No Thanks!
To me, there's a lot NOT to like about the CMP 1911s, and especially what has become of the CMP sales program.
As some of you know, and some perhaps don't, the DCM (the predecessor to the CMP) sold Garands, 1911s, etc to qualifying citizens beginning in the post-war years. During the early to mid 1960s, the DCM charged between $15-20 for a 1911. That's about $180-240 in today's dollars accounting for inflation.
The intent of these sales was to foster interest and participation in Service Pistol matches, to earn your Distinguished Pistol Badge firing the National Match Course. In fact, that was the primary purpose of the DCM and the alleged purpose of today's CMP: to foster interest and participation in competitive shooting events based on the use of U.S. Service arms.
Part of the purchase requirement was to provide proof of competitive match shooting participation. In return, you got a basic serviceable pistol that was allowable and usable under DCM Match rules. They even provided info on accurizing techniques as allowed under DCM rules.
When I was getting started in Bullseye competition, a lot of the older guys were still using the DCM 1911s that they had purchased years ago. From what they told me, being able to buy one of these pistols and having them accurized was not only much less than buying a new Colt, it made their start in match shooting financially possible. And, that was the intent of the sales program!
Just my opinion, but the CMP have lost their way. They don't care at all about building competitive shooting through their sales program. Chances are, most of you would be hard-pressed to find a CMP sponsored service pistol match anywhere in your state, or within less than a full day's drive. This is sad, and a failure on their part, as participation and interest in precision pistol marksmanship is really dying off. (Makes me wonder exactly what are they doing with the money generated by these sales?)
Their pricing is based on what they've seen pistols being resold via online auctions. And, they want their share of the loot. In fact, they warn you that if they discover you are reselling your pistol, you will be banned from future purchases! (And they call themselves a 501c3 "non-profit" organization!)
For the money they're charging, there are much better options for the aspiring Service Pistol competitor. It wasn't that long ago that you could by a match conditioned "Hardball" Service pistol from Les Bair for $1200, or from Springfield Armory for just a little less.
$1050 for a rack grade. Three times the price of some of the quality imports these days. I'll pass. Just don't see anything that justifies the price unless you see it as some kind of long term investment. But... your money, your choice as how to spend it.
