Since the reintroduction of the stainless steel Colt Delta Elite we’ve had a few of these guns come through the shop for various conversions. I just recently finished a two-tone Best Grade gun built on one of these new Deltas and it reminded me of the Retro gun Ted had done late last year.
Like the Panerai pictured with the gun, this Retro conversion Delta Elite represents contemporary technology molded into a classic style. The gun combines the best of what’s available today blended into Retro gun that would easily be a welcomed companion comfortably at home in an original Nelson Summer Special.
The Retro touches are easy to see... from the Classic Ramped Gold Line front sight and HP Retro rear sight, to the ball-cut slide, traditionally styled Commander hammer and thumb safety, to the custom Heirloom Precision Retro beavertail, and custom domed mainspring housing with lanyard loop. These classily styled modifications help give the gun a distinctive look that that just oozes
Retro.
The contemporary side of things comes in the form of better quality parts and manufacturing methods. The quality of aftermarket parts and the advancements in building techniques help us not only build guns more efficiently but also to an elevated level of durability, detail, and longevity. On this gun these advancements can be seen in techniques such as weld-up frame and slide fits and line straightening and also via parts like Wilson Bulletproof extractors and slide stops, oversized firing pin stops and barrel bushings from EGW, Schuemann barrels, bar-stock plunger tubes, and G10 and micarta stocks from VZ Grips. These things are certainly considered the standard for today’s guns but when compared to the custom 1911s of the ‘70s it’s like night and day.
When carefully blended with tried and true building techniques and processes, this persistent evolution of parts technology and mechanical know-how helps the guns continue to get better and better. Enjoy the pictures!
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