Not sure if this is where this belongs, came upon this article and wanted to share it.

 

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2012/07/marine-corps-marsoc-new-colt-45-caliber-pistols-071912/?utm_source=Copy+of+July+14+BTW&utm_campaign=BTW+July+21&utm_medium=email

 

 

Elite Marine Corps units to field new pistols

 

 

 

By James K. Sanborn - Staff writer

Posted : Thursday Jul 19, 2012 14:14:40 EDT

The Marine Corps’ elite special operations and reconnaissance units will field thousands of new .45-caliber pistols over the next four years, military acquisition officials confirmed Thursday.

The service awarded a $22.5 million contract to Colt Defense for its M1911A1 Rail Guns. The deal was finalized Wednesday night, according to Barb Hamby, a spokeswoman for Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, Va. Precise details are expected to be released Thursday evening, but there is widespread speculation the order will total some 4,000 firearms.

The pistols will be manufactured at Colt’s plant in West Hartford, Conn., and delivered to the Marine Corps by 2017, Hamby said.

Designated the M45 Close Quarter Battle Pistol by the service, Colt’s Rail Gun takes a tried and true platform used since World War I and outfits it with a rail at the front of the receiver that can be used to mount the flashlights, lasers and infrared devices preferred by today’s special operations forces. While fundamentally unchanged since its inception, the weapon does use the company’s newer series 80 firing system, developed during the 1980s to increase safety by adding a firing pin block that prevents the discharge of a live cartridge if the gun is dropped or banged.

The weapon Colt submitted for this contract competition includes a dual recoil spring assembly, meant to reduce recoil. It was furnished in a desert tan color and featured a Cercoat finish designed to reduce reflection and prevent corrosion. The pistol also features more stainless steel parts, which should help it withstand the harsh environments where special operations and reconnaissance Marines operate — particularly in and around saltwater.

It’s not immediately clear whether Colt’s final prototype also includes all these flourishes.

While standard operating forces throughout the U.S. military use the NATO-standard Beretta M9 pistol, elite military and law enforcement units, including Marine special operations and force recon, have continued to use the 1911. While it requires more maintenance and care than many modern semi-automatic pistols, it is revered for its accuracy and performance in the hands of skilled shooters. Its .45-caliber rounds also pack a heavier punch than the 9mm NATO rounds used in the M9.

Other company’s that competed for the contract included Springfield Armory out of Geneseo, Ill., and Karl Lippard Designs of Colorado Springs, Colo.

 

I want one

Nice! I know a lot of people that would be happy to let he Beretta go for a 1911...

 

 

Sent from John's iPad 2 via Tapatalk HD

Typos courtesy Apple...

"The pistols will be manufactured at Colt’s plant in West Hartford, Conn."

 

Ah, got it. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D) and Sen. Joe Lieberman (D), who both happen to be Connecticut's Senators, sit on many defense committees. From Sen. Lieberman's Website:

 

"Senator Lieberman is Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which is responsible for oversight of the Department of Homeland Security and assuring the efficiency and effectiveness of the Federal Government. In addition, he is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, where he is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Airland and sits on the Personnel and Seapower Subcommittees; and the Small Business Committee."

 

You can also read about Sen. Lieberman's dedication to the defense industry his Website, here.

 

Not that I'm complaining - I'd buy that 1911 as well.

 

Sometimes it's just fun to invent conspiracies when you play "follow the money."

Looks similar to my sig scorpion...I want one

"The pistols will be manufactured at Colt’s plant in West Hartford, Conn."

 

Ah, got it. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D) and Sen. Joe Lieberman (D), who both happen to be Connecticut's Senators, sit on many defense committees. From Sen. Lieberman's Website:

 

"Senator Lieberman is Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which is responsible for oversight of the Department of Homeland Security and assuring the efficiency and effectiveness of the Federal Government. In addition, he is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, where he is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Airland and sits on the Personnel and Seapower Subcommittees; and the Small Business Committee."

 

You can also read about Sen. Lieberman's dedication to the defense industry his Website, here.

 

Not that I'm complaining - I'd buy that 1911 as well.

 

Sometimes it's just fun to invent conspiracies when you play "follow the money."

 

I don't think you're inventing anything. There is a strong want for our military to carry American firearms. The gentlemen from Connecticut have more pull than the gentlemen from Massachusetts.

Me Like

I find nothing wrong with using hometown connections to score business for an american company. Yes it is self serving because it makes them look good to their own constituents but at least its a win for both sides. Politicians look good while supporting american owned businesses

22.5 million dollars divided by 4000 handguns = $5,625 per handgun.

 

Hm?

going back to a proven design with a hard hitting round........ now just need to do that with our primary rifle and things would be good..

22.5 million dollars divided by 4000 handguns = $5,625 per handgun.

 

Hm?

 

 

For that price we. Could get them all really nice cabots which though I have not held one are supposed to be exquisite they supposedly do there rough work on Cnc mills and then have machines that refine that plus they are from Pennsylvania

22.5 million dollars divided by 4000 handguns = $5,625 per handgun.

 

Hm?

 

Found a little more write up here

http://militarytimes.com/blogs/gearscout/2012/07/20/usmc-orders-4036-m45-cqbp-pistols/

Beautiful gun!

You know we're in trouble when two Connecticut Democrats are the last defenders of the 1911...

22.5 million dollars divided by 4000 handguns = $5,625 per handgun.

 

Hm?

 

When I was in the navy my lead petty officer ordered screw drivers, I calculated it out to be 125.00 Phillips head and it was a pos! You want money, sell something to the military