BudsGunShop.com - different barrel types

Two standout features of the new Colt Gold Cup National Match are the match-grade trigger and barrel. The wide, three-hole aluminum trigger is factory tuned for a crisp break each time. The National Match barrel is CNC machined from forged stainless steel, measures five inches and is chambered for .45 ACP ammunition.
Also CNC machined are the receiver and round-top slide, both made from forged carbon steel with a blued finish. The wrap-around, rubber target stock features nickel medallions that showcase the rampant Colt. Overall, the gun measures 8.5 inches and weighs 2.5 pounds.

a match barrel is just
In the older colts government made during the 50's-90's most colt production barrels were not hand fit barrels , more like a interchangeable GI Mil Spec barrel.
The newer colts made at the new colt plant seem to have actually fitted barrels and not just drop in ones, on a recent standard government
model I got barrel fitment is as tight as a kimber classic target with a match barrel.
Usually a colt government model made during the 50's - 90's is good for a 4-5 inch groups at 25 yrds, rested , while the gold cup models with the match barrels from the same period would shoot 2 - 2 .5 " groups at 25 yrs rested.
Current colt match and non match barrels easily shoot 2-3 inch groups all day at 25 yrds. with a good shooter and ammo choice.
So at one time there was a big difference, not any longer the main reason the new standard barrels shooter better is that they are made to fit the slide and frame tighter.
HARD FIT IS AN OVERSIZE , CUSTOM FIT BARREL AND BUSHING , THAT HAS KEY AREAS WITH OVERSIZE METAL THAT MUST BE CUSTOM FIT TO THE GUN ITS FITTED TO.
Put a good Kart hard fit barrel , fitted properly in a 1911 and it will shoot 1" groups at 25 yrds.