Colt Gold Cup National Match MKIII .38 Special Mid-Range MFD 1970 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2500
LSB#: 220127PK003
Make: Colt
Model: Gold Cup National Match .38 Mid-Range
Serial Number: 6732-MR
Year of Manufacture: 1970 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .38 Special Mid-Range (Flush-Seated Wadcutter)
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazine
Markings: The right side of the slide is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” The serial number “6732-MR” is on the right side of the frame. The right of the trigger guard is marked “A”. There is am “H” and a Verified Proof mark on the forward left trigger guard bow. The left side of the slide is marked “NATIONAL / *MATCH*”, “COLT”, “AUTOMATIC / .38 SPECIAL / MID RANGE” and with a rampant colt logo. The barrel is marked “COLT .38 SPEC. N.M. / * *MK.III* *”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge style blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch Elliason sight adjustable for windage and elevation, pinned to the slide’s rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are full-checkered walnut panels with gold-colored Colt medallions. There are some light handling marks, there is no notable damage. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined, generally sharp. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
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. There are some scuffs and light thinning on the sides of the slide at the front. There are a couple tiny marks through the finish on the slide, most noticeable on the right side on the bottom edge and towards the front. There are some small spots of dark discoloration from previous oxidation on the bright sides of the hammer and on the rear sight. There are two little scratches on the left side of the grip frame down at the bottom. There is some thinning on the edges of the mainspring housing, backstrap, and grip safety. There are light handling marks. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The pin heads are unmarred. The markings are clear, the markings on the left of the slide are twice struck. Overall, this handgun rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. The slide has almost no play to the frame. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a two-piece box with a matching serial number on the bottom, paperwork including the manual, and a single 5-round magazine.
Our Assessment: The Gold Cup National Match .38 Mid-Range was designed from the ground up for ISSF matches. After issues arose with the first two variants, the MKIII, the final and most refined version was produced. It has the features of the third-model Mid-Range including a coarsely threaded chamber to delay slide retraction, standard bushing, shoulder at the front of the chamber, depressor & depressor sping on the sear, and an Elliason adjustable rear sight. The pistol is in Fine condition with about 95% of its finish remaining, a bright bore and strong mechanics. It looks great, has a stellar bore, and comes with its box and accessories. The production of all three versions combined was less than 10,000 so this will make a nice addition to a Colt collection that is missing the .38 Mid-Range National Match. Please see our photos and good luck!