gold cup
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It sort of depends on WHICH ERA guns you are asking about. Colt has changed their configuration of Hammers, Triggers, Barrel Bushings, and Sears over the last 40 years. The 1970's version of the GCNM has a traditional Hammer, one curved moon shaped slot carved into the Trigger, a finger type Barrel Bushing, a Sear Depressor and SD Spring, and had the Ellison rear sights. The NEW version that came out last year has the same Hammer shape, but has three holes in the Trigger, no Seat Depressor or Spring, a solid barrel bushing, and beautiful Rosewood Diamond Grips vs the Walnut ones on the original.
Now Colt up until very recent times (maybe a few months) did offer their Trophy model that had a rounded Hammer, a rounded Slide Top instead of flat like the NM, and longer Trigger but was basically the same gun underneath. The Trophy grips were hard rubber I believe. I do think Colt's modern version of the Trophy has been discontinued since when they came out with the more traditional NM version last year, people liked it better than the Trophy model.
I have fired a few new Colt Gold Cups new in the NM configuration and they are nothing short of SUPERB!. Accurate, clean crisp Trigger, Flawless Rosewood Grips, excellent fit and finish, and just beautiful pistols. At least from the two new Colt Pistols I have seen and shot recently, there is no better value in a target grade out of the box 1911! Accurate as hell too!
AND BY THE WAY........ Both of my friends who bought the new Colt GC's have not has one single failure to fire, eject or function - hence NO break-in period was required. I found them to be just as accurate as any Ed Brown, Les Baer, Rock River or Kimber at less cost, less hassle, and better functioning then all of them. NO KIDDING!
I own a Series 70 GCNM (circa 1974) and feel the modern version is just as good with the ONLY exception being that the Royal Blue on my 70's version is ever so slightly deeper than the modern ones but I do believe they are not allowed to use the original chemicals that they once did. That said, unless you put the two side by side no one would be the wiser.
Hope this helps.
Now Colt up until very recent times (maybe a few months) did offer their Trophy model that had a rounded Hammer, a rounded Slide Top instead of flat like the NM, and longer Trigger but was basically the same gun underneath. The Trophy grips were hard rubber I believe. I do think Colt's modern version of the Trophy has been discontinued since when they came out with the more traditional NM version last year, people liked it better than the Trophy model.
I have fired a few new Colt Gold Cups new in the NM configuration and they are nothing short of SUPERB!. Accurate, clean crisp Trigger, Flawless Rosewood Grips, excellent fit and finish, and just beautiful pistols. At least from the two new Colt Pistols I have seen and shot recently, there is no better value in a target grade out of the box 1911! Accurate as hell too!
AND BY THE WAY........ Both of my friends who bought the new Colt GC's have not has one single failure to fire, eject or function - hence NO break-in period was required. I found them to be just as accurate as any Ed Brown, Les Baer, Rock River or Kimber at less cost, less hassle, and better functioning then all of them. NO KIDDING!
I own a Series 70 GCNM (circa 1974) and feel the modern version is just as good with the ONLY exception being that the Royal Blue on my 70's version is ever so slightly deeper than the modern ones but I do believe they are not allowed to use the original chemicals that they once did. That said, unless you put the two side by side no one would be the wiser.
Hope this helps.
I got my first Gold Cup in 1977 and still own it today, even though it has been retired from daily shooting.
The name was changed to Gold Cup Trophy when production moved from the production side of Colt to the Custom Shop
I added the Ivory grips to my Gold Cup Trophy. It does have the grooved flat top strap and Eliason sight.
My Gold Cup Commander has the older, more traditional GC trigger along with Ivory grips that replaced the factory walnut stocks
This is the Gold Cup made for the US Shooting Team
Many features changed over many years no matter what the name was. The current boss man at Colt is a Gold Cup fan so there is a 70 series CG once again that has the grooved top strap to break up glare. The sights are now Bamar andthe trigger is now Wilson, but it still shoots great
The name was changed to Gold Cup Trophy when production moved from the production side of Colt to the Custom Shop
I added the Ivory grips to my Gold Cup Trophy. It does have the grooved flat top strap and Eliason sight.
My Gold Cup Commander has the older, more traditional GC trigger along with Ivory grips that replaced the factory walnut stocks
This is the Gold Cup made for the US Shooting Team
Many features changed over many years no matter what the name was. The current boss man at Colt is a Gold Cup fan so there is a 70 series CG once again that has the grooved top strap to break up glare. The sights are now Bamar andthe trigger is now Wilson, but it still shoots great
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Rick Bowles
Absent Comrade
The Colt National Match has been the apex of target .45 autos since it's introduction in 1933. I've owned and shot several, I even shot myself in the foot with a GCNM but that's another (long) story.
Today I've settled on two, a 1939 that's been relegated to a safe queen and a 1966.
Today I've settled on two, a 1939 that's been relegated to a safe queen and a 1966.
Tom_R
Member
I still need to get a nice Good Cup.
I can't believe that anyone could claim that a series 70 Colt Gold Cup is the equal of a Rock River custom 1911. I owned a series 70 GC and it was not even close to the accuracy of the RR, nor did it have the best internals, i.e. collet bushing and sear with a tiny set spring. The GC is pretty, but no where close to the RR. The pre-70 Gold Cups do have a great reputation, however. I have verified my claims on the Ransom Rest at 50 yards. If you want a Colt Gold Cup, fine, but please don't make outrageous claims.
Rick Bowles
Absent Comrade
Reasonable men can and do disagree. That's why there are more than one! I can say that any match grade .45 auto will shoot better than you and I are capable of shooting (Ransom Rest not withstanding).
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I'll assume you were talking about me........
Here is a target I shot recently at 50 feet (oudoors) with a Colt Gold Cup from 1974. And by the way, this particular GC has the "finger collet bushing" that is supposed to be less accurate! The gun belongs to one of my friends and he asked me to sight it in for him. I was using my own 230 grain lead ball reloads in cases that have been reloaded more times than I care to admit and this is just one target - there are many more. I have shot Ed Browns, Rock Rivers, Kimbers, Les Baer's etc. and can not shoot them any better than the Colt's. A few of the other brands (especially the Ed Browns and Kimber's) just don't like my re-loads and jam up a lot. The Colt's NEVER do! So YES, I am claiming, shouting and will stand behind thees words..... While other 1911's may have more special features, fancy checkering, finishes and accouterments, I can not shoot them any better than a good old out of the box Gold Cup.
Oh, and by the way I did adjust the sights two clicks down after this target.
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Art Doc
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I don't really care how well some other brand shoots. It's still not a Colt.
Arik
Member
At this point I doubt there is some secret that only Colt knows. Like Wilson or Springfield (just picking 2 names) somehow don't know what they are doing.
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Art Doc
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Lots of 1911 clones available. Some are less expensive, some are more. All are copies of the original. I prefer the original. Call my kooky. This is a genuine Colt. Daily carry for many years. Never tested for bullseye accuracy. Shoots good enough and has been 100% reliable after countless thousands of full power FMJ and JHP rounds. Don't know how to improve on perfection regardless of how much I spend.
On a related topic...also a genuine Colt...
As is this...
On a related topic...also a genuine Colt...
As is this...
My brother ended up with the Colt Gold Cup NM we had purchased new for our father as a gift after he passed away. He couldn't get a full mag through it without a stoppage of some kind. He got disgusted with it and traded it in on a SIG. Colt quality has had it's up's and down's over the years and this particular NM must have been from a down year.
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No "secrets" on 1911's anymore! It's just that a Manufacturer can only do SO MUCH to a firearm to make it accurate. IMHO the "fancy guns" are not only two, three, four and five times what a Gold Cup sells for, but the improvements are largely meaningless as far as accuracy is concerned. IMHO many of the more expensive models are actually TOO TIGHT! That is why they require extensive break-in periods and their makers say in their instruction manuals that they were made to function with Factory ammunition only. I have seen many Ed Brown's, Kimber's and Rock Rivers choke on reloads - and I know mine are to spec. As far as I am concerned, if a Target Gun won't reliably shoot my reloads - I have no need for it. The GC's shoot reliably right out of the box! I am NOT about to shoot as much as I do with Factory ammo! In fact, my indoor Range REQUIRES lead ammo only and I know of NO Factory ammo made with 230 grain RNL bullets.
Not saying that there are not other fine manufacturers out there and after a few thousand rounds I am sure the more expensive tighter guns will get more reliable. The thing is the Gold Cups are not only as close to 100% reliable as you can get but they don't suffer in the accuracy department for being so. Two of my friends recently bought Colt GC's from Bud's for under $1100.00 delivered and they are beautiful, accurate and reliable. My 1974 Gold Cup has had tens of thousands of rounds through it and the only thing I replaced in it was the Sear Depressor Spring which is available from Brownell's for $4.75, and the recoil spring (about 6 bucks available anywhere) which I routinely replace every year or so.
Just because the Colts aren't hyped up with fancy checkering, fancy slide cuts, custom grips and two tone finishes, blah blah blah, don't sell them short! I would shoot my Colt GC any day against any and all more expensive models. Most of what I have witnessed in the accuracy department these days doesn't have to do with the gun - but the person behind the gun. Most 1911's today are quite accurate - - accurate far beyond what most shooters are capable of.
SIDE NOTE:
The cost of a gun sometimes does not necessarily make it any more accurate or any more reliable. Case in point:
I have a CZ 453 American .22LR with a Leupold VXll 3-9 x33 Gold Ring scope that I can personally shoot rings around what I can do with an Anshutz. The 453 American has a single set trigger that brings the weight of pull down to what ever you want to adjust it for. I've shot Kimber Super America's, Anshutz, and other very expensive target rifles and I can not duplicate the one hole 5 shot groups (with just plane jane promo ammo from federal or CCI) that I can consistently get with my $550 CZ rifle - no matter how much more they cost. Maybe the higher priced rifles look cooler, maybe their wood is nicer, and maybe some shoot better with very expensive rifles because so much of shooting well is a mind game. But IMHO for $550 you simply can not buy a more accurate .22 LR anywhere.
Not saying that there are not other fine manufacturers out there and after a few thousand rounds I am sure the more expensive tighter guns will get more reliable. The thing is the Gold Cups are not only as close to 100% reliable as you can get but they don't suffer in the accuracy department for being so. Two of my friends recently bought Colt GC's from Bud's for under $1100.00 delivered and they are beautiful, accurate and reliable. My 1974 Gold Cup has had tens of thousands of rounds through it and the only thing I replaced in it was the Sear Depressor Spring which is available from Brownell's for $4.75, and the recoil spring (about 6 bucks available anywhere) which I routinely replace every year or so.
Just because the Colts aren't hyped up with fancy checkering, fancy slide cuts, custom grips and two tone finishes, blah blah blah, don't sell them short! I would shoot my Colt GC any day against any and all more expensive models. Most of what I have witnessed in the accuracy department these days doesn't have to do with the gun - but the person behind the gun. Most 1911's today are quite accurate - - accurate far beyond what most shooters are capable of.
SIDE NOTE:
The cost of a gun sometimes does not necessarily make it any more accurate or any more reliable. Case in point:
I have a CZ 453 American .22LR with a Leupold VXll 3-9 x33 Gold Ring scope that I can personally shoot rings around what I can do with an Anshutz. The 453 American has a single set trigger that brings the weight of pull down to what ever you want to adjust it for. I've shot Kimber Super America's, Anshutz, and other very expensive target rifles and I can not duplicate the one hole 5 shot groups (with just plane jane promo ammo from federal or CCI) that I can consistently get with my $550 CZ rifle - no matter how much more they cost. Maybe the higher priced rifles look cooler, maybe their wood is nicer, and maybe some shoot better with very expensive rifles because so much of shooting well is a mind game. But IMHO for $550 you simply can not buy a more accurate .22 LR anywhere.
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Tom_R
Member
Lots of 1911 clones available. Some are less expensive, some are more. All are copies of the original. I prefer the original. Call my kooky. This is a genuine Colt. Daily carry for many years. Never tested for bullseye accuracy. Shoots good enough and has been 100% reliable after countless thousands of full power FMJ and JHP rounds. Don't know how to improve on perfection regardless of how much I spend.
I have a nice Kimber 1911, and a real, real nice Caspian Custom build.
But I also had to have a COLT 1911, because I am a red-blood American. This one is NOT a Gold Cup, but a series '70 that I picked up used, and had some changes made after I got it.
This is a good gun. Slide to frame fit is firm, does not rattle, but not super tight either. It points naturally, the arched main spring housing fits my hand. The trigger breaks like glass.
It shoots great, it looks great, and it is a COLT.
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model70hunter
Member
I have a '59 and a '66 GCNM. I love the history and the rampant Colt. Many years ago I had a Series 70 Gold Cup and still kick myself for letting it get a way.
I know there a are purists who prefer the Colt, I also know if the names on many brands wre removed it might be hard to tell them apart.
I still shoot mine 2 old ones with NOS WW 185 grain match ammo.
For general fun and plinking I use my old Kimber target with cheap 230 gr fmj.
At some point I will get one of the new Colt Competition models in 45 for general fun and plinking, bedside duty, inside waistband use, truck seat, trips, and things that go bump in the night.
Twice I had undesirables pound on my door in the middle of the night afer I retired and we moved into one of our rental homes for a while, when they did not leave I let a blue polished 1911 slide from behind my leg and hang to my side, their eyes got really big and neither one asked, Is that a real Colt before they fled?
I know there a are purists who prefer the Colt, I also know if the names on many brands wre removed it might be hard to tell them apart.
I still shoot mine 2 old ones with NOS WW 185 grain match ammo.
For general fun and plinking I use my old Kimber target with cheap 230 gr fmj.
At some point I will get one of the new Colt Competition models in 45 for general fun and plinking, bedside duty, inside waistband use, truck seat, trips, and things that go bump in the night.
Twice I had undesirables pound on my door in the middle of the night afer I retired and we moved into one of our rental homes for a while, when they did not leave I let a blue polished 1911 slide from behind my leg and hang to my side, their eyes got really big and neither one asked, Is that a real Colt before they fled?
BUFF
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Actually, the finger barrel bushing was introduced by Colt to improve accuracy.
Which, mebbe it did.
At least, until it broke one of the fingers off.
At which point, ANY accuracy was no longer obtainable.
I bought my Gold Cup in 1979. I Ransom Rested it with several other Colts, all Government Models, from the same general era. The Gold Cup wasn't appreciably any more accurate than the Gov't Models, statistically, when shot from the rest. It was easier to shoot well hand-held, though, probably due to the much better trigger and big, blocky, easy-to-line-up sights.
At the time, the magazine article rumor mill said that the Gold Cup sights would eventually fall off, the front from a too-small tenon that wouldn't hold the too-small crimp and the rear sight from the hollow roll pin holding it in place. 35-plus years later, I am still waiting for them to fall off. Yes, they COUD, and some did, but a statistical analysis of probability with a sample size of one gun is meaningless.
Which, mebbe it did.
At least, until it broke one of the fingers off.
At which point, ANY accuracy was no longer obtainable.
I bought my Gold Cup in 1979. I Ransom Rested it with several other Colts, all Government Models, from the same general era. The Gold Cup wasn't appreciably any more accurate than the Gov't Models, statistically, when shot from the rest. It was easier to shoot well hand-held, though, probably due to the much better trigger and big, blocky, easy-to-line-up sights.
At the time, the magazine article rumor mill said that the Gold Cup sights would eventually fall off, the front from a too-small tenon that wouldn't hold the too-small crimp and the rear sight from the hollow roll pin holding it in place. 35-plus years later, I am still waiting for them to fall off. Yes, they COUD, and some did, but a statistical analysis of probability with a sample size of one gun is meaningless.
Nice targets, but 50 feet is really not a test of accuracy. Most any decent pistol will shoot very well at that distance. I've actually seen a 50 YARD target shot with a Rock River from a Ransom Rest. There were 10 shots in less than an inch. The load was a Nosler 185 gr. JHP over 4.6 grains of Alliant Bullseye. No out of the box Colt shoots that well at 50 YARDS. I'm not knocking your pistol, just trying to say that top custom pistols shoot better and have better triggers, as well as better fitting. The Rock River does have a very good reputation. I've done a lot of bullseye pistol shooting over the years and tested a lot of pistols and loads with a Ransom Rest. Your Colts probably shoot your reloads without malfunction because of generous chamber dimensions. The other pistols you mention have match chambers. No offense, but just because you don't shoot one particular pistol better than another doesn't speak to its capability.I'll assume you were talking about me........
Here is a target I shot recently at 50 feet (oudoors) with a Colt Gold Cup from 1974. And by the way, this particular GC has the "finger collet bushing" that is supposed to be less accurate! The gun belongs to one of my friends and he asked me to sight it in for him. I was using my own 230 grain lead ball reloads in cases that have been reloaded more times than I care to admit and this is just one target - there are many more. I have shot Ed Browns, Rock Rivers, Kimbers, Les Baer's etc. and can not shoot them any better than the Colt's. A few of the other brands (especially the Ed Browns and Kimber's) just don't like my re-loads and jam up a lot. The Colt's NEVER do! So YES, I am claiming, shouting and will stand behind thees words..... While other 1911's may have more special features, fancy checkering, finishes and accouterments, I can not shoot them any better than a good old out of the box Gold Cup.
Oh, and by the way I did adjust the sights two clicks down after this target.
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