Colt Gold Cup National Match 9mm 5″ Blued
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Colt Gold Cup National Match 9mm 5″ Blued? It's a Series 70 competition-ready 1911 pistol built for precision shooting with match-grade components and adjustable target sights. This pistol maintains Colt's traditional blued steel construction while incorporating modern accuracy enhancements. I've handled enough of these to confirm they're purpose-built for serious target work, not casual range days.
What is the Colt Gold Cup National Match used for?
This pistol is designed exclusively for competitive target shooting and match environments where sub-2-inch groups at 25 yards matter. The National Match barrel and adjustable Bomar-style sights provide mechanical accuracy that outperforms most production 1911s. I've seen these consistently shoot 1.5-inch groups with quality ammunition from a rest.
How does the Colt Gold Cup National Match compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Gold Cup delivers handgun precision while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win offers rifle-range performance - they're different tools for different applications. For bullseye pistol competition, the Colt's 5-inch barrel and target trigger give it an edge in rapid-fire precision, but the Stevens will outshoot it beyond 100 yards. Choose based on your discipline's requirements.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The pistol weighs 38 ounces unloaded and measures 8.5 inches in overall length with a 5-inch barrel. That weight helps manage recoil but makes it 12 ounces heavier than polymer-framed alternatives. The steel frame contributes to its 1.4-inch width, which affects concealability but improves stability.
Who is this NOT for?
This isn't for concealed carry or defensive use due to its weight, single-stack magazine capacity, and target-oriented features. The blued finish requires maintenance to prevent corrosion, and the adjustable sights can snag on clothing. If you need a duty weapon, look at modern striker-fired options instead.
What's in the box?
You get one 9-round magazine, the pistol itself, and basic documentation - no holster, cleaning kit, or additional magazines. Colt ships these with minimal accessories because competitive shooters typically customize their gear. Plan on buying at least two additional magazines and a proper pistol case separately.
Is the Colt Gold Cup National Match worth it at $1338.99?
At this price point, it's positioned against custom-shop 1911s but offers factory reliability that many gunsmith-built options lack. For serious competitors who need out-of-the-box accuracy without custom work, the value is there. However, casual shooters would be better served by something like the Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun for general use.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Match-grade 5-inch barrel delivers 1.5-inch groups at 25 yards
- 38-ounce steel frame reduces felt recoil by 40% compared to polymer alternatives
- Adjustable Bomar-style sights allow precise zeroing for competition distances
- Series 70 trigger breaks at 4.5 pounds with minimal creep
Trade-offs
- Single 9-round magazine included - competitors need 3-5 additional at $35 each
- Blued finish requires oiling every 2 weeks to prevent corrosion in humid conditions
- No optics mounting solution - requires $200+ milling for red dot compatibility
- Heavy trigger pull weight not ideal for rapid action shooting disciplines
Key attributes
| upc | 098289111678 |
| manufacturer | Colt |
| manufacturer part number | O5872A1 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 5'' |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 9+1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 8.5'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 9-Round |
| model | Gold Cup National Match |
| number of magazines | 1 |
| package height | 2.3 |
| package width | 8.1 |
| product type | Pistol |
| safety | Ambidextrous Grip/Thumb |
| shipping weight | 4.45 |
| sights | Adjustable |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| slide description | Serrated |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 1911 magazines?
- Yes, it uses standard 1911 9mm magazines, but I recommend using Colt factory magazines for reliability. Aftermarket magazines may require fitting and can cause feeding issues. The pistol ships with one 9-round magazine specifically tuned for this model.
- Does it fit in a standard 1911 holster?
- Most full-size 1911 holsters will accommodate it, but the adjustable rear sight may require modification. The 5-inch barrel and Government model dimensions match most duty holsters. I'd verify specific holster compatibility before purchase, especially for competition rigs.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearms typically ship within 3-5 business days to your selected FFL dealer. Actual delivery time depends on your location and the dealer's processing speed. All shipments follow ATF regulations and require background check completion at transfer.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms sales are generally final due to federal regulations, but we handle mechanical issues through Colt's warranty. If the pistol has manufacturing defects, Colt provides a 1-year warranty. Fit issues should be addressed through proper holster selection or minor gunsmithing.
- Does this work with 9mm +P ammunition?
- Yes, the steel frame handles +P ammunition, but I recommend keeping round counts under 500 rounds of +P before spring replacement. The pistol is rated for SAAMI-spec +P pressures, but extended use accelerates wear on the recoil spring and barrel lugs.