1971 Colt .38 Special Mid Range Gold Cup National Match 1911 MK III Government Model & BoxOur Assessment: The Gold Cup National Match .38 Mid-Range was designed from the ground up for ISSF matches. After issues arose with the first two variants, the MKIII, the final and most refined version was produced. It has the features a coarsely threaded chamber to delay slide retraction, standard bushing, shoulder at the front of the chamber, depressor & depressor spring on the sear, and an elliason adjustable rear sight. The production of all three versions combined was less than 10,000 so this will make a nice addition to a Colt collection that is missing the .38 Mid-Range National Match. The Mark III is still a great bullseye competition pistol. These mid-range Gold Cups keep increasing in value.
Make: Colt
Model: Gold Cup National Match .38 Special Mid-Range MK III
Serial Number: 9053-MR
Year of Manufacture: 1971
Caliber: .38 Special Mid-Range
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Detachable Magazine Fed
Barrel Length: 5"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is an elliason square-notch adjustable for windage and elevation in a base pinned to the rear of the slide. The top of the slide has a solid rib, serrated and matte-finished for glare reduction.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have no notable wear or damage. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 5-round .38 Mid-Range magazine and a worn cardboard Colt box.
CA LEGALITY: C&R: YES, CA PPT: NO.
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