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

Icarry DD H9 1
Icarry DD H9 1

I Carry: Daniel Defense H9 in an ANR Designs Holster

In our latest “I Carry” segment above, we’re taking a closer look at the Daniel Defense H9, a unique, striker-fired design that borrows popular features from several different handguns. 

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 2, 2026

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

Are Snub-Nose Revolvers Still Relevant?

In a world of micro-compact handguns, does the venerable snub-nose revolver still have a place? Here are four reasons why you might still consider carrying a snubby.

Behind Federal's 7 mm Backcountry Cartridge

In 2025, Federal Ammunition introduced its new 7 mm Backcountry cartridge, which operates at higher pressures than any previous commercial ammunition offering.

New for 2026: Beretta 94X Performance

The latest step in the evolution of Beretta's 90 series of handguns is the 94X Performance, a handgun that the company calls “the ultimate evolution of the Beretta competition pistol for IPSC and USPSA.”

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.