[BigRix]

Finally got this one off of lay-a-way and thought I would show some pics and ask a few questions.

1967 Gold Cup National Match in what I would call shooter grade. I'm kinda excited because it is my first Gold Cup and my first Colt .45 auto since my Commander was stolen.

First question, what is the proper magazine for this pistol?

Second question, do the parts look original to you? Need any other pics?

Now the show.

 

[JohnnyP]

Everything that I can see appears to be original. I bought one used in the early 1970's and have enjoyed shooting it. I would suggest using 185 grain match velocity ammo as the slide has been lightened by cutting metal out inside so that it would function reliably with the 185 grain match loads. Cannot verify, but have heard of the slides cracking when fed a steady diet of 230 grain service ammo.

 

[Colt-SL]

Congrats. Looks original to me as well. Not sure what your query is regarding the magazine.

 

[BigRix]

It came with a plain jane unmarked magazine.

What markings and finish would an original magazine have. Pics would be helpful.

 

[Pendennis]

I have one similar to yours, and the magazine is a 7-round, with no markings. The dealer advised that it was original to the gun.

 

[JudgeColt]

The dealer is mistaken or lying. The magazine should have two lines. The top line should read "COLT" and the second line should read ".45 AUTO." (note the decimal point before and the period after) and be centered under the first line.

 

[BigRix]

To be completely honest I was going to post a picture of some mags I dug put of the ammo can and say "Looks like I got three that are close but no cigar"

Then I saw the picture and it looks like I had one after all.

Couldn't see the dots on the middle one, even with my glasses. Shows right up in the picture.



Not to derail my own thread but anyone have any info on the other two mags in the picture?

 

[mcgivern]

Talked to Brent at the NRA show about the slide cracking problem. He said as long as you take out the factory installed match ammo spring and use a 16-18 pound spring, you will not have any problems. I had heard this years ago and swapped mine out and have never had any issues. Glad Brent confirmed it.

 

[JohnnyP]

The Colt was designed to operate with the service load and a 16# spring. While the 18# spring slows the slide down going back, it also speeds it up going forward. The receiver was designed to handle the shock of the slide coming back, but the only thing stopping the slide going forward is the slide stop and legs on the barrel lug. More shock would be set up in the slide using an 18# spring. Best to just get a Series 70 GCNM if you want to shoot service ammunition in a match pistol.

 

[ralph7]

The Colt was designed to operate with the service load and a 16# spring. While the 18# spring slows the slide down going back, it also speeds it up going forward. The receiver was designed to handle the shock of the slide coming back,
but the only thing stopping the slide going forward is the slide stop and legs on the barrel lug. More shock would be set up in the slide using an 18# spring. Best to just get a Series 70 GCNM if you want to shoot service ammunition in a match pistol.

I would think stripping a round and chambering it, would slow the slide down to a safe level.

 

[Chief Two Cents]

I've got a '70 series Govt. the hammer will follow the slide down with an empty mag in place, not a loaded one or no mag. Makes no sense, but it's fine when firing. Colt made them to operate with ammo, which it does fine. Congrats on your pistol, should be a great shooter. Also, 8 round mags like McCormicks don't work in mine.

 

[JohnnyP]

I've got a '70 series Govt. the hammer will follow the slide down with an empty mag in place, not a loaded one or no mag. Makes no sense, but it's fine when firing. Colt made them to operate with ammo, which it does fine. Congrats on your pistol, should be a great shooter. Also, 8 round mags like McCormicks don't work in mine.

Your are forgetting that the disconnector comes into play when the pistol is fired, or more simply, when the trigger is pulled. The late Jim Clark built a wonderfully accurate Long Heavy Slide in .38 Wadcutter. The longer slide with the full Bomar rib was so heavy that if you simply released the slide there was a chance the hammer would follow it down. The instructions that came with the pistol cautioned to depress the trigger while dropping the slide so that the disconnector would be engaged.

You can try this with your pistol, and if the hammer still drops while you are depressing the trigger, you have more serious problems.

 

[BigRix]

Well to put your fears to rest, I will not be beating it up with defense loads.

This is more my style. 200 grain Ideal 452460. Plan to work up a nice load for it.

 

[JohnnyP]

A really good choice in bullets. It has been ages since I loaded anything other than 185 or 200 grain SWC's in .45 ACP. I haven't found a load that didn't shoot good with either of those bullets.

 

[BigRix]

Got her cleaned up the best I could and put on some new stocks I had kicking around. What do y'all think?

Note to self. Get some spray gun scrubber so I don't have to take apart that spring loaded sear set up.

What a pain in the tuchus.

What exactly does that thing do?

More pics.





I posted about this Colt holster in the leather section but if you guys have any info on these I would appreciate it.

 

[MGM]

Nice acquisition....best of luck with it. I had experience with a Gold Cup from that era.

When I was stationed in a cav unit in Munich, Gy (1964-67), the Unit fund had a matched set of 4 Gold Cups in consecutive serial no's. I used one of them to qualify with the .45, instead of using my GI issued 1911. It was great to shoot with regular ball ammo. I was warned by the Troop armorer that the slide stop could crack....however putting 100 or so rounds through it there was no problem.

My current Gold Cup I only use SWC target loads made for me by a friend. I do have the heavier spring if I want to switch to standard ball ammo. I use my Sig P220 for that however.

I wonder who eventually scammed that set from the Unit fund? They were purchased prior to my arrival in late 1964.

 

[rickster1269]

very very nice pistol!