Colt Delta

EdMc · August 25 2012 08:24:04 PM MDT

Okay, I've admitted a fondness for Colts. I got this one plus cash for a AK. It's stainless, just a poor photo pinched from the other guy's ad.

sqlbullet · August 26 2012 07:07:17 AM MDT

Good deal. If it were mine I would be very torn. On the one hand I really like the idea of a factory original gun. On the other I really like a high ride grip safety.

Hope it shoots for you as good as it looks.

Intercooler · August 26 2012 08:15:53 AM MDT

Will you be swapping the barrel out?

EdMc · August 26 2012 08:25:03 AM MDT

Quote from: sqlbullet on August 26 2012 07:07:17 AM MDT
Good deal. If it were mine I would be very torn. On the one hand I really like the idea of a factory original gun. On the other I really like a high ride grip safety.

Hope it shoots for you as good as it looks.

Shows how much I know about Deltas. I didn't know it had been changed. ${$default_grin_smiley}$ Has dual recoil springs but I think those are normal. Has a good bit of minor scratching but looking at the barrel lugs and such I don't think it's seen much use. That was how it was described but so are they all. ${$default_wink_smiley}$ Got a good amount of cash too, so I'm fine with the deal. I'll shoot it next week.... Thanks.

EdMc · August 26 2012 08:29:25 AM MDT

Quote from: Intercooler on August 26 2012 08:15:53 AM MDT
Will you be swapping the barrel out?

I do have a Bar-Sto barrel for a Delta, but I'll have to work up the nerve to try to fit it. $:-\$ Supposedly a 'drop-in' fit but they state that with disclaimers. ${$default_cheesy_smiley}$

EdMc · August 26 2012 10:08:19 AM MDT

Quote from: sqlbullet on August 26 2012 07:07:17 AM MDT
On the other I really like a high ride grip safety.

Sqbullet:
I deleted the photo and replaced it with one that I made of the Colt. I think my bud just found a photo somewhere of a Delta for his ad. (he did give an accurate description of condition). I think the safety is original to the pistol. Thanks.

here2day · August 26 2012 10:23:01 AM MDT

Quote from: EdMc on August 26 2012 08:29:25 AM MDT
Quote from: Intercooler on August 26 2012 08:15:53 AM MDT
Will you be swapping the barrel out?

I do have a Bar-Sto barrel for a Delta, but I'll have to work up the nerve to try to fit it. $:-\$ Supposedly a 'drop-in' fit but they state that with disclaimers. ${$default_cheesy_smiley}$

How does the case support of the Bar-Sto barrel compare with the stock Delta barrel?

sqlbullet · August 26 2012 11:20:53 AM MDT

Yeah, that is an original safety and an un-cut frame. And if you think fitting a barrel gives you the willies, just try fitting an Ed Brown grip safety. You have to remove a BUNCH of metal from the frame. Very nerve racking, especially the first time.

The_Shadow · August 26 2012 12:48:44 PM MDT

Why would you cut the frame as opposed to cutting the grip safety to fit the frame? ${$default_huh_smiley}$
It seems that cutting the frame changes things in such a fasion that you can't go back to original stock stuff! $:-\$

sqlbullet · August 26 2012 03:27:26 PM MDT

Defeats the purpose of the high ride grip safety. It is designed to allow a you to move the hand higher on the gun as well as soften felt recoil and prevent hammer bite.

Here is a picture of a modified frame with the original grip safety in place:

The only way to make a high ride safety fit a standard frame by altering the grip safety would be to weld it up almost 3/8".

Harleycolt · August 26 2012 04:08:58 PM MDT

Good looking Colt, I just got a new one myself. Still looking for a Delta Gold Cup

The_Shadow · August 26 2012 06:37:51 PM MDT

Are you saying you reshape the back strap area where the web of the hand fits? Is this to allow more safety surface to be acted on by the web of the hand.

Or are you saying you need to open up the area where the grip safety slides into the frame opening?

EdMc · August 26 2012 07:59:06 PM MDT

Quote from: here2day link=topic=401.msg5041#msg5041 date=1345998181

How does the case support of the Bar-Sto barrel compare with the stock Delta barrel?
/quote]

Since you asked, I put a cartridge in each barrel and marked them with a Sharpie just to get some comparison. The Bar-Sto leaves ~ 1/16 inch unsupported in the feed ramp. Looking at the Colt barrel the chamber is cut with, I'll call it a reverse crown, that leaves the same amount unsupported close to 180 deg of the chamber. I'd guess over twice the linear measurement of the B-S feed ramp.

Btw: The Bar-Sto is called 'semi-fit'........I tried it in the slide and the hood is too wide so it will have to be fitted. It does come with a fitted (to the barrel) bushing and link and pin.

EdMc · August 26 2012 08:02:21 PM MDT

Quote from: Harleycolt on August 26 2012 04:08:58 PM MDT
Good looking Colt, I just got a new one myself. Still looking for a Delta Gold Cup

Thanks, good luck on the Delta GC, those are a lot harder to find.

sqlbullet · August 26 2012 09:35:06 PM MDT

Quote from: The_Shadow on August 26 2012 06:37:51 PM MDT
Are you saying you reshape the back strap area where the web of the hand fits? Is this to allow more safety surface to be acted on by the web of the hand.

Or are you saying you need to open up the area where the grip safety slides into the frame opening?

Yes. The line you drew is the new arc of the frame after reshaping. This photo has the old grip safety installed to illustrate the difference in the frame. The delta beween the arc made by the grip safety and the arc in red you added is the material removed.

Here is the same frame but with the new grip safety blended.

So, the high-ride allows you to grip the gun 3/8" or more higher up and forward than the standard frame/grip safety.