Phil Perry Custom Colt Gold Cup National Match 1911 45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol

SOLD FOR: $1800

LSB#: 210811HE16

Make: Colt, Customized by Phil Perry

Model: Custom MK IV Series ’70 Gold Cup National Match

Serial Number: 70N38082

Year of Manufacture: 1976 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine

Markings: The right side of the slide is marked ”GOLD CUP / NATIONAL MATCH” and with an engraving of a trophy cup. The left side of the slide is marked “COLT’S MK IV/SERIES ’70 / GOLD CUP NATIONAL MATCH / .45 AUTOMATIC CALIBER” with the rampant Colt logo. The right side of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A. / 70N38082”. The right side of the trigger guard is marked “0” and the left is marked “VP” in triangle and with an poorly struck inspection mark. The left slide flat at the front is engraved with “Phil Perry / Custom”.

Barrel Length: The barrel proper is 5 1/2″, 6″ to the end of the installed compensator. The compensator is relieved for a standard barrel bushing, and is swaged and screw-set to the barrel.

Sights / Optics: The sights are a Millett target set. The front sight is a ramped blade with a “T”-shaped orange insert fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a white-outlined square notch adjustable for windage and elevation, pinned to the rear of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with gold-colored Colt medallions. The left panel has some minor wear at the bottom-rear corner and there’s a tiny notch at the top edge from the extended thumb safety. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original to the parts, several parts have been replaced.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The action shows operational wear. There are some scattered light nicks and scratches including a light “idiot mark” under the slide stop. The screw heads are tool marked with serviceable sockets. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-Fine condition as customized.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is light and crisp. The slide to frame fit has only a little play. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, it may need a thorough cleaning to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: 

-Total of one 7-round magazine.

Our Assessment: Introduced as an off-the-shelf target pistol, Colt’s Gold Cup National Match 1911s have been a benchmark standard of quality for decades. There have been some variations since their introduction in the late ’50s, the Series ’70 introduced a collet barrel bushing, series ’80 a firing pin safety, and newer models offered various combinations of features, grips and sights. This is a Series ’70 Gold Cup National Match pistol which has been customized by gunsmith Phil Perry. The pistol has had a compensator installed on a longer barrel, full-length guide rod, checkered flat mainspring housing with integral beveled magazine well, extended slide stop and thumb safety, beavertail grip safety, skeletonized hammer and gold anodized alloy trigger, a set of Millett target sights and an ambidextrous magazine release assembly. The result is quite a wonderful custom target pistol which will make a great addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!