I was a USMC MP (5811) from '86 - '90. While I personally carried a Colt 1911A1 45 Auto (with 3 mags issued, each loaded with 5 rounds of ball ammo - one mag in the pistol and the other two in the pouch), I had friends who were Marine K-9 MPs who carried S&W Model 10s with a 4 inch standard barrel. I was always kind of envious of those guys because their weapons never jammed! Ballistics aside, I would have easily traded in my 45 for a M10. I'm sure those Colt 45 Autos were great in their day, but by the time we got them, the parts were mixed and matched to no end, and every range session saw numerous alibis by a significant percentage of the shooters. Unfortunately, I had no choice in the matter.

The guys in CID generally carried Colt Detective Specials. Although, I also saw 2 inch barreled S&W Model 10s in the PMO (Provost Marshal's Office) Armory. I also remember seeing one of the NIS (now NCIS) Agent's carry a S&W Model 60 on his hip.

Semper Fi!


P.S. -- To all you Devil Dogs out there, Happy (premature) Birthday!