You’ll find the Colt Double Eagle stands as Colt’s first double-action semi-automatic pistol, launched in 1989. It modernized the 1911 platform with its Series 80 safety system and versatile caliber options including .45 ACP, 9mm, and .40 S&W. The pistol weighs 42.51 oz unloaded and features an 8.5-inch overall length with various barrel options. While early models faced reliability issues, the MKII version addressed these concerns before its discontinuation in 1997. There’s more to this innovative firearm’s evolution than meets the eye.
Key Takeaways
- The Colt Double Eagle was introduced in 1989 as Colt’s first double-action semi-automatic pistol, modernizing the 1911 platform.
- Available in multiple calibers including .45 ACP, 9mm, 10mm, .38 Super, and .40 S&W with an 8-round standard capacity.
- Features both double-action (8-12 lbs) and single-action (4-6 lbs) trigger modes with Series 80 safety systems.
- Includes three size variants: full-size (5.0″ barrel), Commander (4.25″ barrel), and Officers (3.25″ barrel).
- Production ended in 1997 after the Mark II version addressed early reliability issues with loose parts.
Description
The Colt Double Eagle represents a significant evolution in Colt’s semi-automatic pistol lineup, featuring a double-action/single-action mechanism with a decocking lever based on the M1911 design.
You’ll find this semi-automatic pistol available in full-size, Commander, and Officer variants. The full-size model measures 8.5 inches long, weighs 42.51 oz, and supports multiple calibers including .45 ACP, 10mm Auto, .40 S&W, 9x19mm, and .38 Super.
Price Range
Current market prices for Colt Double Eagle pistols hover around $867 on average for used models, with recent sales spanning from $561 to $1,500. You’ll find the price has increased by $50 over the past year, while demand for used models continues to rise.
| Condition | Value | Market Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Average Used | $866.58 | Rising |
| 12-Month Average | $871.91 | Stable |
| 80% Condition | $563.28 | Baseline |
| Lowest Recent Sale | $560.55 | – |
| Highest Recent Sale | $1,499.99 | – |
Specifications
The Colt Double Eagle’s specifications show it’s a substantial pistol weighing 42.51 oz (1,205 g) with a 5-inch barrel length, demonstrating its full-size design characteristics. You’ll find this semi-automatic pistol is versatile, being chambered in multiple calibers including .45 ACP, 10mm Auto, .40 S&W, 9x19mm, and .38 Super. The Double Eagle’s design incorporates a double-action/single-action mechanism with a decocking lever, building upon the proven M1911 platform.
| Specification | Measurement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 42.51 oz (1,205 g) | Unloaded |
| Overall Length | 8.5 in (220 mm) | Full size model |
| Barrel Length | 5.0 in (130 mm) | Standard configuration |
| Muzzle Velocity | 850 ft/s (260 m/s) | With .45 ACP ammunition |
Weight
Weighing in at 42.51 ounces (1,205 grams), Colt’s Double Eagle represents a substantial yet balanced pistol design.
While heavier than many modern handguns, the Double Eagle’s weight distribution helps manage recoil effectively across its 8.5-inch length. This intentional heft contributes to the pistol’s stability during rapid-fire sequences and supports its impressive 850 ft/s muzzle velocity capabilities.
Barrel Length
Complementing its well-balanced mass, Colt offered the Double Eagle in three distinct barrel configurations to suit different operational needs.
You’ll find the full-size model sporting a 5.0-inch (130mm) barrel, while the Commander variant features a more compact 4.25-inch configuration.
For maximum concealability, the Officers model comes equipped with the shortest barrel length at 3.25 inches.
Material Made Out Of
Constructed with precision-engineered steel components, Colt’s Double Eagle combines durability with reliable performance in its semi-automatic design. Its stainless steel frame and controls offer superior corrosion resistance while maintaining the 42.51 oz weight.
The frame works similarly to Lightweight Officers models but incorporates a more robust build to handle multiple calibers, including .45 ACP, 10mm Auto, and 9x19mm.
Chambered In
The Colt Double Eagle offered shooters a versatile range of caliber options across its product line. You’ll find the semi-auto pistol chambered in 9mm, 10mm, .38 Super, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP.
The full-size model accommodated all these calibers, while the Commander and Officers variants were specifically chambered in .40 S&W and .45 ACP. When chambered in .45 ACP, the Double Eagle achieved a muzzle velocity of 850 ft/s.
Capacity
Standard magazine capacity across all Double Eagle models held 8 rounds, which positioned the pistol at a disadvantage compared to contemporary competitors like the Beretta 92FS. While maintaining the classic 1911 look, this semi-automatic pistol’s limited capacity was consistent regardless of caliber choice.
The Series 80 locking firing pin safety system ensured safe carry but didn’t affect the magazine’s round count.
Trigger Pull
Featuring a dual-mode trigger system, the Double Eagle’s trigger pull specifications demonstrate significant differences between its double-action and single-action modes. You’ll find an 8-12 lb pull weight in double-action and 4-6 lbs in single-action.
While the Double Eagle’s trigger might feel difficult compared to a standard 1911, Colt really did try improving the controls while keeping consistent shot placement through its predictable double-action mechanism and decocker.
Safety?
Multiple safety features distinguish the Colt Double Eagle from traditional 1911s, starting with its Series 80 firing pin safety mechanism.
You’ll find the Double Eagle’s decocking lever allows you to safely lower the hammer without pulling the trigger. This combination of modern safety features, integrated into Colt’s double-action/single-action system, represents a significant upgrade from the classic 1911 design.
Action
Beyond its safety mechanisms, the Colt Double Eagle’s action represents a significant engineering achievement. The pistol features a double-action/single-action mechanism derived from the M1911 design, but with significant improvements.
You’ll find the Double Eagle incorporates Colt’s Series 80 locking firing pin safety, while offering versatility through its decocking lever that seamlessly transitions between firing modes.
Optic Ready?
Unlike modern pistols designed for optics integration, the Colt Double Eagle lacks factory-supported mounting options for red dot sights or similar accessories. You’ll find a traditional iron sight configuration, with a fixed front sight and adjustable rear sight, following the classic 1911 design.
Adding optics would require custom slide milling, which isn’t officially supported by Colt. For optics compatibility, you’ll need to consider newer Colt models.
Review
If you’re considering the Colt Double Eagle, you’ll find its double-action/single-action mechanism and ergonomic design offer solid benefits, though you’ll need to weigh these against known issues with fragile components and exposed parts that characterized early models.
The pistol’s M1911-based design provides reliable accuracy within its 50-yard effective range, while its decocker adds a welcome safety feature to the traditional platform. You’ll discover the Mark II version addressed many initial reliability concerns, but the Double Eagle’s relatively short production run and competition from other manufacturers ultimately limited its market success.
Pros
While retaining the beloved 1911 platform’s core attributes, the Colt Double Eagle introduced significant modernizations that enhanced its practical capabilities. You’ll find a DA/SA trigger system and decocker that brought Colt’s platform into the modern era.
| Feature | Benefit | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Calibers | Versatility | .45 ACP, 10mm, .40 S&W, .38 Super |
| Size Options | Adaptability | Commander and Officer models |
| Stainless Steel | Durability | All-weather performance |
| Modern Controls | Safety | Enhanced tactical operation |
The Double Eagle’s innovations demonstrated Colt’s commitment to evolving their classic platform while maintaining reliability and performance.
Cons
Several significant drawbacks plagued the Double Eagle despite its innovative features. You’d find loose parts when removing the plastic grips, which often broke and disabled the pistol. The slide faced stiff competition from Smith & Wesson’s 4506, offering similar features at a lower price point.
| Issue | Impact | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Loose Parts | Maintenance Problems | Reliability Concerns |
| Plastic Grips | Structural Failures | Gun Disabled |
| Market Position | Higher Price Point | Poor Sales Performance |
Reliability
How reliable was the Colt Double Eagle in real-world testing? While keeping the classic slide design, the pistol proved generally dependable with proper maintenance. However, exposed tiny parts and delicate springs were potential failure points – one spring can leap out during disassembly if you’re not careful.
The Mark II version addressed these issues; everything else was better, though it still couldn’t match the Beretta 92FS’s legendary reliability.
Similar Models
During the same era as the Colt Double Eagle, numerous manufacturers produced comparable pistols that competed directly in the market.
You’d find the Smith and Wesson 4506 offered better and cheaper alternatives, while the SIG Sauer P220 and P226 shared similar modernized frame designs.
The Beretta 92FS provided nearly twice the magazine capacity, and the CZ-75 targeted the same market segment as Colt’s main goal.
Similar Models From Other Manufacturers
Leading manufacturers of the era produced notable alternatives to Colt’s pistol designs, each bringing distinct advantages to the market. The Beretta 92FS offered nearly twice the ammunition capacity, while the Smith & Wesson 4506 provided a more affordable option.
The SIG Sauer P220’s frame design rivaled the Double Eagle’s modernized 1911 platform, and Gun Digest reviews frequently highlighted these competing models’ innovative features.
Maintenance
Like its competitors, the Colt Double Eagle demands meticulous upkeep to maintain peak performance. When you remove the left side for cleaning, handle small components carefully, as replacement parts aren’t readily available.
While Colt’s main goal with the compact Commander variants included the manual safety and decocker mechanisms, these features require special attention during maintenance. Don’t force disassembly, as plastic grip panels break easily.
History
Colt introduced the Double Eagle in 1989 as their first double-action semi-automatic pistol, designed by Ron Smith of Smith Enterprise, Inc. in 1985. Colt’s main goal was modernizing the 1911 platform for the 21st century.
You’ll find the Double Eagle .45 Auto was their primary focus, though they offered somewhat rare .40 S&W variants.
The MKII Double Eagle series included Commander and Officer models before its discontinuation in 1997.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Colt Still Make the Double Eagle?
No, you can’t buy a new Double Eagle today as Colt stopped manufacturing them in 1997. While the pistol offered impressive features like double/single action trigger pull and ergonomic design improvements over the 1911, it wasn’t a commercial success.
The gun’s magazine capacity and multi-caliber ammunition availability were competitive, but after just 8 years of production, Colt discontinued the line. Only used models are available through collectors and resellers.
Is 45 Colt Stronger Than 45 ACP?
You might be surprised to learn that yes, the .45 Colt is indeed more powerful than the .45 ACP in terms of ballistic performance. With typical loads generating 500-600 ft-lbs of energy compared to the ACP’s 300-450 ft-lbs, you’ll notice significantly more recoil management challenges.
While ammunition selection varies, the .45 Colt’s higher pressure rating delivers superior terminal performance. However, you’ll need to consider ergonomic considerations, as the increased power comes with more pronounced muzzle rise and felt recoil.
What Is the Price of 45 Colt Pistol?
You’ll find .45 Colt pistols vary significantly in price depending on their features like magazine capacity, grip safety design, and target sights. Modern .45 Colt handguns typically range from $600 to $2,000.
Single-action models with caliber conversions tend to command higher prices. For reference, the historical Colt Single Action Army in .45 Colt can fetch $2,000-$3,000+ for vintage models, while modern reproductions start around $700. Quality and condition heavily influence pricing.
What Is the Rarest Colt 1911?
The rarest Colt 1911 is Serial Number #1 from the original production models, which holds immense historical significance and collector’s value. You’ll find that this particular firearm marks the beginning of the 1911’s production timeline in 1911.
Following closely in rarity are General Patton’s personal 1911A1 from WWII and Theodore Roosevelt’s custom model. The Gold Cup National Match edition, with only a few hundred manufactured, is also exceptionally rare.
Conclusion
You’ll find that Colt’s Double Eagle represents the manufacturer’s 1989-1997 venture into double-action pistols, marking a departure from their traditional single-action designs. The stainless steel frame, precision-machined parts, and Series 80 firing system deliver reliability in .45 ACP and 10mm configurations. Though production ceased after approximately 8,000 units, these pistols maintain collector appeal and demonstrate Colt’s willingness to innovate beyond their established 1911 platform.
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