Please tell me about my Colt GCNM

Shmackey · May 5, 2010

I wasn't looking for a Gold Cup National Match, but I bumped into one today for a price I couldn't refuse.

It's a Series 70, so I know it doesn't have the lightened slide on the pre-70 models. Apart from the unusual trigger reset, is there any reason why one wouldn't put a regular-weight recoil spring in it and shoot FMJ and JHP?

The serial is 70N44XXX and I'd conservatively put it at 95% condition. It's purdy.

owlhoot · May 5, 2010

I have a pair just like yours and I've had them since 74. The spring that comes with the GC is for semi-wad target loads. I did just what you propose, put in standard springs and over the years I've shot a ton of hardball and handloads through mine. The only problem I've had is the little roll pin that holds the rear sight in place sheered or otherwise came out on both pistols. I replaced with a solid pin and haven't had a problem since.

Sapper771 · May 6, 2010

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BullsAndClays · May 6, 2010

FWIW, it appears to have been made in 1977 based on Wilson's Book of Colt Firearms.

Corey · May 6, 2010

I have a pair just like yours and I've had them since 74. The spring that comes with the GC is for semi-wad target loads. I did just what you propose, put in standard springs and over the years I've shot a ton of hardball and handloads through mine. The only problem I've had is the little roll pin that holds the rear sight in place sheered or otherwise came out on both pistols. I replaced with a solid pin and haven't had a problem since.

Exactly my experience. First handgun I bought was a used Series 70 Gold Cup, and I later owned a pre-series 70 Gold Cup. I replaced the little roll pin on the rear sight with a piece of drill rod that I bent slightly in the middle. Both guns were very accurate. I have tried a current production GC, and found it shot exactly the same as a standard Colt Government. Just has a wide trigger, flat-top slide, and adjustable sight.

On the older guns, the slide to frame fit has some play, but the barrel locks up tight and has a tight bushing. The newer guns are fitted the same as a standard 1911

Shmackey · May 6, 2010

Stripped and cleaned it today. Well, it turns out it barely needed any cleaning, but I did it anyway while I had it apart. It seems dead stock to me--including the bushing and ejector--with one possible exception. This roll pin that everyone says falls out--is it the horizontal one that runs left to right (perpendicular to the ejector and extractor)? If so, mine has been replaced with a solid one, I think.

This is a _very_ nicely made 1911. As long as it runs right, I don't think I'm going to do a thing to it except replace the recoil spring. If it had already been monkeyed with, I'd consider it, but (1) I prefer the older look and (2) it seems a shame to mess with perfection.

gunnie · May 6, 2010

..."If so, mine has been replaced with a solid one, I think."...

should be easy to tell. look at it from the side, if it is hollow in the center, is ~likely~ the OEM unit. (and shot very little, as this is way common in that model.)

gunnie

bannockburn · May 6, 2010

I too had a similar problem with my Gold Cup and that cheap little roll pin. Never had the whole pin fall out; usually it broke in two and eventually the pieces fell out. Replaced it with a drill bit and problem solved. I also replaced the factory recoil spring with a captive spring unit from Detonics. Slide to frame fit was tight, trigger was smooth and light; had a definite preference for lighter 185 gr. target loads.

Please tell me about my Colt GCNM

Shmackey

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owlhoot

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Sapper771

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BullsAndClays

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Corey

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Shmackey

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gunnie

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bannockburn

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