Description
There are competition 1911s, and then there is the Gold Cup. Colt introduced this line back in the late 1950s so match competitors could buy a pistol off the shelf and take it straight to the firing line without a trip to a gunsmith first. Decades later, Gold Cups have earned their keep everywhere from local club matches to Camp Perry, and this .38 Super version carries that same DNA in one of the most enjoyable calibers you can run through a Government-size frame.
Why the Gold Cup National Match Still Sets the Bar
The heart of this pistol is its 5-inch stainless National Match barrel, held to tighter tolerances than a standard tube so every round seats and exits the same way. Up top you get a fully adjustable target rear sight, which lets you dial in windage and elevation for your preferred load instead of hoping your ammo matches fixed sights. The wide match trigger, blued serrated slide, and hand-fit feel round out a package aimed squarely at putting rounds through the same ragged hole. Double diamond checkered rosewood grips and an ambidextrous thumb safety with a beavertail grip safety make it comfortable in either hand.
The .38 Super Advantage
If you have only run 1911s in .45 ACP, .38 Super is a treat. It shoots flatter, recoils softer, and gives you 9+1 on tap instead of the usual 7 or 8. That soft-recoiling, fast-cycling character is exactly why the cartridge has such a loyal following in the competition world, and it makes long range sessions a lot easier on your hands and wallet of ammo alike.
A Colt 1911 Worth Handing Down
At 8.5 inches overall and roughly 35 ounces of blued steel, this pistol has the heft that soaks up recoil and the polish that makes people stop at the counter. Whether it becomes your bullseye gun, your Sunday range companion, or the centerpiece of a Colt collection, the Gold Cup National Match in .38 Super is one of those pistols you buy once and never let go of.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Colt
- Model: Gold Cup National Match 1911
- MPN: O5873A1
- UPC: 098289112255
- Caliber: .38 Super Auto
- Action: Single Action, Semi-Auto
- Capacity: 9+1
- Barrel: 5" Stainless National Match
- Overall Length: 8.5"
- Weight: 35 oz
- Frame/Slide: Blued Steel, Serrated Slide
- Sights: Adjustable Target Rear
- Trigger: Wide Match Trigger
- Grips: Double Diamond Checkered Rosewood
- Safety: Ambidextrous Thumb, Beavertail Grip Safety
What’s Included
- Colt Gold Cup National Match 1911 pistol
- One 9-round .38 Super magazine
- Owner's manual
- Colt factory box with cable lock
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Gold Cup National Match chambered in .38 Super instead of .45 ACP?
Colt offers the Gold Cup in both, but .38 Super has a long history in competition shooting for good reason. It shoots flatter and recoils noticeably softer than .45 ACP, which helps with fast follow-up shots and long practice sessions. You also gain capacity, with 9+1 in this model versus the typical 7 or 8 rounds of a .45 Government model.
Are the sights on the Colt Gold Cup National Match adjustable?
Yes, the rear target sight is fully adjustable for windage and elevation. That is a big deal on a match pistol because it lets you zero the gun for your specific load and distance rather than adjusting your hold. Once dialed in, it stays put shot after shot.
How accurate is the Gold Cup National Match out of the box?
This is the pistol Colt built specifically so competitors could go from the dealer's case straight to the firing line, and the 5-inch stainless National Match barrel is held to tighter tolerances than a standard barrel. Combined with a snug slide-to-frame fit, the wide match trigger, and adjustable sights, it delivers bullseye-grade accuracy without any gunsmith work. Owners consistently report tight groups and excellent fit and finish.
Is .38 Super ammo hard to find?
It is not on every shelf like 9mm, but .38 Super is a well-established cartridge with steady support from major ammo makers, and it is easy to order online. It also happens to be a favorite among handloaders, so components are widely available. If you shoot matches or just enjoy classic cartridges, keeping it fed is not a problem.





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