Gold Cup Guidance

[bobelk99]

Only a few months ago I moved from Revolvers to Pistols, so forgive my 'innocence".
I am about to buy a Gold Cup Trophy. I have access to a new one and a used one. The used one has only been test fired (16 rounds), is 99.9% and in the box as shipped from factory. It is 1998 manufacture. Cost of the 1998 manufacture is $75 more than a new one.
For those of you that know, is the workmanship on the 1998 gun likely to be worth the diff? I don't know enough to know.
Any input will be gratefully received. I can't get too much guidance. :D

[GCT00427]

Maybe I can help. First, I think that the Gold Cup Trophy is definitely a best buy in a 1911. That being said, I would probably buy the 1998 model.

I have a very early (under 500 serial number) SS Gold Cup Trophy. It was purchased in May of 1997, very soon after the model was introduced. At that time the were coming from the Colt Custom shop. It came from the factory with a Vidicki hammer and trigger, a Kings barrel bushing, enhanced tolerances (and you can tell it in the fit and finish), the Elliason sight, checkered metal main spring housing, and the serrated flat top slide. This pistol has the sweetest trigger I have ever felt come from a factory stock gun. It came with a test target and two springs, one standard weight 16 1/2 lb. and one reduced power 10 lb. spring. The gun is a tack driver even in my hands.

The Gold Cup Trophies have evolved somewhat. The new SS guns are now round top slide with the Bomar rear sight. These were still coming from the Custom Shop but I am not sure if that has changed. The hammer and trigger are no longer Vidicki, although the trigger is the aluminum three hole. On the last one I saw the checkered MSH had been replaced by the polymer serrated one.

I would not hesitate to buy a new one, in fact, I would love to have one for a custom pistol. The Bomar rear sight is very appealing to me.

You should just decide what you want. I hope that this has given you the information that you needed to make a good decision that will suit your needs.

Here are some pictures of my Jewel. Grips have been replaced by rosewood. I also had a Smith & Alexander grip safety installed. This gun is a definite cold dead hands keeper.

With kind regards,

Chuck

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/GCT00427/GoldCups003Medium.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/GCT00427/GoldCups007Medium.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/GCT00427/GoldCups005Medium.jpg

[XavierBreath]

I learned something new today. I always thought the difference between the GCNM and the Trophy was the Eliason vs Bomar rear sight. Thanks Chuck!
Here's mine.
http://www.bayourovers.com/GoldCupNationalMatch.jpg

[GCT00427]

Xavier,

I have always admired your SS Gold Cup National Match.

Mine is blue steel and has a flawless finish and deep, plain roll marks. Here are some pictures. If it weren't for messing up the finish, I would have a S&A Beavertail installed. I will leave it alone instead.

Chuck

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/GCT00427/GoldCups008Medium.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/GCT00427/GoldCups009Medium.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/GCT00427/GoldCups012Medium.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/GCT00427/GoldCups013Medium.jpg

[Joni Lynn]

I like Colt's and have a few Gold Cups. The best advice I can give is that you should buy the one you like the best. If you can handle both and examine the quality, do so. Sorry to say, but all of the Colt's are not equal. Some are much better than others and a few make you wonder which how they ever got past QC. Good luck.

[bobelk99]

I appreciate your input. Final decision was Wilson Classic.

[Joni Lynn]

Good luck with the Wilson. My last 1911 was a Rock River Arms and is wonderful

[wwfeatherston]

Got to have a look at one today. I have never held a handgun that felt so right in my hand!

[Joni Lynn]

Ok, stop with all the Gold Cup photo's.........before I get the itch and end up with yet another one.......lol