Colt NMGC Question

Coltman 77 · April 26, 2010, 02:46 PM

I would very much appreciate some expert opinions from you gentlemen about this 1965 National Match Gold Cup.

My father bought it new in 1965 from a large hardware store in our town. (Remember those good old days?)

He was a collector more than a shooter and I'd be surprised if he ever shot it.

If he did, I doubt he put more than 100 rds through it before it went into his safe. Unfortunately, he is no longer with us so I can't ask him.

At any rate, I acquired this pistol a few years ago and realized that the slide has cuts in it to lighten it and that the pistol was designed to shoot light target loads.

Based on the advice of a local gunsmith, I've put an 18 lb. Wilson recoil spring in it to shoot 230 gr fmj ammo at the range.

Will it be alright to shoot standard pressure fmj ammo in this Colt from time to time with the 18 lb. spring?

Thanks very much for your replies.

Scorch · April 26, 2010, 03:21 PM

Should be fine.

Coltman 77 · April 26, 2010, 04:41 PM

Thanks for your input. Much appreciated.

Coltman 77 · April 27, 2010, 03:36 PM

Any one else care to weigh in?

Casimer · April 27, 2010, 04:00 PM

I've always been told that the lightened GC's can crack w/ standard hardball loads - they're designed as wadguns and the relief work makes them vulnerable to damage w/ hotter loads.

April 26, 2010, 02:46 PM	#1
Coltman 77 Senior Member Join Date: October 3, 2009 Location: NC Posts: 1,244	Colt NMGC Question I would very much appreciate some expert opinions from you gentlemen about this 1965 National Match Gold Cup. My father bought it new in 1965 from a large hardware store in our town. (Remember those good old days?) He was a collector more than a shooter and I'd be surprised if he ever shot it. If he did, I doubt he put more than 100 rds through it before it went into his safe. Unfortunately, he is no longer with us so I can't ask him. At any rate, I acquired this pistol a few years ago and realized that the slide has cuts in it to lighten it and that the pistol was designed to shoot light target loads. Based on the advice of a local gunsmith, I've put an 18 lb. Wilson recoil spring in it to shoot 230 gr fmj ammo at the range. Will it be alright to shoot standard pressure fmj ammo in this Colt from time to time with the 18 lb. spring? Thanks very much for your replies. __________________ "A man can be destroyed but not defeated". Ernest Hemingway Protect our 2nd Amendment Rights -- Join the NRA

April 26, 2010, 03:21 PM	#2
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Should be fine. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

April 26, 2010, 04:41 PM	#3
Coltman 77 Senior Member Join Date: October 3, 2009 Location: NC Posts: 1,244	Thanks for your input. Much appreciated. __________________ "A man can be destroyed but not defeated". Ernest Hemingway Protect our 2nd Amendment Rights -- Join the NRA

April 27, 2010, 03:36 PM	#4
Coltman 77 Senior Member Join Date: October 3, 2009 Location: NC Posts: 1,244	Any one else care to weigh in? __________________ "A man can be destroyed but not defeated". Ernest Hemingway Protect our 2nd Amendment Rights -- Join the NRA

April 27, 2010, 04:00 PM	#5
Casimer Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2007 Location: Pennsylvania, USA Posts: 1,918	I've always been told that the lightened GC's can crack w/ standard hardball loads - they're designed as wadguns and the relief work makes them vulnerable to damage w/ hotter loads.