Colt Gold Cup National Match MK IV/Series 80 .45 ACP 5-inch 1911, 1988 – Blued, National Match Barrel, Elliason Sights, Custom Magwell
This 1988 Colt MK IV/Series 80 Gold Cup National Match is a Government-size .45 ACP built with target-focused features and a blued steel finish. It carries a factory National Match-marked barrel, an Elliason adjustable rear sight with a pinned front blade, and a flat, serrated slide top with a lowered and flared ejection port. Custom touches include a checkered front strap, an add-on magazine-well funnel, and Safariland checkered rubber grip panels. It comes with its original Colt factory cardboard box with a serial-matched end label.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are minor scratches and blemishes present. Both grip panels are cracked at the top set screw.
What's Included
- Original Colt factory cardboard box with serial-matched end label (model 05870)
- 1x 7-round .45 ACP steel magazine marked "45 ACP" with witness holes (brand not marked)
- Installed magazine-well funnel
- Installed Safariland checkered rubber grip panels with medallions
The Gold Cup National Match line is Colt's target-tuned 1911, and this Series 80 example retains hallmark features: the Elliason adjustable rear sight paired with a pinned front blade, a flat and longitudinally serrated slide top to cut glare, and a lowered/flared ejection port. The right side of the slide carries the trophy cup rollmark.
Its 5-inch National Match-marked barrel, steel frame and slide, and blued finish reflect the Government-size .45 ACP configuration with a 7+1 capacity. The Series 80 firing-pin safety is present, adding a passive internal safety element specific to this generation.
The fire-control setup includes a long, lightened aluminum trigger with adjustable overtravel and a wide, serrated spur hammer. Manual controls consist of a thumb safety and a grip safety, consistent with the 1911 platform.
Thoughtful upgrades on this pistol include a checkered front strap for improved purchase, an add-on magazine-well funnel to aid reloads, and Safariland checkered rubber grip panels with medallions. This U.S.-made 1988 example aligns with Colt's factory model designation 05870.