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

Mossberg 990 Aftershock Rr 1
Mossberg 990 Aftershock Rr 1

Rifleman Review: Mossberg 990 Aftershock

In 2025, Mossberg added to the non-NFA, shotshell-firing firearm category with its 990 Aftershock, which uses a semi-automatic operating mechanism while still maintaining a compact form factor.

Next-Gen Micro Red-Dot: The Steiner MPS 2.0

Steiner Optics has introduced the next-generation version of its Micro Pistol Sight, a red-dot optic that first hit the market in 2021.

Rifleman Interview: Banish Suppressors

The “Plinkapalooza” event in May saw a rimfire extravaganza, with hearing protection from Banish suppressors.

Hunting for the “Grail” Gun in the Modern Era

To really enjoy hunting for “that gun,” burn shoe leather instead of your mouse pad.

5 New Rimfire Suppressors for 2026

Generally speaking, rimfire suppressors tend to be less-expensive than their centerfire counterparts, providing an entry point in the world of suppressor use for many firearm enthusiasts.

Top Firearm Manufacturers Estimated from ATF Report

Orchid analyzed the ATF’s Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Exportation Report for 2024 (the most recent data available) and compiled a list of the industry’s top 30 domestic firearms manufacturers.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.