1500 on average.  Is the Gold Cup worth the extra money?  I know you're getting a better fit, adjustable sights, and a better gun as far as resale and collector value.  My main purpose is a side arm for hunting, so I'd really like the adjustable sights.  Not sure if the Elite fixed sights will be on or not for shots say out to 30 yards.  I could send in the Elite and have it milled by Colt and adjustable sights added for $275 if I needed to.  The Elite would be a new gun too, the Gold Cup would hold its value well.

Unless there is a very big reason you have to have the Colt brand, there are far better options in a 10mm 1911 than a Delta Elite.

The Delta Elite lacks the barrel support to safely shoot the hottest 10mm ammo on the market.  In fact, several of the boutique makers put warnings on their ammo that it is not safe in the Delta Elite.

In addition, the experience of forum members here is that Rock Island is working very hard to showcase the capability of their guns.  They have worked with every single member to correct any issue they have had, and one very capable forum member (gunsmith) said his Rock has "bullseye type" accuracy.

In the 1500 range you can get into a Dan Wesson or STI, both of which are far better guns than the Delta Elite.

Every 1911 10mm on the market but Colt offers a fully ramped barrel with adequate chamber support for the hottest 10mm loads.

As far as the need for adjustable sites for shooting out to 30 yards.  No, not needed.  Especially since the factory sites will likely be regulated to 25 yards.  At 50 yards you would be down 1", at 100 yards down 8".  This is with a 200 grain XTP moving 1250 fps at the muzzle.  I have found this to be very true with my 10's.  If I aim at the top of a milk jug at 100 yards I get consistent center hits on the jug.

If you gotta have a Colt, then buy what your heart desires.  Either gun will meet your needs.

If not, save some money on a RIA, or look hard at a Dan Wesson.  The new Bruin would be a very nice hunting sidearm, with a longslide buying you an extra 25-50 fps and an inch less drop at 100 yards.

I know a lot about the Delta Elites and the barrel support issue.  I own a blued one already, but just recently bought it, and haven't tried the sights out yet at longer ranges.  I just always wanted a stainless Delta, ever since I saw them come out back in the 80's.  I know for the money there are some better options out there.  I just like the Colt for some reason.  I'm going to check out the Rock Island today.  Local dealer has one.  I've heard of some issues with them, but if they have good service, it shouldn't be a problem.

Hey, that is all good.

Based on that either gun will meet your needs.  Save the money and grab a regular DE, unless you really wants a GC.

RI does have good service mine had to go back and it runs great. Love my Delta wish Colt brought back the Gold Cup

Pilot, I meant to say welcome to the forum!

And, the 172?  Cessna 172?

I have two Delta's.  Blue and stainless.  I also have all three of the Glock 10's.  Have also owned other 1911 10's.  I am a big fan of the Delta's.  They may not shoot the heaviest of 10's but then again I do not shoot that many heavy loads.  Most of my loads are around the 1100-1200 fps.  That is right up the alley of the Delta.  A lot more fun to shoot as well.  When I am working up a particular load to upper limits I usually use one of my Glocks.  My heavy stuff is used for hunting sidearm carry.  If I could find a Delta Gold Cup and could see and go over it in person before buying, I would buy one.

The Delta is like a Harley, there are better guns and bikes but there is only one badass.

Quote from: Wolfie on January 08 2016 02:49:20 PM MST
The Delta is like a Harley, there are better guns and bikes but there is only one badass.

They are on the loose side like the old Harleys too....

Do youself a favor and "build" on your Colt until it will handle the "boutique" loads. When this has been accomplished, you'll have spent almost $350 over and above the purchase price of  your original "prancing pony" but you will also have a "bad boy" that will run with the other hot 10mm's on the market.

I hope you will ultimately have what your heart desires.

Quote from: sqlbullet on January 07 2016 11:06:13 PM MST
Pilot, I meant to say welcome to the forum!

And, the 172?  Cessna 172?

Thanks, and yeah, I'm a pilot and have a Cessna 172.

Quote from: Captain O on January 11 2016 12:16:39 AM MST
Do youself a favor and "build" on your Colt until it will handle the "boutique" loads. When this has been accomplished, you'll have spent almost $350 over and above the purchase price of  your original "prancing pony" but you will also have a "bad boy" that will run with the other hot 10mm's on the market.

I hope you will ultimately have what your heart desires.

From what I read, the Delta should handle close to 1300fps 180gr loads with new brass.  Underwood is 1350fps.  50fps does make a difference but not sure if its worth buying and fitting a new barrel.  Where's a good place to go for a barrel and fitting?

Your frame would have to be cut to fit a ramped barrel.  Not worth the effort and expense.

I run about 5 rounds of Buffalo Bore 180's at the end of my Delta Elite session with no problems.

I would not run them exclusively.

The Gold Cup has a lot of upgrades over the Elite
The Slide is milled for and has; Fully Adjustable Rear Sights and a deeper / beveled Ejector Port
And the Trigger has an adjustable Over Travel

I love my DGC