Colt Defender Slide on a Colt New Agent?

**dbnkc** · October 5th, 2009, 02:58 PM

I have a Colt New Agent that I have now put about 500 rounds through and like it very much, with one exception - the sights, or lack thereof. I like the feel of the gun, the thin grips, the great size and feel, and rather than buy another new gun, I was wondering if it would be possible to just buy a slide for a Defender with the low profile sights and stick it on my New Agent? When I purchased my Agent I figured the gutter sight would be easier on my hip for concealed carry, and it is, but after shooting my son's Kimber compact 45 I would like to have the sights. Would it work?

**hzox221** · October 5th, 2009, 07:38 PM

You would have to have the slide fitted to the barrel and frame.

**Rule10b5** · October 5th, 2009, 08:20 PM

hzox221 is absolutely correct. It would work with gunsmithing, but even if you could locate a factory Defender upper for sale, it'd cost a few hundred dollars, and then you'd have to pay another hundred for fitting. Factor in shipping costs (assuming you mail away for the fitting because you don't have a good local gunsmith) and you're almost halfway to the cost of a new Defender. Call it $300-400, if you're really lucky.

The cheapest route would be simply to have a gunsmith weld up the channel, cut for sights, fit sights, and then reblue or finish the slide. But there you're looking at $200, if you can find a local gunsmith to do it.

But that said, honestly, don't bother. I've owned 2 Defenders. Nifty little guns, when they work, but they're not target guns or tack drivers. Your Agent, if it works 100%, is a gem of a carry gun. It may not be good for pinhead sized groups at 15 yards, but it'll more than do the trick for self-defense. If you want a range gun, spend the money (plus a little bit) you'd spend on gunsmithing and get yourself a nice Springfield Loaded or Mil-Spec.