Don reviews his new Colt National Match 1911 Pistol and realizes he has a problem.
USA – -(AmmoLand.com)-Hello….. My name is Don, and I have a 1911 problem.
I suppose admitting it is part of the solution, but this is a problem I may not want to solve. Colt has brought back their National Match 1911, and have successfully blended their high-end machining with custom hand fitting. There are those us who honestly thought Colt would never again produce a firearm of this quality and workmanship. I am glad to be wrong.
Colt National Match 1911
The look, the gun is blued, and it’s the old style bluing Colt was know for. Deep and rich the color draws you in. I don’t dislike stainless but let us be honest there is an entire generation of shooters who know only the coldness of stainless and the antiseptic touch of plastic. The finish on this gun is beautiful.
The gun locks up tightly. Take the gun and rack the slide. You can feel the barrel locking into battery and staying there.
The trigger comes factory set at 4lbs. It is crisp, clean with no (Absolutely No!) creep and no over travel. No annoying Series 80 safety to get in the way. I prefer a lighter trigger, but this is SO clean I’ll shut up and shoot.
The accuracy is exactly what Colt has been promising for the Gold Cups for 60+ years. You’re going to get under 2 inches at 25 meters. The National Match 1911 was shot standing at 10 meters, without a rest. Ok, I need to move the sights up and a touch to the right but not much. The more I shot the gun, the more we became one. If the last phrase doesn’t mean anything to you, I suggest you get out and shoot more.
To be honest, the gun could have held them all in the red if I’d done my job, the mistakes were mine. I’m experienced enough to know when it’s usually me and when it’s the gun. I’ve never liked it when an author provides you pistol results from a rest. How the gun feels and performs in your hand is what matters. It seems I’m never in a match where the competitors shoot their 1911’s from a rest, only the Glock guys do that….
Lastly, guns are built for a purpose. The National Match is a COMPETITION gun; You’re not going to carry it. You’re not going to keep it stored in your night table. This gun is built for competition. No memory bump, no oversized safety or slide release. There are some simple facts about a weapon like this, you do not compare it to non-competition guns, and shooting it and shooting it right will make you a better marksman.
This gun DEMANDS the best from you. If you let it, it will drag you there, and make you a better marksman. I believe this IS the best 1911 colt ever made.
About Don McDougall
Don McDougall is an NRA instructor and member of the Los Padres “Friends of the NRA” committee. If he’s not at the range, you will find him setting the record straight with on gun issues and gun safety on AmmoLand Shooting Sports News.
I’ve had a Colt 1911 Gold Cup National Match for over 40 years.
I’ve shot competition with it and have put over 250,000 rounds through it.
I had the barrel replaced because I shot it out and had th slide tightened and it still shoots better than me.
It fits like a lambskin glove and will never part with it.
The trigger is darn near perfect. I can’t say enough good about it!
Likewise. My 40 year old GC is my most prized possession. From newb to Camp Perry, it has never needed anything other than a roll pin for the Eliason rear sight.
I bought a gold cup trophy model and the Gold cup national match model. They are both great guns to shoot and they work perfectly.
Went to local dealer today in Idaho Falls. The only NEW Colt Gold Cup they had was SS and in 9mm. I asked to have a look and was really put off when the thumb safety would not budge to engage. I told the sales man, he tried and then asked the manager what to do.. I told him to put it back in the box and send it back to COLT.
Is the “new” Colt Series 70 Gold Cup National Match .45 O5870A1 ?? Your picture has the rubber wrap around grips and looks like an old stock photo. Please let us know as I have spent much time anguishing over purchasing the Model O5870A1. Thanks for the review.
Yes, he tested the O5872A1
Strange! As a 35 year Colt armorer, I called the Colt custom shop to see if I could order a specific Agency model commemorative 1911, like the one I already have. A colt gold cup national match model. The custom shop said no, as they don’t make the GCNM pistols any more. They buy them from another company, and assemble them. So while the Colt custom shop is top notch, Colt doesn’t make their own 1911’s any more! My request, and phone call was placed in February. For history, my father set up the Colt contract at G.Fox and company… Read more »
It is nice that Colt woke up finally ! it only took 30 plus other 1911 builders to convince them that the old war horse wasn’t obsolete! I have two Colts both 9mm in 1911A1 configuration , one series seventy the other the ugly race gun in funky blue. Both my .45s will shoot as well as the new National Match does , the R-1 is very nice and the Les Baer is superb . There are enough of us old timers to buy one of these new ones just because well love the old blue ! Unless they price… Read more »
I own a 1963 Colt NM and the newest generation is nothing like the older pistols. The blueing is not of the same quality and the fit is lacking as well. I wanted to buy a “new” Colt Gold Cup, had the cash in hand, but none of the examples I found in local retail stores could hold a candle to my old friend!
Nice. Love Colt products. I also recommend the the Colt Wiley Clapp edition all stainless Commander. The most accurate midsize handgun I own and will out shoot my HK P7.
OK, fine. How much does it cost? And, is this a brand new offering from Colt?
Yes they are new – price depends on your local dealer.
Why the hit on Glock? Do you have just one tool in your tool box? Turned me off the whole article.
It was a JOKE! I own a couple Glocks
If the group is that big at 25mm it should be melted down ! I believe you meant 25m (METERS), not 25mm (MILLIMETER), which is about 1/4″. The group shown is about what I get from my completely stock SR1911 at 10 yards.
Limeys use meters, Americans use yards…
100% correct –
I can’t understand why any professional pistol reviewer is not using a Ransom Rest to test a 1911 for accuracy. At a minimum of 25 yards.