Question for you 1911 guys

[Small's]

How do the Colt gold cup national match series 70 mkIV compare to most newer $1,000 or less 1911's as far as build quality and accuracy goes?

 

[throttletony]

I think they are ok - certainly glad that it's a series 70. It certainly has the right name
The general consensus is that you can get as much or more gun for your money. (I haven't priced them for a couple years, but it seems that the name added a couple hundred $$ to the price)

For my money, if it's near $1000, it is hard to beat a Springfield Loaded, or even some of the S&W basic 1911 models. (I don't like Sigs)
I found a TRP on clearance for $1100 that was very tempting. There's even some Dan Wessons on GrabagunDOTcom for $1300-ish (specialist commander in 45 - and it's not even a blem). The Dan Wessons are amazing - no MIM parts, American made, hand fitted barrels, etc.

If price were the MAIN concern, the offerings from Ruger are pretty solid (they certainly outperform their price point in my experience)

To your question of accuracy on the Colt -- is that barrel/bushing hand fitted? In my experience that is one of the most important factors in accuracy, as well as the quality of the barrel & rifling itself. The couple I've shot were more accurate than my skills, which most 1911s are, in general. What is the current price on the Colt Gold Cup 70 mkIV??

 

[bwframe]

The Gold Cup, unless modified, will have the old style hammer, grip safety and thumb safety. Fleshy thumb webs can be pinched. The modern stuff is more ergonomic and allows a higher grip and thumb placement.

The modern stuff is likely just as accurate and as likely not as reliable until a few hundred rounds are down the pipe. Trigger on the Gold Cup will be a lot better without modification to the new stuff. Also the trigger on the Gold Cup is wide compared to modern stuff.

 

[88E30M50]

I've come to believe that, while the Colt roll mark on the slide does tend to add a couple of hundred dollars when you buy it, it can also add some money back when you go to sell it.

 

[churchmouse]

The Gold Cup is not a platform I would modify.
Get a used Springer Loaded and start there.
JMHO of course.

 

[88E30M50]

The Gold Cup is not a platform I would modify.
Get a used Springer Loaded and start there.
JMHO of course.

OP: CM makes a good point. Are you looking for an out of the box shooter or for something that would be a project gun down the road?

 

[churchmouse]

OP: CM makes a good point. Are you looking for an out of the box shooter or for something that would be a project gun down the road?

A Springer RO is a great platform to start with depending on your intentions.

 

[88E30M50]

I used to think that a CZ 1911 would be too but the supply of those dried up. If you can find a base model Colt with a decent frame to slide fit, it would make a good starting point too.

 

[Dewidmt]

I've got a 1976 era 70 Series Gold Cup National Match. I also own a Les Baer and several other Colt's, Springers, and Rugers. Compared to these newer guns, the quality is there in the Gold Cup, but the newer guns seem to be a bit "tighter". My GC has a bit of slop in the slide fit and has the collett bushing, which has been known to break over time. Have never had any problems with mine though. The slide on the Gold Cup has been lightened with a cut on the underside, it has the old, small beavertail, and the recoil spring and mainspring are significantly lighter than the newer guns.

It is my understanding that the Gold Cup was set up to run 185 gr match ammunition and if used to fire the heavier 230 gr ammo would cause damage to the gun over an extended period of time unless you replaced the recoil spring and mainspring with heavier parts ( not hard to do).

Overall, I would say that the newer guns are built a bit better. I have a new Stainless Government in .45 ACP and a Standard blued Government in .38 Super and they are both fitted better. CNC machining nowadays produces a very nice build. The GC has a much better target trigger though, at around 3.5#. Those old Elliason sights are a great set-up also. I fire mine only with my light 200 gr. LSWC reloads and then only sparingly. It mostly sits in the safe as a testament to being the only 1911 my father ever owned. Hope this helps!

 

[bwframe]

...It is my understanding that the Gold Cup was set up to run 185 gr match ammunition and if used to fire the heavier 230 gr ammo would cause damage to the gun over an extended period of time unless you replaced the recoil spring and mainspring with heavier parts ( not hard to do)...

I had a buddy crack his Gold Cup frame back in the 80's when we were first starting bowling pin shoots. Sounds like he should have sprung it a bit heavier for the heavy pin load.



Oh, by the way, I seen a Springer in the classifieds. Just sayin...

 

[Small's]

It was my grandfathers gun and when i was an early teenager he would let me take it and an ammo can full of reloaded 45 and shoot all i wanted. It was my favorite pistol to shoot at the time. I always wanted a 1911 after that but not as much now days. Its not really as sentimental to me as it used to be but if i can get it right off of a family member i may pick it up and a few other guns. Thanks for the replies.

 

[Thor]

History is always a selling point that can't be addressed by price...no built Springer will ever replace those memories IMHO. A GC is a good gun and as CM said I wouldn't modify it.

 

[LCSOSgt11]

The Gold Cup is a nice pistol, however, as mentioned before, a stronger recoil spring is indicated if using anything other that 185 gr. target type ammo, and the pin that fixes the rear sight to the slide should be hardened if using anything other than 185 gr. ammo. That pin can shear, causing the distressing launch of the rear sight to parts unknown.