Gold Cup help

[Sr. Oso]

Good morning knowledgeable people;

I awoke this morning with Gold Cup National Match on my mind. I have been contemplating purchasing one lately and want to know what the differences are between the 80 series and the 70 series.

I know about the firing pin block 80 series "upgrades" and cosmetic issues. What I really want to know from the people that have owned, shot, and coveted the Gold Cups; what makes one more desirable than the other?


As always, any input is greatly appreciated and enjoyed :D

[paul45]

what makes one more desirable than the other?

For me......nothing. I like them all. My reply is probably very generic/neutral for you .......the truth is, I want to layaway every goldcup I ever come across. Why don't you get a NIB example to start with.....then you will need a series 70 example.....then a early National Match sure would be nice.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/1/products_id/36031

Others surely will have different and more specific preferences than mine........however, I still like them all the same!!

[Blackhawk]

I am with Paul. I want them all. One difference is that the S70 guns will have a little more desirability to a wider range of collectors. I currently own one of each and have to say that my S80 GCT is by far my favorite handgun.

[John]

The fact that one person ones one of the first, while the other owns one of the second. :p

[tenx]

The original series 70 has a bit of collector premium versus the series 80.
Otherwise, there isn't any meaningful difference.

[Hunter]

I am partial to the Gold Cups myself but I have a passion for all things Colt.
Top me the GCNM symbolizes what happens to a quality Government Model (a combat sidearm) when it is tuned for a more civilian use such as matches and range use but it does not loose anything if it were called upon as a defensive pistol.
It really is what trips your trigger as far as what to collect but the Gold Cups are worth checking out.
The Series 70 vs Series 80 applies to the Gold Cups same as Government Models (collet bushing accurizer barrel, and no firing pin safety on the 70 vs solid bushing and the firing pin safety on the 80.)

[EchoBravoKilo]

I love mine, although it only comes out about twice per year...

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p258/EchoBravoKilo/IMGP0975.jpg
1966 Gold Cup National Match

[Joni Lynn]

I think you'd probably be happy with just about any of the Gold Cups.
The bushing and the series firing pin block are the big differences. Pick your first one and enjoy! There will be others. ;)

[jh9x18ky]

I cant give an opinion on the 80 series (not yet) But I can give an opinion on a 70 series Gold Cup National Match... picked one up recently. I have owned a few 1911's before, Kimber Custom, Kimber CDP, Sistema, Armscor... this GCNM is for my use and taste beyond comparision with the others. Not that the others were "bad", they just werent a GC. Very habit forming IMO.