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National Match question

skychaser53
I need a NM ! I have a Govt model and a 70 Gold Cup. My brain keeps telling me I want a pre 70 National Match[:D]. I think they were made from1957 to 1969. I have to acquire one of these before I get the older one.(pre57)..

My question is what do I need to look for as far as making sure it's original ? The only thing I know for sure is the NM won't have Mark4 on the slide. I've seen some NM mags that had an "M" stamped on it. Are they supposed to all have that ? I'm looking at a very nice one in the box, but the mags don't have the "M"

any help is greatly appreciated...
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Comments

5 comments

Date Votes
  • perry shooter
    Hello There are TWO different Pistols made by Colt marked National Match . The first ones were made Pre WW II and used frames with serial numbers that started with the latter "C" these came both fixed sight model and adjustable sights also with or without Swartz Safety. Slide marked NATIONAL MATCH COLT automatic
    caliber .45 With Rapant colt logo
    and marked barrel . The other National match was made later and these pistols had a FLAT TOP slide with adjustable sights the rear one had the word ELLIASON The grips had silver colt logo. the frame had serial number xxxx-NM one other note the recoil spring plug and barrel bushing are different instead of a stepped plug end the end is tapered and the bushing is also tapered the plug engages this taper. Barrel is marked on top of chamber COLT 45 AUTO N.M.Hope this helps. "PRAISE THE HARD-BALL GUN"
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  • Hawk Carse
    Colt does not make all their own magazines.
    The "M" is just code for the magazine contractor, Metalform.
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  • skychaser53
    thanks for the replies, it helps.. I've been reading up on the NM's. I love the Colt 45 !!

    I knew the pre 70 NM's were supposed to be really well built, but yesterday I read that the "C" ones were supposed to be put together by armorours (spelling pfft).. Colt makes great guns, I've never had a bad one.. . I need some more 45's [:)]
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  • Hawk Carse
    The pre-1970 Gold Cups* are very nice guns, but the pre-war National Match (there were no NMs built between the start of WW II and 1957.) is my standard of looks and performance for the type.
    You will pay a pretty penny for a pre-war.

    *Yes, dammit, the 1957-1970 National Match IS a Gold Cup. It isn't roll marked on the gun, but Colt literature of the period specifically identified the model as "The Gold Cup."
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  • skychaser53
    quote:Originally posted by Hawk Carse
    The pre-1970 Gold Cups* are very nice guns, but the pre-war National Match (there were no NMs built between the start of WW II and 1957.) is my standard of looks and performance for the type.
    You will pay a pretty penny for a pre-war.

    *Yes, dammit, the 1957-1970 National Match IS a Gold Cup. It isn't roll marked on the gun, but Colt literature of the period specifically identified the model as "The Gold Cup."


    I knew the pre-war Colt would cost me a bunch of pennies [B)].I might have to sell a Colt Ar to help finance that purchace lol.. First though, I'm thinking, buy a 57 to 69 Gold Cup.. It just seems like there is such a big range of prices on that pistol. I suppose it's that way with any gun.. Take my time and get one that I'll be happy with..In the box sounds good...
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