The Colt Defender is a compact 1911-pattern single action pistol chambered in .45 ACP with a 3-inch barrel. It has a 7+1 round capacity and a two-tone finish combining a Flat Dark Earth frame with a black slide. The pistol ships with G10 grips and Novak night sights. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Colt 
• Model: Defender 
• Caliber: .45 ACP 
• Action: Single Action 
• Capacity: 7+1 
• Barrel Length: 3 in 
• Color/Finish: Flat Dark Earth frame, Black slide 
   

Detailed Features 

• 3-inch barrel in a compact Officers-size 1911 frame 
• Two-tone FDE frame and black slide finish 
• G10 grips 
• Novak night sights 
• 7-round magazine capacity

The Colt Defender draws consistent appreciation from owners who want a compact 1911 in .45 ACP without giving up the single action trigger feel. The 3-inch barrel makes it genuinely concealable, and the FDE/black two-tone finish is a popular aesthetic for those who prefer something other than all-black.

The short barrel and Officers-size frame do come with trade-offs. Recoil is more abrupt than full-size 1911 variants, and some owners report needing a break-in period before the pistol feeds reliably with all hollow-point loads. The G10 grips get praise for their texture and grip in humid conditions.

The Novak night sights are a consistent highlight for owners who carry the Defender. Magazine availability and compatibility is a recurring discussion point, with most users sticking to Colt-branded or Wilson Combat magazines for reliable feeding. Value opinions vary; some feel Colt's pricing is justified by fit and finish, while others note comparable compact 1911s at lower prices.