NRA Gun of the Week: Colt's Gold Cup Trophy

by
posted on September 10, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Colt's Manufacturing Company, LLC, has long been known for its 1911s over the past century, as it was the company that introduced the famous Browning design to the world stage. The Gold Cup Trophy is also a part of this long legacy, having been the standard for competition pistols for decades. The latest Gold Cup continues that tradition with added features.

handgun frame stainless steel metal pistol blue g10 composite stocks grip gun trigger

This full-size 1911 model, with a 5"National Match barrel, weighs in at 38 ozs., unloaded. G10 checkered grips, frame checkering and updated frame contours come standard with Colt’s Gold Cup pistol. In addition to the aforementioned upgrades, Novak’s post front with fiber-optic insert and Bomar’s adjustable square-notch rear come standard.

gun parts accessories metal steel pistol sights black green fiber optic

The Gold Cup Trophy weight and size will immediately feel at home to anyone familiar to a standard full-size 1911, along with the controls being located in their traditional spots. Dual-recoil springs work in unison, supplying a well-tuned handgun for competitive and defensive use. Colt includes a raised grip safety with beavertail.

1911 gun parts pistol handgun blue grip metal stainless steel colt

Colt’s modifications made to the grip surfaces, namely the undercut frame and raised grip-safety, allow for a higher hold on the pistol for improved recoil management. The Gold Cup handles much like one would expect from a top-of-the-line Colt pistol. The weight and size will immediately feel at home to anyone familiar to a standard full-size 1911.

hands gun pistol handgun shooting semi-automatic 1911 colt 45

Watch our NRA Gun of the Week video preview to see Colt’s Gold Cup Trophy on the range.

Colt Gold Cup Specifications

Manufacterer: Colt's Manufacturing Company, LLC,
Action Type: single-action, semi-automatic, centerfire pistol

Chambering: .45 ACP

Frame: stainless steel

Slide: stainless steel

Barrel: 5”

Sights: adjustable square-notch rear, fiber-optic post front

Magazine: eight-round detachable box

Stocks: blue, checkered G10

Weight: 38 ozs. 

MSRP: $1,699

Latest

Mendoza RM22 01
Mendoza RM22 01

Hecho en México: The Mendoza RM22 Rifles

Mendoza Firearms claims that its RM22 rimfire rifle is the first indigenously produced rifle to be exported to the United States.

Preview: MGE 1911 Grips

Mammoth Grip Exchange is a small startup company that specializes in crafting replacement stock sets for M1911-pattern pistols in a dizzying assortment of exotic materials...

Gun Of The Week: Mossberg 990 Aftershock

For this Gun Of The Week episode, American Rifleman staffers hit the range with the Mossberg 990 Aftershock, a non-NFA, shotshell-firing firearm that provides plenty of power in a compact package.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 14, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Christensen Arms Evoke: A Budget-Friendly Hunting Rifle Built For The Field

For hunters seeking a well-built, no-frills hunting rifle, the Christensen Arms Evoke offers a host of desirable features, all at a price that leaves room for hunting tags and travel costs.

Wholesale Change in Glock Lineup & Other Industry Moves

Fall 2025 has proven to be a volatile time within the firearm industry, with companies like Glock announcing major changes to its product lineup, while other companies announce expansions and moves.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.