Springfield Armory VS Colt Gold Cup

[TexVetDan]

I could use some help picking one of these, Springfield Armory Loaded SST Target or Colt Gold Cup in SST or blue. The Colt is about $150 more and used to be the standard to meassure against. My question is accuracy first but would appreciate any info on the two. It will be used as a slow fire target gun.
Thanks
Dan

 

[George Hill]

I'd go with the Springfield. The Gold Cups have never impressed me and Springfield has.

 

[TexVetDan]

Thanks George

I was hoping for more opinions but looks like they all agree with you.
Dan

 

[Sean Smith]

Actually, in a recent magazine accuracy test (American Handgunner), the current Gold Cup beat a Springfield and a Kimber like red-headed stepchildren in the accuracy department.

What flummoxed him was that the new Colt outshot a new Kimber and a new Springfield from a Ransom Rest - by substantial margins of 50 and 100 percent, respectively! He even posted pictures of the targets. The new Colt Gold Cup averaged 3.0" Groups with five different loads (two handloads!) at FIFTY (yes, 50!) Yards! To Alex Hamilton, the new Colt was "too loose to perform well!" His understanding of what makes the 1911 shoot well got a little updating. (Hint - it isn't slide tightness.)

Brand K managed a 4.5" average, Brand S only a 6.0" average.

http://www.1911forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61101&highlight=Gold+Cup+Kimber

http://www.1911forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45458&highlight=Gold+Cup+Kimber

 

[gggman]

My Gold Cup is the most accurate .45 that I have ever fired. Your mileage may vary, but mine is capable of some amazing groups.

 

[tex_n_cal]

Every target SA I have seen jams as soons as it gets a little dirty. I had a Series I Kimber Stainless Gold Match that did the same, despite being the most expensive pistol I ever bought.

The Enhanced Gold Cup now in my safe has never jammed, shoots just as well as the Kimber, and cost $500 less. And the winner is?????

 

[George Hill]

I was hoping for more opinions but looks like they all agree with you.

I must be on the wrong board then.

 

[TexVetDan]

Thanks to all of you.

I thought I'd try something new and radical this time and ask before I bought the gun.
Dan

 

[Richard]

I have a like new Series 80 Gold Cup and I am here to tell you it reeks of class. My Gold Cup is a joy to handle and shoot. Regards, Richard

 

[George Hill]

"Series 80 Gold Cup and I am here to tell you it reeks"


Might be right there...

 

[Longbow]

The Gold Cup has a higher resale value if you decide to sell later. Otherwise, I'll say wait a little more and get the Sig GSR.

 

[Bullit]

I have a Series 70 Gold Cup that has been modified somewhat over the years. It is by far the most accurate and dependable auto I own and shoot. This includes Glocks, Walther, Kahr, and Sig. The only thing that comes close is my Browning Hi-Power. I wonder why.....

 

[45auto]

Gold Cups have wider triggers than the standard models. That's a point of difference to look at...perhaps!

The blued Gold Cup has a flat top rib and Ellison sights. The sights are not as durable nor is the sight picture as good as the stainless Gold Cup or the Springfield Target. Good looking gun though...if that matters.
But, depending on the load and how much you shoot, the Ellison may be okay for you.

If you want an extended beavertail and thumb safety you will have to add those to the Colt.

I'd "make a bet" the Gold Cup is more accurate out of the box, but don't know.
It is a series 80 trigger so the trigger pull may not be as good as the Springfield, hard to know unless you check each one.

It's not easy to find everything you want unless you customize it at greater cost and time.

So, if you can't decide and you have "information overload" without being able to shoot the different guns, then flip a coin and buy one of them and have fun. I doubt it will be your only 1911... in time.

 

[Sean Smith]

It is a series 80 trigger so the trigger pull may not be as good as the Springfield, hard to know unless you check each one.

I just got to try a new blued Colt Gold Gup Trophy's trigger. VERY good pull. Maybe 4 pounds. I was pretty impressed.

I don't think the Eliason picture is any worse than the Bo-Mar sight picture. Given the amount of shooting one of my friends has done with Eliason-sighted guns, I think their reputation for fragility is greatly exaggerated. They certainly make for a cool-looking gun.

 

[Bullit]

I can tell you that if I had to do it all over again, I would purchase a standard Colt 1911 and send it to the gunsmith to customize everything. Even though the Gold Cup is better out of the box than the standard stock, I was sorely disappointed in its performance and still had to have it customized including a new barrel bushing that made a significant difference in the accuracy.

Of course, nowadays Springfield, Kimber, Wilson Combat, etc. offer a great selection of new 1911's that are tricked out to start with. I have only shot a Kimber once and it seemed to matchup well against my Gold Cup. Still, I think I will keep mine.