I have extremely limited experience with one (1) Gold Cup, so disregard anything that follows......

My Uncle had a Gold Cup he got in the early 80's (I think). He and I took it to the range on occasion and shot it. I thought it was a fantastic pistol. I liked 1911's before, but after shooting that GC I loved 'em. I felt like I just could not miss with that pistol. It would turn a bullseye into a ragged hole.

My Uncle was a more experienced shooter than I, but for whatever reason he couldn't anything with it. Usually a calm man, he actual ended up swearing a few times.

After a while, that GC stopped showing up to range sessions.

When my brother got back from Iraq, my Uncle gave him that GC as a coming home present. My brother has only shot if a few times, but he loves it, too.

So, in my mind, the Gold Cup is a remarkable pistol; just don't ask my Uncle's opinion.

 

I've owned several Gold Cups and the 45s were all good shooters, the 9mms a bit less so. But they are production guns, not Custom Shop guns. So in that sense they are not "better shooters" than other Colts made on the production line.

It really comes down to whether you like the features on the Gold Cups. Adjustable target sights and wide target triggers are really what differentiate them from other models. They also have National Match barrels, but so do most other Colt models nowadays.

Finally, if you want a Gold Cup you have to decide between the modern features of the Gold Cup Trophy or the more traditional National Match. The blued GCNM with its ribbed slide and traditional safeties is a very attractive pistol. The Trophy is arguably better suited to modern shooting techniques with its up-swept grip safety, undercut trigger guard, mag well, and front strap checkering. Both models are so-called "Series 70" guns without a firing pin safety.

I am currently without a Gold Cup because I sold them to fund purchases of my Special Combat Government models. I would like to own one again at some point, and if I do it will probably be the National Match 45.

 

Yes

 

I’ve had several in Ransom Rests, IMO definitively No.

They are no more accurate, better fit, or trigger work than any other factory Colt 1911. If you like the features then that’s a win. They are not popular in Bullseye for those reasons, where many shooters who are using factory donor slide/frames look at the less expensive Springfield MIL-SPEC or Range Officer and use the the savings to replace the fire control group/slide stop and barrel/bushing if required.

 

I don't see any improvement in mechanical accuracy over the standard models, but I still buy'em any way just for the cool looks.

 

I own one Gold Cup, but not because I was looking for one. It just came my way at a good price. It is not any better than any of my other Colts or 1911's in general.

I kinda look at it like a Ford F250 XLT vs a Lariat. Same basic truck, engine etc. but with some differences you pay more for. I personally went with an XLT and added what I wanted, I usually subscribe to the same view with 1911's.

 

To be fair, I have not seen, touched or shot the current 2019 Gold Cup Trophy with the front strap checkering/ checkered main spring housing and the mag well funnel. I don't know if they're better fitted or trigger slightly tuned, etc. I do know that at MSRP of $1799, the better be more than just the mag funnel and checkering.

My Gold Cup Lite doesn't have any mechanical accuracy advantage over the Competition or Government Models. Nor are my current Gold Cup National Matches in .45 and .38 Super.

I do have a Series 80 Gold Cup Trophy bought in 2013 and that sucker was a beautiful shooter, but I think it was a one-off. Just like my plain jane Series 80 blued Government Model .38 Super. Those two guns came from the factory that were somehow fitted just right and the trigger were nice plus the mechanical accuracy well beyond their other Colt peers.

 

Like the Python if you're into Colts they are a must have. As every other commodity buyers determine value.

I never shot my Python, although beautiful it's hard to get used to the trigger if you already shoot finely tuned K-frames. I sold it this year. I would sell my CGC tomorrow if I got a decent offer. It isn't anything special except aesthetics.

My $600 Kimber II Two Tone is better fit, equally finished and is more precise than the CGC!

Smiles,

 

Assuming you want a 5 inch 1911 with an adjustable sight then I think they are worth it. Best if you can inspect one, even if new, before buying it. I sort of collect them having about 12 dating from 1966 to 2018, but I think this thread deals with the new ones.

Sort of amazing Colt now lists three variants. The Gold Cup Trophy (GCT), the Gold Cup National Match (GCNM), and the Gold Cup Trophy Lite. I have the new GCNMs in 45ACP (new in 2015) and 9mm (new in 2017). Both lovely pistols.



Next I will probably buy a GCNM in 38 Super. My most recent one was a GCT Lite in 38 Super I bought new in 2018. Below it is above my 2015 GCT I bought in early 2016 from a friend. I got to field strip it and put about 200 rounds through it before we agreed on $800 for it. Now the 2015 GCT has a Series 80 mechanical firing pin safety but none of the new Gold Cups do.



When I say I think they are worth it I guess I can compare them to my 2006 SCG I paid $1.4K for in 2006 which is a lovely pistol in hard chrome.



Or a S&W from their Perf Center.....



Or a couple of Kimbers. A Grand Raptor II and a pre Series II SS Match.



But I think Gold Cups are worth it.

 

I should have mentioned that I like the Gold Cups better than the Kimbers. I also like them better than a couple SA ROs I have.



Although I don't put all these guys through a Ransom Rest I do take along pistols that have been there when I go out and shoot. Examples are the SCG I already showed and my Baer Premier II in hard chrome.



I can shoot them along side the new pistol standing one hand, standing two hand, sitting over bags, etc.

 

I have never owned, shot or handled a Colt that groups as tight or has a fit, finish or built quality that I find interesting to keep in my shooting rotation. As historic artifacts yes, no doubt about it, but as shooters we move on.

 

I have a couple of the new ones including the new 70 series, they are ok, not a nice of finish as my old 70's and not particularly tight or accurate. I re-barreled them for a tremendous accuracy improvement however and I used one of the frames for a Nelson conversion.
Now the Trophy's which I have a couple (9 & 45) are very nice, I'm not a big stainless fan but with the FS checkering, mag well, trigger undercut and the rest I just really like them and they shoot well.

 

I wanted a 1911 that I could shoot and pass on down to my kids and grand kids.
To me when you mention a 1911, you're talking about a COLT.
So back in 2015 when there was talk around about Colt going under I figured it was time for me to act.
Bought a new GCNM and sent it off to Nutmeg for some added attractions. Ivory grips, engraving, action job and a new finish.
This is what I got, shoots as well as it looks, great trigger job, smoother operation.
Hope a 100 years from now one of my family members still enjoy this one as much as I do.

 

I wish I had a Father like you . Your kids are truly blessed.

 

I needed a gun for Bullseye. First I boght a Kimber with a frame mounted scope mont. I fit a Kart barrel, but the slide was real sloppy. It shoots nice groups. The gun is too heavy for me or my wife because the scope monunt and ultradot. Next I bought a stainless series 80 Gold cup National match. This thing has been through the ringer. I could move the barrel fore and aft .012" in the upper lugs with the slide off.

I sent it off for accurails, a new gunsmith fit Kart barrel and mill the slide for an SRO.
Deleted series 80 and a good trigger job.
It should be coming back any time. It does not matter what it says on the slide if its a donor gun, but I always wanted a Gold Cup.

I have a set of Herrets grips coming for it. Should be a great Bullseye gun.

In 1990 I shot with a friend that bought a new gold cup, This one had the finger collet. He had bad luck with it functioning. In the end it was his reloading skills, not the gun.

From 1988 Until a few years ago, I shot an Auto Ordinance with a fitted Wilsons barrel, tightened slide rails and a Bomar rear sight. When new it shot 1 @ 25 yards, When I sold it, it was worn out.

Of the Gold Cups I have observed at Bullseye matches, almost all have been worked on.

David

Sent from my SM-T900 using Tapatalk

 

Yes!

 

Yours is a terrific looking pistol Mkk41. Thanks for sharing.
I have a half dozen unmolested Colt National Match pistols. A 57, 59, 62, 64, 68 and 69.
For the time period and cost, I don't think there is anything comparable in terms of overall fit, finish and accuracy as a pre 70 series National Match.
Some might argue for the USGI National Match pistols of the 60s. I have several of them and they shoot extremely well but are more of a utilitarian tool.

 

Is a Gold Cup worth it over a standard Colt - in a word, Yes. It is a "production" Colt - not a Custom Shop Gun - but the current feature set, if added after the fact to a standard Colt (or Springfield, etc.) would cost you more. Just fitting BoMar style sights is going to be $2-300.00, then add the beavertail (most will opt for the GCT for casual shooting, unless they are real traditionalists) and the wide trigger is not found anywhere else.

Bullseye shooters are a tiny but very specialized lot, and I doubt any of them run a dead stock ANYTHING regardless of maker - and their guns are sporting goods - tennis rackets, not weapons - pretty much Range Only items. Make no mistake, these guys are highly disciplined, very respectable athletes and they do have my respect for their craft, but their game is "accuracy at all costs" and has nothing to do with a weapon you would actually carry into harms way. So unless you are a Bullseye competitor, I would ignore their concerns in your selection. If you ARE a Bullseye competitor, you already know what you need and that it will certainly cost you ($$$) a LOT more than a new Gold Cup. Colts are made of good steel and make good base guns for any purpose, but their are many choices today.

Another factor where Colts have the edge is "feel" - the gripstrap is not the same dimension on all makes - Colts generally feel slimmer and better in the hand. Springfields have always been "blocky" by comparison.

1911 practical accuracy is almost entirely in the barrel/bushing/slide/slide stop lockup - frame to slide tightness only matters for the entirely artificial mechanical (Ransom) rest testing - your hand shoots the gun in real life, and you line up the sights. The
Ransom rest can't do this - the frame is locked - and ANY slide frame play will make for a bogus test of the gun's real ability. Tight slides are wrong for a defense gun.

So, in closing - the Colt Gold Cup has a NM barrel, a wide trigger and excellent adjustable sights - and a beavertail, checkering on the newer models, etc. The Colt frame "feels" better in the hand, and resale will generally be higher for a Colt in good condition, and "Gold Cup" is a well known model, which also helps. Yea, it's worth it! CC

 

Excellent post!



We will take this under advisement going forward.

 

I bought a new Stainless Gold Cup acouple of years ago.
It was one of the last ones with the rubber grips.
The slide fit was good.
The barrel and bushing fit was good.
The trigger needed to be better.

So I installed a Cylinder and Slide 3.5 lb Super match trigger pull kit and one of their series 80 pull reduction kits.
It was super easy. Just switch parts and set the pull weight on the left leg of the sear spring.
Then safety check.

This gun is Awesome now.
Super accurate. It will just make a holes dead center of the target all day.
While I don't recommend a 3.5 lb trigger for a carry gun, this one is set up for target use. For carry I would recommend one of their 4 or 4.5 lb kits.
So $1000 for the gun. Another $140 for the parts.
I have a gun that can fully run with the "High End " guns for under $1200.
:rock:

 

They are great pistols, but like all other Colts, inspect prior to purchase. The one I have is a 2003 Trophy model. Frame parts are a little sloppy, the rollmarks are messy (like many other Colts), but the slide, barrel, and bushing are fit really well. The gun is incredibly accurate, and feeds every kind of ammo I put through it (even hollow points, and shot shells.)

They aren't on the same level as the Special Combat Government, but they are spectacular handguns for what they are.

 

I only have experience with own personal Gold Cup. Mine was made in 1974 and is one of the last that came with the lightened slide. Largely because of the better sights and trigger, it is one of the most accurate 1911's I own although my M45A1 is pretty accurate too. I have always figured that while others opinions may have some merit, I prefer to try any given gun out for myself and form my own opinion based on my personal experience.

I don't buy new guns. I always buy them used so that if I decide that for any particular reason I happen to not like a particular gun, I can sell it and recoup my investment instead of taking a loss. My advice is to search out a decent pre-owned GC, buy it and see for yourself if it is something you like.

 

The early Gold Cups used to be hand fitted. I don't believe the new ones are, but current CNC manufacturing technology makes up for that. These days even a plain vanilla Government Model shoots as well or better than many Gold Cups. The reputation for Gold Cups having superb out-of-the-box accuracy was badly stained during the 1980s when quality control dipped to a point where many of them shot poorly. Since then they've recovered, but so have standard Government Models, to the point where it's now more a matter of the individual pistol than whether it's a Gold Cup or not. A few years ago a local shop got in a new Series 70 GCNM, and while it was well-made overall I was surprised to find that the trigger on it wasn't anything to write home about. So even with a Gold Cup you can still get a good one or a so-so one.

 

My take is to know for sure what a GC is and how you plan to use it within those parameters. I didn't know much about the 1911 some years ago and was offered a nice 1974 GCNM for $750, which I took. I had it in my mind that it was the 'best' Colt but learning much more after the purchase I realized that what I really wanted was a Government Model for every day use, not a special target model with the big, sharp-edged sights and special anti-bounce sear depressor. I sold it for about $900 and bought a used GM and an FEG HP. I still have the '53 GM but I later picked up a mint 1982 MK IV/Series '70 GM. With its collet bushing, it shoots the best of any .45 I've shot. If I wanted a National Match, it would be a genuine Army one in great condition.

 

USMM guy, Within my humble experience in having owned nine Gold Cups over the last 40+ years, I'll give a qualified, "maybe". I've always thought the GCs are some of the best looking 1911 types to be had. Of the ones I've owned, one has been a superlative pistol, as accurate and reliable as any other semi-auto pistols I've ever owned. That one, purchased new in 1976, is still owned by a family member. I occasionally get the opportunity to shoot the old gun. I had it hard chromed back in the '70s, but it still has the original barrel and collet bushing, and still performs as it always did. If you should happen to acquire one like this, the GC is absolutely worth it. But unfortunately, the others I had ranged from OK to dismal. But they are all at least, good looking guns....

 

I've had my GC since '94 and since then, everyone whom I've ever let shoot it wished they had one too. It'll still one of my favorite guns if not *the* favorite gun in my collection of guns.

 

A few years back....2011, 2012....I bought two new Gold Cup Trophy models.

They didn’t stay long. Just didn’t do much for me. Nothing special about either and accuracy didn’t impress me.

One sounded like a baby rattle but I bought it anyway after being told repeatedly that “Colts are tight where it matters”.

Not bad guns, but not worth hanging onto for me. I prefer the Springfield and Dan Wesson models I now have much more than those two Colts.

YMMV

 

Not bad guns, but not worth hanging onto for me. I prefer the Springfield and Dan Wesson models I now have much more than those two Colts.

YMMV

Having previously owned a Colt GC Trophy, exact same experience here---not in terms of the Springfield, but definitely when it comes to the Dan Wesson----I'd take a DW Pointman any day over a Colt Gold Cup or NM.