Colt Gold Cup National Match MKIII .38 Special Mid-Range MFD 1970 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2775
LSB#: 230924RF011
Make: Colt
Model: Gold Cup National Match .38 Mid-Range
Serial Number: 6599-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
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. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. There are some scuffs and light thinning on the sides of the slide at the front. There are a few scattered minor nicks and scratches including some small scratches on the left of the frame under the slide stop. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with sharp slots. The markings are clear. 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 Colt Gold Cup box, manual and a total of two 5-round magazines.
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 96% of its finish remaining, a bright bore and strong mechanics. It looks great, has a stellar bore, and comes with a pair of magazines. 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!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California -Bud
