Description
The Gold Cup name has been Colt's target gun standard for decades, and this Trophy model in .38 Super carries that reputation into a caliber that competition folks have loved since the days of early IPSC. The .38 Super runs fast and flat with noticeably softer recoil impulse than .45 ACP in a full-size steel gun, which means quicker follow-up shots and less fatigue over a long match day. Colt pairs the cartridge with a 5-inch stainless National Match barrel, a Series 70 firing system, and a wide three-hole aluminum trigger that breaks the way a target 1911 should.
Sights and Controls Built for the Gold Cup Trophy's Job
Up front you get a Novak red fiber optic that grabs light and pulls your eye right where it needs to be, matched to a fully adjustable Bomar-style rear so you can dial in your preferred load and hold. The frame wears 25 LPI checkering on the front strap and mainspring housing, and the extended magwell funnels reloads home when the clock is running. An upswept beavertail grip safety and thumb safety round out the control setup, and the serrated stainless slide gives you plenty of purchase for press checks and administrative handling.
Why This .38 Super Gold Cup Stands Out at the Range
The brushed stainless frame and slide look sharp and shrug off holster wear, but the blue scalloped G10 grips are what people notice first. They photograph well, sure, and they also give your hands real traction without chewing them up. All-steel construction keeps the muzzle settled between shots, and at 8.5 inches overall this is a classic Government-size 1911 that balances exactly how you would expect.
Colt ships it with one 9-round magazine, giving you 9+1 on tap. Whether you are stepping into bullseye or action pistol matches, adding a proper .38 Super to a 1911 collection, or just want a range gun that rewards good fundamentals, this one earns its spot in the safe the old-fashioned way, by shooting well every time you take it out.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Colt
- Model: Gold Cup Trophy
- MPN: O5073XE
- UPC: 098289112118
- Caliber: .38 Super Auto
- Action: Single Action Semi-Auto (Series 70)
- Capacity: 9+1
- Barrel: 5" Stainless National Match
- Overall Length: 8.5"
- Frame / Slide: Stainless Steel, Serrated Slide
- Sights: Novak Red Fiber Optic Front, Adjustable Bomar-Style Rear
- Grips: Blue Scalloped G10, Checkered
- Trigger: Wide 3-Hole Aluminum
- Frame Checkering: 25 LPI Front and Back Strap
- Safety: Thumb Safety and Beavertail Grip Safety
- Magazines Included: 1 x 9-Round
What’s Included
- Colt Gold Cup Trophy .38 Super pistol
- One 9-round magazine
- Owner's manual
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Colt Gold Cup Trophy a Series 70 or Series 80 pistol?
This Gold Cup Trophy uses Colt's Series 70 firing system, which skips the firing pin block found in Series 80 guns. Trigger purists tend to prefer the Series 70 setup because it allows a cleaner, crisper break, and that matters on a target-focused 1911 like this one.
Why choose .38 Super over 9mm or .45 ACP in a 1911?
The .38 Super pushes a 9mm-diameter bullet faster than standard 9mm Luger, giving you a flat trajectory and a soft, quick-recovering recoil impulse in a full-size steel gun. It has a long history in competitive shooting for exactly those reasons. It is also just a fun, snappy cartridge with a loyal following, especially in classic Colt 1911s.
Are the rear sights on the Gold Cup Trophy adjustable?
Yes. The rear is a fully adjustable Bomar-style target sight, so you can fine-tune windage and elevation to match your load and point of aim. Paired with the Novak red fiber optic front, it is a fast, precise sight picture for target and match work.
Does the Colt Gold Cup Trophy .38 Super come with more than one magazine?
Colt ships this model with a single 9-round magazine for a 9+1 total capacity. If you plan on running matches, picking up a few spare .38 Super 1911 magazines is a smart move since reloads come quick on the clock, and the extended magwell makes swaps easy.





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