Colt: Gold Cup National Match &/or Trophy

J

Johnny Rad

New member
I need some clarification with a Colt 1911 newbie question...

What is the difference between a Colt Gold Cup National Match and a Colt Gold Cup Trophy? Is the Gold Cup National Match the "standard" edition, while the Trophy model is produced by Colt's Custom Shop?

Which, in your opinion, of Kimber's 1911s most closely matches the specs and pricing of either of these Colts?

Many Thanks
 
I believe( I could be wrong) is that Colt dropped the production GCs and Pythons and only make GC trophys and Python elite which are built in the custom shop.

From what I have seen any standard kimber shoots as well as a Gold Cup , but Kimber offers The Gold Match to compete against the gold cup.
 
The basic Kimber with adjustable sights (Custom Target) should do everything the Colt Gold Cup can. I would also expect it to shoot as well as the Kimber Gold Match for $300 less.
 
Matt, I know for a fact that my Gold Match is more accurate than my Classic Custom. If nothing else, the trigger pull is crisper and lighter.
 
There are a couple of threads which answer your question going on at:

www.1911forum.com


Regarding the Kimber Gold Match vs. the Colt Gold Cup, in my experience the Gold Match is more accurate and has a better trigger from the factory, but neither by a lot.
 
Rik, how great is the accuracy difference between your Gold Match and your Classic Custom? I don't doubt that some Gold Matches shoot significantly better than some of the basic Kimbers, but I suspect that the two models are differentiated more by price, cosmetics and marketing than by whatever extra TLC is being lavished upon the Gold Match at the factory.

My advice to anyone shopping for a "premium" target grade pistol (which the Colt Gold Cup is advertised as being, even though competitive shooters aren't exactly throwing money at Colt for a chance to buy one ) is to be wary of anything sold without an accuracy guarantee. I've seen many a sad tale of shooters spending big bucks for something like a Gold Cup, then spending more money to have a gunsmith turn it into a real target pistol.
 
I think they are just different names for the target version. I have a (bought used) series 80 Gold Cup that says "Gold Cup trophy" and below that "national Match"

I suspect it's just different marketing gimmicks

shiro
 
Matt, I have read things from Kimber reps that contradict your theory on the differences between the Gold Match and Classic Customs, but I have no documentation handy to prove it.
As for the accuracy differences...well, as I said, the trigger on my Gold Match is better than the Classic Custom for one thing. It breaks like the SA pull on a Smith revolver and it seems to be a hair under 4 lbs. I have made shots with the Gold Match at up to 40 yards, whereas I couldn't hit much past 25 yards with the Classic Custom---I am not a great long range pistol shot, once it gets past 25 yards I usually can't hit crap.
 
Based on info gleaned from catalogs, magazine articles, etc., it is my impression that the Gold Cup Trophy replaced the GCNM in Colt's lineup. When the Gold Cup became a Custom Shop proposition, they changed the name to Gold Cup Trophy. To muddy the waters a little, Colt also advertised a pistol called National Match, that seemed to be a distinct model. The Gold Cup, has a raised rib on the slide, Elliason rear sight, and wide steel trigger. The National Match, as pictured in the Colt catalog, has a round-top slide, Bo-Mar rear sight, alloy trigger, hi-ride beavertail, and is marked National Match in the low-viz style of the XS series pistols.
 
At the Internet gun auctions over the past two days, I'm seeing NIB Colt SS Gold Cups for $799-925 and NIB Kimber SS Gold Matches for $1,059-1,295. Given the Gold Match's "bank-breaking" price, I think I'll price out some NIB Kimber SS Target models next!

However, in the Colt's price range, you could also bring home a NIB H&K Tactical. I'm consistently seeing them as low as $879 on the aunction sites. I like the H&K's perceived reputation and 10 round flush fitting mag capacity. It's bulk is a minor consideration, but it does fit my hand just fine. However, it doesn't have an accuracy guarantee.

Throw the Colt, two Kimbers and H&K into the ring - now what are you folks thinking?!
 
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