Marines Going Back to Colt 1911 for Sidearm

[7tenz]

By all accounts , he was "double-tapped" with a 5.56mm carbine. Probably a Colt M4 , but I have heard SEALs are using HK 416s.

Now that there's been enough time for the dust to settle, I believe your probably right. Initially I heard or read he was shot between the running lights with a 226. I showed mine off to some friends saying a gun like this was used to make him a martyr, a little premature.

 

[Vic 103]

Yeah I would kinda feel better with the .45

On the left is my old trusty 9mm S&W model 459, which I believe is the enhanced civillan version of the 59 which S&W offered the U.S. Military, when they were looking for contractors to produce a 9mm combat pistol. I'm not sure who won the contract but I know it was'nt S&W.

On the right is my brand new Remington 1911 R1..........HURA!

 

[gkitch]

Gkitch, I am curious, if you happen to know, what were the requirements for the hand-built pistols? Were they hand-built to achieve a certain accuracy requirement, or something else? Do you know anything about the requirements for the Colt pistol?

Basically, the PWS took Springfield Armory 1911s, original GI 1911A1s, or Caspian frames and slides as base guns. They bought premium components en masse and the small team of USMC gunsmiths would fit Barsto bbls, tighten the slides to frame, intal good triggers, safeties, hammers, etc, open up the ejection port (if needed) and bevel out the mag well. Good fixed sights were added, originally made up from scratch but eventually Novaks. Wilson Mags and Pachmyr grips came with each and a log book for counting rounds. The weapons were test fired and issued to special Marines who would train with them extensively using mostly Safariland drop-leg holsters. If they gave the Marines trouble they went back to Quantico...which was a problem when deployed.

I had a few copies made up using Caspian frames and slides with every component bought off the same parts list and all the specs the same. These are truly wondeful business 1911s.

I'll add that the 1911 is a great combat weapon but never a great pistol for all hands. A single action auto requires extensive training and handling in order to be carried and used safely and effectively. For most, the Beretta is easier to train to at a level where we do not get negligent discharges. I like that the 1911s we use are only going to the SOCOM Marines...even though it keeps me from carrying one!

 

[Papaw]

A step in the right direction, plus Colt can sell these to civilians by the truck load.

 

[gkitch]

I added a picture I took of some real MEUSOC 45s when touring an armory in 2007. These examples had Caspian frames and Springfield slides.