Description
The Gold Cup name has been Colt's competition flagship for decades, and this Lite version in .38 Super carries that tradition without missing a beat. The .38 Super chambering is a big part of the appeal here. It runs flatter and softer than .45 ACP, gets you 9+1 capacity out of a single-stack magazine, and has a long history in the action shooting world for good reason. Follow-up shots come back on target quick, and long strings of fire stay comfortable.
What Makes the Gold Cup Lite Shoot So Well
At the heart of it is a 5 inch National Match barrel, the same recipe Colt has used to win bullseye matches for generations. Up top you get a red fiber optic front sight that grabs your eye fast, paired with a Bomar-style rear sight that adjusts for windage and elevation so you can dial in your exact load. The wide three-hole aluminum trigger gives your finger a broad, consistent surface and keeps the pull feeling crisp shot after shot. An upswept beavertail grip safety lets you get a high grip without any hammer bite, and the checkered competition-blue G10 grips with scalloped cuts lock your hand in place while giving this pistol a look you will not mistake for anything else on the rack.
Two-Tone Looks, All-Steel Feel
The stainless steel frame wears its natural finish while the slide runs black, and the contrast against those blue grips makes this one of the better looking 1911s Colt puts out. At 38 ounces it has enough heft to soak up what little recoil the .38 Super produces, which is exactly what you want in a gun built for accuracy.
Where the Gold Cup Lite .38 Super Fits
This is a natural pick for bullseye work, steel matches, or anyone who just wants a genuinely accurate 1911 from the company that started it all. It also makes a strong case for itself as a range gun for 1911 fans who want something a little different than the usual .45. Either way, it comes out of the box ready to shoot small groups.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Colt
- Manufacturer Part Number: O5073GCL-TT
- UPC: 098289112163
- Model: Gold Cup Lite 1911
- Caliber: .38 Super
- Action: Single Action Semi-Auto
- Barrel: 5" National Match
- Capacity: 9+1
- Frame: Stainless Steel
- Slide: Black
- Finish: Two-Tone
- Grips: Blue G10 Checkered with Scallops
- Front Sight: Red Fiber Optic
- Rear Sight: Adjustable Bomar-Style
- Trigger: Wide 3-Hole Aluminum Target Trigger
- Weight: 38 oz
What’s Included
- Colt Gold Cup Lite .38 Super pistol
- 1 x 9-round magazine
- Colt factory case
- Owner's manual
Frequently Asked Questions
What is .38 Super and why is it used in the Gold Cup Lite?
.38 Super is a fast, flat-shooting cartridge that has been a favorite in the 1911 platform since the 1920s and has deep roots in competitive shooting. It recoils noticeably softer than .45 ACP while still delivering strong ballistics, and its smaller case diameter bumps single-stack capacity up to 9+1. That combination makes it a natural fit for a target pistol like the Gold Cup Lite.
Are the sights on the Colt Gold Cup Lite adjustable?
Yes. The rear sight is a Bomar-style unit that adjusts for both windage and elevation, so you can zero the pistol to your preferred load. Up front there is a red fiber optic sight that stands out clearly against most targets and picks up light well indoors and out.
Is the Gold Cup Lite good for competition or just range use?
It works well for both. The 5 inch National Match barrel, wide target trigger, and adjustable rear sight are all features aimed squarely at bullseye and action shooting matches. That said, plenty of folks buy this pistol simply because they want a beautifully accurate 1911 for regular range trips.
How heavy is the Colt Gold Cup Lite and what is the frame made of?
It weighs in at 38 ounces with a full stainless steel frame under a black slide. That all-steel weight is a benefit in a target gun since it settles the sights and tames the already mild recoil of the .38 Super cartridge, keeping you on target through long practice sessions.





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