Colt Delta Elite vs. Glock 20

4949shooter · 07-15-2011, 07:01

So tell me about the Delta Elite and the Glock 20.

My intended purpose for a 10MM is as a backup while hunting varmints at night.

I also want a good shooter for some range time. I have heard some nightmare stories about the Deltas not hlding up to full power 10MM loads. I know there were frame cracking problems with the older Deltas. Have the newer samples with the frame relief solved the problem?

The obvious advantage to the G20 is magazine capacity and durability. But now I am concerned with the MIM extractors.

Any insight/experience would be greatly appreciated!

ArmoryDoc · 07-15-2011, 09:25

I voted with my $$$ and went with the reissue Colt Delta Elite. It handles much better than the 21/20 for me. The trigger is much better than the Glock and I have no need for a fat grip with the added mag capacity. I just carry two spare mags that I've never used.

The Delta handles my Double Tap just fine.

FLSlim · 07-15-2011, 09:31

I'm not sure either would be a bad choice. I shoot Glocks but don't own a G20 (although I admit to having an interest in them!). On the other hand, I've been running rounds through my DE since 1988 and, except for replacing the recoil spring & GR, I haven't had a single issue. The ergonomics of the two are totally different, so check them both out and one will probably "feel better" to you. Then check your bank balance and make a decision.

***faawrenchbndr*** · 07-15-2011, 10:13

Change the recoil springs at 1200-1500 as recommended & frame battering is solved.
Both are a great choice. I believe the Delta's trigger edges out the Glock.
However, the Delta is nearly double in cost to the G20. I HAD a G20,
I currently own a 1988 Delta Elite.

fnfalman · 07-15-2011, 10:38

Colt Delta Elite.

Why? Because people will laugh when you whip out that ugly ass Glock.

4949shooter · 07-15-2011, 10:39

Thanks guys..

glock2740 · 07-15-2011, 11:37

I vote G20. Especially for a woods gun. My woods gun is a G20 and it gets wet, muddy, scratched and whatever else that can happen to a gun when you're in the woods. I like the fact that I have 16 10mm rounds on hand without a mag change. Plus, a G20 is gonna be more reliable than a DE. And I'm a huge DE fan. The G20 just makes sense as a woods gun IMO.

nolt · 07-15-2011, 11:43

both great guns

Fedor · 07-15-2011, 11:46

Comparing a Glock to a 1911 ????

1911 =

Glock =

***faawrenchbndr*** · 07-15-2011, 11:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by glock2740

I vote G20. Especially for a woods gun.....

Now this does make a lot of sense,.......

up1911fan · 07-15-2011, 12:33

For a woods gun i'd go with the G20 as well.

ArmoryDoc · 07-15-2011, 12:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by glock2740

Plus, a G20 is gonna be more reliable than a DE. And I'm a huge DE fan. The G20 just makes sense as a woods gun IMO.

I highly disagree with the first statement. The second statement I can agree with only from the standpoint of not caring about the finish; bangs and nicks.

***faawrenchbndr*** · 07-15-2011, 13:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarge45

I highly disagree with the first statement. The second statement I can agree with only from the standpoint of not caring about the finish; bangs and nicks.

Very much so,.......the Glock has a near indestructable finish.
You either have to work at it, or neglect it to compromise the finish.

I'll still carry my Delta,.........I love that gun!

samuse · 07-15-2011, 13:51

I really like Glocks but when I want to be sure I hit what I'm aiming at, 1911s work better for me. Especially when it's a longer shot.

I've spent a lot of time hunting and accuracy is very important. Animals don't know they're supposed to be dead when they've been shot so you gotta kill 'em good...

glock2740 · 07-15-2011, 14:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarge45

I highly disagree with the first statement. The second statement I can agree with only from the standpoint of not caring about the finish; bangs and nicks.

I only say that, as 1911's, especially in 10mm, can have some reliability issues, especially when loaded hot, as compared to the 10mm Glock. Glocks in general, feed more reliably than a 1911. Especially with HP ammo, which is what I carry in my woods gun. I base my statement on my personal experiences with both. Not knocking the Delta Elite at all, as it is one of my favorite 1911's. But I have seen it jam before and neither of my Glock 10mm's has ever had a single failure.

fnfalman · 07-15-2011, 14:49

For a woods gun, I'll take my Ruger Vaquero or SuperBlackhawk in short barrel and loaded with Hornady .44 Mag Leverevolution loads.

4949shooter · 07-15-2011, 14:58

falman,

Carrying a .44 mag is a good option. The only problem I have with it is that I am LE, and my agency only authorizes us to carry certain pistols and revolvers off duty. The Colt and Glock are both authorized.

dnuggett · 07-15-2011, 15:20

I personally much prefer a Delta Elite to the G20, woods carry notwithstanding. It really pains me to tell you to get a G20 over the Delta Elite but if the only consideration for this purchase is woods carry, I'd go with the Glock. There is one very big exception though. If you shoot the Delta Elite better, that's the gun you should choose.

The Delta Elite is the better choice in almost every other category.

4949shooter · 07-15-2011, 15:29

Insightful post, dnuggett.

Of course, I would like to get some range time in too. But woods carry is the main purpose.

I am really interested n a Delta though. I guess the other factor I have to consider is operation of either weapon with cold fingers, and/or wearing gloves.

dnuggett · 07-15-2011, 15:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4949shooter

Insightful post, dnuggett.

Of course, I would like to get some range time in too. But woods carry is the main purpose.

I am really interested n a Delta though. I guess the other factor I have to consider is operation of either weapon with cold fingers, and/or wearing gloves.

Not knowing your hand size the average hand can get more purchase on the Delta Elite grip, glove or not. Something else to consider, the grips are wrap around rubber with the Colt.

As far as cold hands- if your hand is cold, the gun will be too unless you carry IWB close to the skin. Being steel the Colt backstrap will feel colder to the touch. If you wear gloves, it won't matter.

I don't believe you will get into weather conditions that would cause the Delta Elite to fail, but theoretically the Glock would fair better if such a condition existed.

fnfalman · 07-15-2011, 15:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4949shooter

falman,

Carrying a .44 mag is a good option. The only problem I have with it is that I am LE, and my agency only authorizes us to carry certain pistols and revolvers off duty. The Colt and Glock are both authorized.

That sucks. I guess you're stuck with those two then.

fnfalman · 07-15-2011, 15:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by dnuggett

Not knowing your hand size the average hand can get more purchase on the Delta Elite grip, glove or not. Something else to consider, the grips are wrap around rubber with the Colt.

Aftermarket grips work great with the Delta Elite.

Quote:

As far as cold hands- if your hand is cold, the gun will be too unless you carry IWB close to the skin. Being steel the Colt backstrap will feel colder to the touch. If you wear gloves, it won't matter.

Yep. If it's that cold then your bare hands wouldn't feel squat between the steel and the plastic. Better be wearing gloves. If it's only midly cold and if you have to take your weapon out for action, then the adrenaline will make sure that your hands and your whole body feel nice & warm.

Quote:

I don't believe you will get into weather conditions that would cause the Delta Elite to fail, but theoretically the Glock would fair better if such a condition existed.

I can't imagine a cop whose duty would bring him out into the woods, crawling in mud and such enough to jam up a handgun. If that's the case, then better bring a long arm as the primary weapon and put the handgun in a chest harness to keep it out of the elements or something.

dakota1911 · 07-15-2011, 17:10

Those are both good guns. Personally I like the Delta better. I think it would come down to which fit your hand better, or which you shot better.

samuse · 07-15-2011, 17:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by dnuggett

I don't believe you will get into weather conditions that would cause the Delta Elite to fail, but theoretically the Glock would fair better if such a condition existed.

Whose theory?

I think a Glock may be more durable, as in it'll go for more rounds before a catastrophic failure, but if a 1911 is in good working order, it stands up to the elements quite well.

dnuggett · 07-15-2011, 17:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by samuse

Whose theory?

I think a Glock may be more durable, as in it'll go for more rounds before a catastrophic failure, but if a 1911 is in good working order, it stands up to the elements quite well.

I didn't quote a specifc theory. You can refer to it as the theory of tolerances in adverse conditions if you like. The theory and $6 will get you an iced frappucino at Starbucks.

As far as a 1911 standing up to the elements we agree.