FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUEST

Golddollar · Mar 18, 2021

Some time ago I stated that I was a successful bidder on a 1911A1 .45 ACP pistol that was part of the first sale by the CMP. I was interested in learning more about its history past the 1943 manufacturing reference I found on the Colt web site. It was suggested that I make a Freedom of Information Act ("FOIA") request, so I did. I made the request through the Depatment of the Army on November 20, 2020, and the result just came through today. The first record they said they had was from 1992. So a 78 year gap was cut down to 49 years. Now I have some significant provenance that will go in the folder I have for this gun. And all done for no charge.

Absalom · Mar 18, 2021

Golddollar said:
.... and the result just came through today. The first record they said they had was from 1992. So a 78 year gap was cut down to 49 years. Now I have some significant provenance that will go in the folder I have for this gun...

From what I've heard, these can be frustrating, so good for you, and for the folder ... ahem ... how about sharing some of the results, at least in a general way? I'm likely not the only one curious what kind of info is there to be had

Golddollar · Mar 18, 2021

Absalom said:
From what I've heard, these can be frustrating, so good for you, and for the folder ... ahem ... how about sharing some of the results, at least in a general way? I'm likely not the only one curious what kind of info is there to be had

I'm kind of a Luddite but I'll see if I can scan the report and put it up.

Golddollar · Mar 29, 2021

Absalom said:
From what I've heard, these can be frustrating, so good for you, and for the folder ... ahem ... how about sharing some of the results, at least in a general way? I'm likely not the only one curious what kind of info is there to be had

I have been out of town for awhile so this is the first chance I've had to see if I could scan the redacted reply I received to my Freedom of Information Act request I put in regarding the history of the 1911A1 .45 I obtained from the CMP. I managed to scan the documents and they are attached. I think the print is big enough to read. I hope this helps anybody who obtained a .45 from CMP and wants to learn about the history of what they obtained.

Absalom · Mar 30, 2021

Thanks for scanning and posting!

Interesting stuff. I suspect that the earliest record from 1992 may coincide with the time when the DoD actually created a centralized and computerized registry that aggregated such information, and made it accessible for FOIA requests such as yours. The gun's earlier service history is likely buried in various paper records gathering dust in military archives.

SPEEDGUNNER · Mar 30, 2021

Good stuff, thanks for sharing. Would you mind detailing the process you went through to get this information? Who did you contact? Did you send a letter or was it electronic? What information did you provide?

tennexplorer · Mar 30, 2021

You are very, very fortunate that this 1911 did not go through the shredder, especially after DLA assumed custody of it. From 1992 onward, there was a very aggressive program to "recycle useless, obsolete military weapons." Exact words from a briefing I sat through 28 years ago.

Faulkner · Mar 30, 2021

Golddollar, that's actually pretty cool.

Golddollar · Mar 30, 2021

tennexplorer said:
You are very, very fortunate that this 1911 did not go through the shredder, especially after DLA assumed custody of it. From 1992 onward, there was a very aggressive program to "recycle useless, obsolete military weapons." Exact words from a briefing I sat through 28 years ago.

I remember that. There was a picture on the cover of American Rifleman that showed a blown up Springfield rifle.

Golddollar · Mar 31, 2021

Q said:
Good stuff, thanks for sharing. Would you mind detailing the process you went through to get this information? Who did you contact? Did you send a letter or was it electronic? What information did you provide?

Making the request is an online process. Go to FOIA.gov to get started. When the alphabetical request list comes up click on "D" for Department of Defense, and when that opens click on Department of the Army. When you click on the button "Start FOIA request" that will go to the fill-in form. After filling in the form you will be able to submit the request at the end of the form.

Basically I put in the record request block something to the effect of "all records relating to the acquisition, transfer, issuance, custody, storage and/or disposistion of a Model 1911A1 .45 caliber pistol Serial No. ______________." You will need to state how much you are willing to pay for the research but mine came through for no charge.

It took almost 5 months for the work to be completed but I did receive communication of progress in the interim. I hope this helps and if you decide to do this good luck.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUEST

Golddollar

Absalom

SWCA Member, Absent Comrade

Golddollar

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Absalom

SWCA Member, Absent Comrade

SPEEDGUNNER

tennexplorer

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Faulkner

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Golddollar

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