Colt Defender Series Pistol
“God created man, Colonel Colt made them equal,” is a familiar phrase with Colt firearms. Renowned for their revolvers which trace a history back to the Texas Rangers in 1847, the modern Colt Defender carries the tradition of excellence, reliability, and accuracy that Colt built their company around.
The Colt Defender is an excellent choice for a concealed carry pistol. Weighing just one-and-a-half pounds, with a three-inch barrel and a hammer design, the Defender is a great choice for women to carry in a purse, men in a pocket, or anyone in a shoulder or leg holster.
This pistol comes in a myriad of colors, but the options are all of the same in both 9mm Luger and .45 ACP. The only difference between these two calibers comes from the larger shell casings of the .45 ACP cartridge.
The Defender holds eight 9mm Luger rounds in the magazine, and only seven .45 ACP cartridges. Aside from that, they are identical weapons when it comes to physical attributes such as length, width, height, and barrel length.
There is a substantial difference in recoil between the two calibers. The 24-ounce weight of the Defender is fine when firing lower-powered 9mm Luger rounds, but you’ll notice the recoil when you pop off a few rounds of .45 ACP with this very light pistol.
An upswept Beavertail grip safety adds a level of protection when pulling this self-defense classic for quick use. The Defender offers exceptional control with Colt’s proprietary grips and is a quick pistol in acquiring a target.
Described as a reliable workhorse by many users, the combination of lower weight with the power of a .45 ACP makes this an impressive weapon. The 9mm Luger doesn’t have quite the firepower, but the exchange for better control due to less “shooter’s flinch” is a good one for smaller people, or for those who just can’t take a strong recoil.
Though it has just a short, three-inch barrel, the Defender posts tight patterns at 25 yards. Most self-defense situations are much closer than the 25-yard range, so the Defender can deliver shots on target accurately when needed.
Colt Defender 9mm Luger/.45 ACP Standard Features:
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Price: $899-$1099
Colt Defender Models and Variations
There are two choices with the Colt Defender, the control and ease of shooting with the 9mm Luger version, or the extra power, intimidation factor, and boom of the .45 ACP. Either caliber will work for a seasoned shooter, or a novice just entering the world of subcompact, concealed carry pistols. Both calibers have their strengths, and each has a weakness or two in comparison with the other cartridge.
The one you choose should reflect your personal ability to handle a firearm, and the setting you may be called on to use it in if necessary.
Colt Defender .45 ACP
Samuel Colt became legendary in the 19th century with the .45 Long Colt cartridge. While the .45 ACP isn’t the same cartridge, it does shoot a very similar bullet.
The Defender in .45 ACP is modeled after the venerable Model 1911 Colt pistol, generally considered the best pistol design in history.
Colt design specialists and engineers worked to get the outstanding action of the 1911 in a smaller package and have succeeded with the Defender.
Colt Defender .45 ACP Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Caliber: | .45 ACP |
| Action: | Semi-automatic (Single) |
| Magazine Capacity: | 7 rounds |
| Overall Length: | 6.75 inches |
| Width: | 1.25 inches |
| Height: | 5.125 inches |
| Barrel Length: | 3 inches |
| Finish: | Stainless, Cerakote |
| Grips: | Rubber |
| Sights: | Novak Low Mount |
| Weight: | 24 ounces |
| Color: | Black, Stainless, Custom colors |
Popular variations:
- Colt Defender Series Pistol
- Colt Defender Series Pistol - Pink
- Colt Defender Series Pistol - Robin's Egg Blue
Browse: Colt Defender Series
Colt Defender 9mm Luger
Concealed carry pistols are dominated by the 9mm Luger cartridge. The smaller size of the 9mm casing allows more rounds in the magazine than a competing .45 ACP. The lower energy of the 9mm compared to the stopping power of a 230-grain .45 ACP bullet is a consideration for some shooters. You won’t blow through many engine blocks with a 9mm Luger, whereas you can punch pretty big holes in a variety of objects with a .45 ACP.
The benefit of choosing the Defender in 9mm Luger configuration is much lower recoil, and as a benefit, greater accuracy for some shooters. The magazine is larger by one round as well at eight.
The 9mm is the most popular pistol cartridge in the world for a reason, and while you’re reasons in selecting caliber for a subcompact pistol may differ from the norm, it is a model worth looking at.
Colt Defender 9mm Luger Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Caliber: | 9mm Luger |
| Action: | Semi-automatic (Single) |
| Magazine Capacity: | 8 rounds |
| Overall Length: | 6.75 inches |
| Width: | 1.25 inches |
| Height: | 5.125 inches |
| Barrel Length: | 3 inches |
| Finish: | Stainless, Cerakote |
| Grips: | Rubber |
| Sights: | Novak Low Mount |
| Weight: | 24 ounces |
| Color: | Black, Stainless, Custom colors |
Popular variations:
Browse: Colt Defender Series