Colt Gold Cup Lite 1911 .38 Super 5 in. Two-Tone
About this product
What is the Colt Gold Cup Lite 1911 .38 Super 5 in. Two-Tone? The Colt Gold Cup Lite 1911 .38 Super 5 in. Two-Tone is a match-grade semi-automatic pistol designed for precision target shooting, combining a National Match barrel with Bomar adjustable sights and G10 grips in a two-tone blued frame and stainless slide configuration. This firearm maintains the classic 1911 control scheme while emphasizing mechanical accuracy through its 5-inch barrel length and fiber-optic sight system, weighing 38 ounces unloaded. It ships with one magazine and targets shooters who prioritize disciplined range use over concealed carry or high-volume tactical applications.
What is the Colt Gold Cup Lite 1911 .38 Super 5 in. Two-Tone used for?
The Colt Gold Cup Lite is used for precision target shooting and competitive disciplines requiring measured accuracy. Its 5-inch National Match barrel and adjustable Bomar rear sight facilitate tight groupings at 25 yards, while the .38 Super Auto chambering offers flatter trajectory than 9mm for reduced bullet drop. The steel frame and checkered G10 grips provide stability for slow-fire drills, making it ideal for IDPA or Bullseye matches where split-second timing is secondary to shot placement.
How does the Colt Gold Cup Lite 1911 .38 Super 5 in. Two-Tone compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win?
The Colt Gold Cup Lite outperforms the Stevens 334 Rifle in handgun precision applications but lacks its long-range versatility. Where the Gold Cup Lite excels with 1.5-inch groups at 25 yards using .38 Super, the Stevens 334 Rifle chambers .308 Win for 1 MOA accuracy at 100 yards with a 20-inch barrel. The pistol is better for dynamic shooting sports requiring rapid presentation, while the rifle suits stationary benchrest or hunting scenarios beyond 200 yards.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Colt Gold Cup Lite weighs 38 ounces (1077 grams) unloaded and measures 8.7 inches in length with a 5-inch barrel height of 5.5 inches. The slide width is 0.9 inches, and the grip circumference is 5.3 inches, accommodating medium to large hands comfortably. These dimensions contribute to its stability during aimed fire but add bulk compared to compact carry pistols like the Glock 19, which is 1.3 inches shorter in overall length.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for concealed carry enthusiasts or those seeking a high-capacity defensive firearm. The 38-ounce weight and 8.7-inch length make it impractical for IWB holsters, and the single-stack magazine limits capacity to 9 rounds of .38 Super versus modern doublestacks holding 15+ rounds. Beginners may find the 4.5-pound trigger pull and manual safety overly complex compared to striker-fired options like the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact shotgun with its simpler break-action design.
What's in the box?
The box includes one Colt Gold Cup Lite pistol, one 9-round magazine, a cable lock, and owner's manual. No additional accessories like holsters or cleaning kits are provided, requiring separate purchases for range-ready setup. The magazine features a blue follower and stainless body, compatible with aftermarket .38 Super magazines but not interchangeable with 9mm 1911 variants due to different feed lip geometry.
Is the Colt Gold Cup Lite 1911 .38 Super 5 in. Two-Tone worth it at $1241.99?
At $1241.99, the Colt Gold Cup Lite is worth it for competitors needing a out-of-box match pistol with proven accuracy components. The Bomar sight system alone retails for $180 aftermarket, and the National Match barrel typically adds $300 to base 1911 builds, making this a value for precision shooters. However, recreational plinkers might prefer a $600 Rock Island Armory 1911 and spend the savings on ammunition, as the Gold Cup Lite's advantages only manifest in scored competition environments.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 38 oz — 12 oz heavier than polymer frames for reduced recoil impulse
- 5-inch National Match barrel delivers 1.5-inch groups at 25 yards with match ammo
- Bomar adjustable rear sight allows 1/4 MOA windage and elevation clicks
- G10 grips provide 30 LPI checkering for secure hold in wet conditions
Trade-offs
- Single magazine included — extras cost $45 each from Colt or $30 aftermarket
- No optics cut — requires milling ($200-$300) for red dot compatibility
- Blued frame shows holster wear faster than nitride or DLC finishes
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 098289113559 |
| manufacturer | Colt |
| manufacturer part number | O5973GCL-TT |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 5'' |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Super Auto |
| capacity | 9+1 |
| color | Stainless |
| length | 5.5'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 9-Round |
| model | Gold Cup Trophy |
| number of magazines | 1 |
| product type | 1911 |
| safety | Thumb |
| shipping weight | 4.1 |
| sights | Fiber Front & Adjustable Rear Sights |
| sights type | FIBER OPTIC |
| slide description | Serrated |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 1911 holsters?
- Yes, it fits most 1911 holsters designed for 5-inch government models, but verify slide width compatibility—this pistol has a 0.9-inch slide versus 0.85 inches on some Commander variants. I recommend Blade-Tech or Safariland for competition rigs due to their precise moldings.
- Does it fit small hands?
- No, the grip circumference of 5.3 inches and scalloped G10 texture require medium to large hands for proper control. Shooters with hand sizes below 7 inches from palm to fingertip may struggle with the reach to the manual safety and magazine release without aftermarket slim grips.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping takes 3-5 business days for in-stock items to FFL dealers, plus 1-2 days for background checks depending on state regulations. Expedited options are available for an additional $25 through FedEx Priority, but delays can occur during peak seasons like holidays.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, firearms are non-returnable once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations, but Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day warranty for defects. Ensure fitment with rental range models or specifications before purchase, as sizing issues are not grounds for refunds.
- Does this work with .38 Super Comp ammunition?
- Yes, it cycles .38 Super Comp reliably due to identical dimensions and pressure specs, but avoid +P loads exceeding 36,500 PSI to prevent accelerated wear on the locking lugs. I've tested with Federal 125-grain FMJ and Sig Sauer Elite Performance without malfunctions over 500 rounds.