Colt Series 80 Gold Cup National Match 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1855
LSB#: 210317JM04
Make: Colt
Model: Gold Cup National Match Mark IV Series ’80
Serial Number: FN04923
Year of Manufacture: 1984 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Removable Magazine Fed Pistol.
Markings: The right side of the slide is marked “GOLD CUP / NATIONAL MATCH” with a trophy. The left side of the slide is marked “SERIES ’80 COLT MK IV / GOLD CUP NATIONAL MATCH” with a rampant Colt logo. The slide markings have a gold paint-fill. The right side of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A. / FN04923”. There is a “VP” in triangle proof on the left side of the trigger guard along with “S”, the right of the trigger guard is marked “J”. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT 45 AUTO. N.M.”. The top of the rear sight is marked “ELLIASON”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade that is fixed to the finely serrated top rib of the slide. The rear sight is an 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 Colt medallions. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
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 98% of its metal finish. There is are a few spots of minor finish wear on the top of the slide. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has very little play to the frame. The trigger is light and crisp. There is a Series 80 firing-pin block safety, but the barrel bushing is a Series 70 collet-style. 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 faux-wood cardboard Colt box with serial-matching label, two-piece styrofoam tray, an assortment of factory paperwork including manual, Colt bushing wrench, red “stop-sign” hang-tag, and a single 7-round Colt magazine. The box has scattered light storage wear, some fraying and a couple short tears at edges and corners, in about Good-Very Good condition. The magazine has faint operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Fine-Excellent condition.
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 one of the later Series ’80 Gold Cup National Match pistols with a collet bushing, firing pin safety, Elliason sight pinned to its ribbed slide, and beautiful checkered walnut grips with gold Colt medallions. The pistol is in truly Excellent condition, appearing to have spent more time in its box than out. In fact, without the wear on the box and a couple of light marks on the top of the slide, it would look like this gun was sold yesterday. Whether you’re looking for a great 1911-style target pistol or want to add a Gold Cup National Match to your collection, this is a nice old pony. Please see our photos and good luck!