School me on Colt Gold Cup National Match

[monkeylizard]

I want a .45 1911. I think I've settled on a Colt Gold Cup National Match as the best balance between classic looks and moving up the line from a RIA/Tisas. I like that it's blued instead of parkerized (the Royal Blue model is gorgeous but the rollmarks turn me off). I've handled the current production ones (model# O5870A1) and like it.

I've found a LNIB older model online (the 1970-1983 production) for just a few dollars more. The big drawback is I'm relying on photos and can't see it in person.

The rollmark on the older one is shallower and looks cleaner to me. It also has the kidney-cut trigger instead of the 3-holes (I don't know if that matters to me or not....I'm not swayed strongly either way).

Other than the rollmark and the trigger shape, is there anything significantly different between the 1970-1983 GCNMs and the current run? Both are Series 70.

 

[KahrMan]

I have not played around with the new ones but I have had several older GCNM. Classic looks and great quality is what I have found in the ones I have owned. If I was going to buy another one it would be an older version. 
Also if you don’t like the trigger it is easy to replace. 

[Quavodus]

My uncle had a Series 70 GCNM back around '85, and it was very accurate with pretty much anything you fed it. 

[Grayfox54]

I have a 1970 Series 70 Gold Cup and a 1996 Series 80 Gold Cup. There is no comparison between the two. The older gun will shoot rings around the newer one. The older guns were built as real target pistols. 

The newer ones are little more than a Government Model with adjustable sights and a pretty finish. Don't get me wrong. The newer gun is very nice and an excellent shooter. But I did end up replacing the trigger and barrel bushing in mine. 

Other difference are  that the Series 70 GC has a wider trigger which make the trigger pull feel better and lighter. BTW: a standard 1911 trigger will not fit. So if you want to replace it you must get one specifically for the GC.  I'm happy with the original. 

Another difference in the Series 70 is a little spring gizmo in the sear called the depressor that prevents sear bounce. Be very aware of the sear gizmo if you should ever try to take it apart. Little pieces tend to fly and is a real PITA to put back together. 

edit to add: Bear in mind that the Gold Cup is intended for target shooting and generally set up for light target loads. While it will work just fine with hardball and defensive ammo, there are other guns better suited for that task. If you just want an adjustable sighted 1911, I suggest you take a look at the Springfield Range Officer. Excellent pistol and reasonably priced. 

Edited October 31, 2021 by Grayfox54