COLT MK IV SERIES 80 GOLD CUP NATIONAL MATCH
Posted May 25, 2023
For many, the Colt MK IV Series 80 Gold Cup National Match is the epitome of the 1911 pistol. With its iconic look, impeccable accuracy, and solid construction, this pistol has been a highly sought-after addition to collections, and a go-to for those looking for a reliable competition firearm.
Throughout its numerous iterations over the years, the Colt MK IV Series 80 Gold Cup National Match has consistently been the most accurate 1911 on the market. The National Match configuration features a wide array of improvements over the base model, such as an over-sized trigger guard for improved comfort, an adjustable target trigger, beveled magazine well, and a slotted hammer strut housing. The rear sight and front sight of the Gold Cup National Match are also improved over the base model, using an adjustable white outlined notch rear sight, and a post front sight with an orange insert for improved visibility in various lighting conditions.
The construction of the gold cup national match features all the hallmarks of a traditional 1911 – robust steel frame and slide, and single action trigger. The pistol utilizes a Series 80 firing pin safety, and an extended beavertail grip safety for improved fit and feel. The pistol is also equipped with a fully adjustable trigger – adjustable for over-travel and weight of pull, allowing users to customize the trigger to their particular shooting style. The Gold Cup National Match also comes equipped with colt’s dual-recoil spring assembly – a feature which is unique among 1911 pistols, and seen as a significant improvement over the original recoil spring.
In regards to accuracy, the Colt MK IV Series 80 Gold Cup National Match has been consistently well-received in the shooting community for its accuracy and reliability. The adjustable trigger, oversized trigger guard, and extended beavertail grip safety all contribute to improving the accuracy of the pistol, while the dual-recoil spring assembly ensures the pistol has a soft recoil impulse, reducing muzzle flip and greatly improving follow-up shots. This combination of features ensures the Gold Cup National Match is capable of producing remarkably consistent and accurate groups, even at extended distances.
When it comes to looks, the classic matte bluing finish of the Colt MK IV Series 80 Gold Cup National Match is simply striking. The simple lines and clean style of the classic 1911 design, combined with the handgun’s world-renown accuracy, make the many iterations of this pistol a highly desirable firearm. Whether you’re an experienced shooter or someone looking for an accurate pistol with unparalleled style, the Colt MK IV Series 80 Gold Cup National Match is sure to please.
Overall, the Colt MK IV Series 80 Gold Cup National Match is an outstanding pistol. Its accuracy, reliability, features, and style have made this pistol the go-to for many pistol shooters over the years. Whether you’re a competition shooter, or just someone looking for an iconic piece of firearms history, the Colt Gold Cup National Match is an excellent choice. With its great features, and good looks, the Gold Cup National Match is sure to delight shooters of all skill levels.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Highly accurate due to its adjustable rear sight and shorter 5-inch barrel.
-Features a beavertail grip safety and extended thumb safety, creating a more ergonomic design.
-It is a premium-quality production handgun built with exacting tolerances for superior performance. Cons:
-Can be more expensive than other handguns on the market.
-Can be more difficult to break down and clean than some other handguns.
-The National Match variant may be difficult to find and cost more than other variants.
Who Should Buy
Anyone interested in owning a highly accurate and powerful pistol should consider buying a Colt MK IV Series 80 Gold Cup National Match. It is an excellent choice for someone looking for a reliable and accurate pistol suitable for competition shooting or self-defense. On the other hand, this pistol is not for everyone. It is not a good choice for those who are just starting to get into shooting. It requires more experience and skill to use effectively and safely. It also carries a hefty price tag, so it may be cost-prohibitive for some people.
Comparisons
| COLT MK IV SERIES 80 GOLD CUP NATIONAL MATCH | SIMILAR PRODUCT #1 | SIMILAR PRODUCT #2 | SIMILAR PRODUCT #3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | .45 ACP |
| Capacity | 8+1 rounds | 8+1 rounds | 8+1 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 5” | 4.25” | 5” |
| Action | SA/DA | SA/DA | SA/DA |
| Weight | 41.9oz | 38.6oz | 35.3oz |
| Finish | Blued | Satin Nickel | Black Parkerized |
| Sights | National Match High Visibility 3-Dot | Fixed Low Profile Night | Fixed Low Profile Night |
| Grips | Checkered Walnut with Gold Medallion | Checkered Walnut | Textured Rubber |
| MSRP | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Features / Specs
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Barrel Length: 5”
- Length: 8.5”
- Height: 5.5”
- Weight: 2.5lbs
- Sights: Adjustable Target
- Finish: Blued
- Magazine Capacity: 8 Round
- Grips: Checkered Walnut
- Safety: Manual Slide-Mounted Thumb Safety & Grip Safety
Popular Accessories
The most popular accessories for the Colt MK IV Series 80 Gold Cup National Match include high-quality aftermarket magazines, optics, a match-grade barrel, upgraded sights, extended thumb safety, extended magazine release, trigger tuning and finishing, match-grade triggers, and a recoil spring guide rod assembly.
Accuracy
The Colt MK IV Series 80 Gold Cup National Match is one of the most accurate pistol models on the market. Although this gun was built nearly 60 years ago, its tight tolerances and precision machining still allow for astonishing levels of accuracy. Many experienced shooters have found that it is capable of shooting one-inch groups at 25 yards with good quality ammunition, and custom dressed models can perform even better. Furthermore, this pistol is quite reliable; its solid construction and attention to detail make it a great choice for competitions or for target shooting. The Colt Series 80 Gold Cup National Match is a fine specimen of a weapon and has earned its place among the most accurate pistols in existence.
