This entry details the impactful career of Lt Gen William M. Keys, a decorated Marine Corps officer and former CEO of Colt Defense and Colt's Manufacturing. It highlights his military achievements, including commanding the 2nd Marine Division in Operation Desert Storm, and his pivotal role in revitalizing Colt, particularly through the M4 Carbine contract. The entry also touches upon his leadership style, product development initiatives like the M45A1 and CM901, and his personal preferences, such as his affinity for the .45 ACP caliber.
This YouTube video showcases the restoration of a Marine-issued Colt M45A1 pistol. The description highlights the process of bringing the firearm back to life, implying gunsmithing, cleaning, and potentially refinishing. The video is produced by D Boss Firearms, which also operates D Boss Coatings, suggesting a focus on customization and Cerakote application. Links to their website and Facebook page are provided.
This short video showcases consecutively-numbered Colt M45A1 pistols that were issued to the U.S. Marine Corps. The focus is on the rarity and significance of these specific firearms within a military context, highlighting their historical connection to a branch of the U.S. armed forces.
The Tisas Raider offers a compelling M45A1 clone experience for a fraction of the cost of an original Colt. It features high-quality forged components, tight fitment, and a Series 70 style action. Range performance is reliable with a good trigger, making it an excellent value for those seeking a functional, rail-equipped 1911.
This video traces the evolution of US service pistols, focusing on the iconic 1911 and its transition through different eras. It highlights the shift from the 1911 with traditional leather flap holsters to the M9 with Bianchi-style holsters, showcasing significant changes in military sidearms and gear over time. A live-fire demonstration of the 1911's operation and recoil is included.
The Colt Custom Shop M45A1, while historically significant for MARSOC and Force Recon, exhibits disappointing fitment and tolerance issues for its price point. Despite reliable shooting and a durable Decobond Brown coating, the loose slide-to-frame and magwell fitment are criticized. Buyers are advised to consider if they are purchasing legacy and the Colt name, rather than superior custom build quality.
The Colt M45A1 was the USMC's specialized sidearm, favored for its .45 ACP caliber over the standard M9. Initially built from rebuilt 1911A1 frames and later Kimber pistols, Colt secured the contract in 2012. It features a Rail Gun frame, Wilson Combat magazines, and Trijicon night sights. Recently replaced by the Glock 19, these pistols are now entering the civilian surplus market, making them a collector's item.
This video from Brownells Gun Techs dives into the history and features of the Marine Corps M45A1 CQBP pistol, also known as the "Rail Gun." The M45A1, a 1911 variant, was ordered by the Marine Corps for Force Recon units and features a Flat Dark Earth Cerakote finish, G10 grips, Novak night sights, and was issued with Wilson Combat magazines. The video notes its eventual phasing out in favor of Glocks and discusses its availability on the civilian market. It highlights the M45A1 as a modern match 1911, showcasing specific features like the Commander hammer and beavertail safety.
The Colt M45A1 Marine Pistol is a modern, high-quality variant of the classic 1911 platform, adopted by MARSOC. While not as inherently reliable as polymer pistols, it offers superior ergonomics and shootability, featuring a dual recoil spring, match barrel, and Novak sights. It represents a significant investment but provides a custom-shop feel and retains the .45 ACP caliber preference for elite military units.
The Colt M45A1 CQBP is a modern USMC service pistol based on the 1911 platform, featuring a durable sand Cerakote finish and enhanced ergonomics. It boasts superior accuracy due to its match barrel and dual recoil spring system, which also manages recoil from .45 ACP loads. The civilian package includes premium accessories like Wilson Combat magazines and an Otis cleaning kit.
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