Custom Colt Gold Cup National Match GCNM 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol
Sold For: $1,250.00
LSB#: 220627SH047
Make: Colt
Model: Custom Gold Cup National Match
Serial Number: 33328-NM
Year of Manufacture: 1969 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup), ATF Modern
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Removable Magazine Fed Pistol (no magazine included)
Markings: The right side of the slide is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”. The left side of the slide is marked “NATIONAL / *MATCH*”, “COLT”, “AUTOMATIC / CALIBER .45” with a rampant Colt logo. The right side of the frame is marked “33328-NM”. There is a “VP” in triangle proof and “S” on the left side of the trigger guard, the right of the trigger guard is marked “B”. The top of the barrel is marked “WILSON 45 ACP”. The front of the bushing is marked “BRILEY”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Milett blade that is double-staked to the finely serrated top rib of the slide. The rear sight is a Millett square notch that is adjustable for windage and elevation pinned to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut panels with gold-colored Colt medallions. The right panel has a scratch behind the bottom mounting screw and there are a few other scattered minor marks. The checkering is generally sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition. The bottom-left grip screw has been replaced with a torx-head screw.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor scuffs and scratches including a faint ‘idiot mark” under the slide stop. There are tool marks on each side of the slide at the rear sight mounting pin. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine-plus condition as customized.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has barely perceptible play to the frame. The trigger is light and crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes in a black plastic Plano case. Please note, no magazine is included with this pistol.
Our Assessment: In the mid-1900s the 1911 was used for all manner of pistol competitions, but the base Government model typically needed some tweaking and modification to get the best performance. In 1957, Colt introduced their Gold Cup National Match, an out-of-the-box, purpose-built target pistol with adjustable target sights, hand-fit parts, serrated grip frame and adjustable trigger. But when has a 1911’s off the shelf quality ever stopped someone from tinkering with it?
This example is from 1969 and has been heavily customized. The original bushing was replaced with a Briley spherical bushing, a full-length guide rod has been installed, forward slide serrations cut on the slide, a set of Millett target sights mounted, extended beavertail grip safety, extended thumb safety, skeletonized hammer and trigger, checkered rubber backed mainspring housing, and rounded out with a nice flat under-cut on the trigger guard. If you’re into custom 1911s, this one would make a great addition to a collection, but should also prove to be a great shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
