Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this HIGHLY DESIRABLE semi-automatic pistol for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt MKII/MKIII Gold Cup National Match Mid-Range!
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There were three primary versions of the pistol produced, and while they look nearly identical externally, there are some distinct differences between them. The primary distinguishing factors are the barrel hood marking and the barrel bushing/recoil spring plug. Each variation is identified by its unique barrel hood marking. The third variation can be identified with the barrel hood marking:
COLT .38 SPEC. N.M.
COLT .38 SPEC. N.M.
* * MK. III * *
This Colt Gold Cup National Match .38 Mid Range is the third variation that was produced in 1971, the last year of production, making this a very rare and collectible piece!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: MKII/MKIII Gold Cup National Match Mid-Range
Serial: 7669MR
Date of Manufacture: 1971
Caliber: .38 Special Mid-Range Wadcutter
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Patridge Blade Front with Adjustable Colt-Elliason Rear
Stock/Grips: Fully Checkered Walnut with Gold Colt Medallion
Action: Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Gold Cup National Match .38 Special Mid Range semi-automatic pistol, introduced in December 1960, was specifically designed for competitive target shooting using the .38 Special full wadcutter cartridge. This pistol was aimed at providing civilian shooters with a ready-to-go, high-performance, centerfire target gun. It was produced alongside the Gold Cup National Match .45ACP models, and both were cataloged together throughout the production run of the .38 Special Mid Range. Externally, the two pistols were nearly identical, with the only major difference being the option of an arched or serrated mainspring housing. The Gold Cup .38 Special Mid Range was designed to provide accuracy and performance, with features such as a 1/8” Patridge front sight, adjustable rear sight, ribbed and skeletonized slide, slanted rear slide serrations, and checkered walnut grips with gold Rampant Colt medallions. The pistols were finished in Colt’s signature high-polish Royal Blue.
Model: MKII/MKIII Gold Cup National Match Mid-Range
Serial: 7669MR
Date of Manufacture: 1971
Caliber: .38 Special Mid-Range Wadcutter
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Patridge Blade Front with Adjustable Colt-Elliason Rear
Stock/Grips: Fully Checkered Walnut with Gold Colt Medallion
Action: Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Gold Cup National Match .38 Special Mid Range semi-automatic pistol, introduced in December 1960, was specifically designed for competitive target shooting using the .38 Special full wadcutter cartridge. This pistol was aimed at providing civilian shooters with a ready-to-go, high-performance, centerfire target gun. It was produced alongside the Gold Cup National Match .45ACP models, and both were cataloged together throughout the production run of the .38 Special Mid Range. Externally, the two pistols were nearly identical, with the only major difference being the option of an arched or serrated mainspring housing. The Gold Cup .38 Special Mid Range was designed to provide accuracy and performance, with features such as a 1/8” Patridge front sight, adjustable rear sight, ribbed and skeletonized slide, slanted rear slide serrations, and checkered walnut grips with gold Rampant Colt medallions. The pistols were finished in Colt’s signature high-polish Royal Blue.
Throughout its production, the Gold Cup National Match .38 Special Mid Range saw three main variations, all nearly identical in appearance, with the key differences lying in the barrel hood markings and barrel bushing/recoil spring plug. The first variation of the pistol had markings and components similar to those found on the .45ACP Gold Cup models. In 1964, a significant change was made to the rear sight, switching from the Colt-Accro rear sight to the Colt-Elliason adjustable sight, which became standard for the remainder of production. All three variations shared several advanced features, such as a long, wide-grooved adjustable trigger, a barrel return spring, and a serrated front grip strap for enhanced handling. Additionally, the pistol was designed with a hammer half-cock modification for safety and functionality. Despite these subtle variations over time, the Gold Cup National Match .38 Special Mid Range remained a highly regarded target pistol, prized for its precision, craftsmanship, and iconic Colt styling.
The third barrel design for the Colt Gold Cup National Match .38 Special Mid Range introduced a significant overhaul, incorporating a threaded chamber that addressed previous accuracy issues found in the first two barrel iterations. This new barrel is identifiable by the barrel hood marking *COLT .38 SPEC. N.M. * * MK. III * * featured a shoulder at the front of the barrel and a coarsely threaded chamber wall. The threaded chamber caused friction between the cartridge case and the chamber wall, which delayed the cartridge from leaving the chamber until after the bullet had exited the barrel. This modification aimed to reduce the initial accuracy problems, as it allowed for better alignment and a more consistent chambering process. To further improve performance, Colt adopted a new recoil spring plug and a hand-fitted barrel bushing that ensured a tight fit between the barrel and the slide, enhancing overall precision and reducing wobble during firing.
In addition to the barrel redesign, several other key improvements were made to the Gold Cup pistol to enhance functionality and reliability. A redesigned depressor with a depressor spring was installed on the sear to address issues of hammer follow-through, improving the trigger's reset and overall reliability. The magazine was also re-engineered, with the introduction of "split" feed lips and a newly designed magazine follower to accommodate these changes, ensuring smoother and more consistent feeding of rounds. Together, these updates significantly improved the performance and reliability of the Colt Gold Cup .38 Special Mid Range, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier competitive target pistol.
Contents:
Contents:
This example is in SUPERB condition, showing no evidence of regular consumer use or handling that we can see! Additionally, it will ship with the box and papers pictured above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
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