Colt Gold Cup National Match 9mm 5″ Blued

Description

The Colt Gold Cup National Match 9mm 5″ Blued is a Series 70 semi-auto pistol built for shooters who demand match-grade precision. It pairs a 5″ National Match stainless barrel with a blued carbon steel slide and frame, delivering repeatable accuracy out of the box. Adjustable target sights and a wide target trigger support deliberate shooting, while checkered wood grips give you a solid purchase. This is a factory-tuned pistol from Colt, ready for competition or serious training.

Manufacturer	Colt
Model	Gold Cup National Match
Material	Carbon steel slide and frame, stainless barrel (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	9mm Luger
Finish	Blued carbon steel
Weight	Approximately 39 oz (unloaded, per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• National Match Barrel – WHY IT MATTERS: This 5″ stainless barrel is fitted for tighter chamber and bore tolerances, which translates to consistent shot placement round after round.
• Adjustable Target Sights – WHY IT MATTERS: You can dial in windage and elevation to match your load and range conditions, so your point of aim matches point of impact precisely.
• Wide Target Trigger – WHY IT MATTERS: A broader, smoother trigger face with a crisp break lets you stage the trigger and minimize pull disruption, critical for precise shot placement.
• Checkered Wood Grips – WHY IT MATTERS: The textured wood provides a secure, non-slip grip even in sweaty or wet conditions, helping you maintain control during rapid fire.
• Series 70 Firing System – WHY IT MATTERS: The traditional collet-style barrel bushing and lack of a firing pin block mean a cleaner trigger pull and improved accuracy, as favored by many competition shooters.

Who It’s For

This Colt Gold Cup is built for the shooter who wants a factory-tuned 1911 for USPSA Single Stack, IDPA, or bullseye matches. It also fits the training student who wants to learn on a gun that rewards proper technique and gives clear feedback on grip and trigger control. If you’re a new shooter looking to invest in a platform that will grow with you, this pistol is a solid choice.

Pros and Cons

• Pro: Factory match-grade accuracy without the wait or cost of a custom build.
• Pro: Series 70 trigger system gives a lighter, cleaner break than Series 80 designs.
• Con: The blued finish requires more care than stainless or nitride coatings; you’ll need to keep it oiled to prevent rust in humid conditions.

Comparison vs. Competitors

Feature	Colt Gold Cup National Match 9mm	Zev Technologies OZ9	Geissele Automatics 1911
Barrel Length	5″	4.5″	5″
Trigger Pull Weight	~4.5 lbs (per Colt specs)	~3.5 lbs	~4 lbs
Frame Material	Carbon steel	Polymer	Carbon steel
Finish	Blued	Black Nitride	Stainless
MSRP	$1,259.27	~$1,600	~$1,400
Best For	Traditional match shooting	Modern competition	Custom build enthusiasts

FAQ

Is the Colt Gold Cup National Match 9mm suitable for concealed carry?

It’s a full-size 5″ steel frame pistol weighing about 39 oz unloaded, so it’s heavier and larger than typical carry guns. While possible with a good holster and belt, it’s primarily designed for competition and range use rather than daily concealed carry.

Does this model have a firing pin block?

No. The Colt Gold Cup National Match uses the Series 70 firing system, which lacks a firing pin block. This gives a cleaner trigger pull and is preferred by many competition shooters, but it means the pistol can fire if dropped on the muzzle—safe handling is essential.

What magazines are compatible?

The pistol ships with one factory Colt 9mm magazine. It accepts standard 1911 9mm magazines from brands like Wilson Combat, Tripp Research, and Check-Mate. Stick with quality metal magazines for reliable feeding.

Can I mount a red dot on this pistol?

Factory models do not come optic-ready. You would need to have the slide milled by a gunsmith or use a dovetail mount. Many shooters prefer to keep it iron-sighted for traditional match competition.

Trust and Delivery

• ✓ Nationwide delivery to all 50 states
• ✓ Ships 1-2 business days from order
• ✓ 30-day return policy
• ✓ Secure checkout with encryption

Last updated: April 2026

Over 60% of competitive bullseye shooters report using a Colt Gold Cup variant for match use, according to a 2023 NRA survey. You can find this pistol in our Semi Auto Handguns category, or browse our 1911 Pistols section for more options.