Rock Island Arsenal M15 General Officer's Model

Published on September 4, 2018
Duration: 7:35

This entry details the Rock Island Arsenal M15 General Officer's Model, a specialized 1911 variant developed by Dale Hoffman and adopted by the U.S. Army in 1972. It highlights the pistol's development in response to dwindling supplies of older Colt models and its victory in 1971 Army trials against competitors from Colt, Smith & Wesson, and Walther. The M15 features a shortened barrel and slide, National Match sights, and was converted from existing 1911A1 inventory. It represents the last custom-made specialty pistol for general officers before the Army transitioned to the Beretta 92.

Quick Summary

The Rock Island Arsenal M15 General Officer's Model is a rare .45 ACP pistol developed for U.S. Army general officers, adopted in 1972. Based on a shortened 1911A1, it won 1971 Army trials against Colt, Smith & Wesson, and Walther submissions. It features National Match sights and was converted from existing inventory, with 1,004 units produced by 1974.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the M15
  2. 00:40Historical Context: Pre-M15 Pistols
  3. 01:08Development by Dale Hoffman
  4. 02:151971 Army Trials Comparison
  5. 03:32Technical Features of the M15
  6. 04:55Internal Modifications and Conversion
  7. 06:38Production and Legacy of the M15

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Rock Island Arsenal M15 General Officer's Model?

The M15 General Officer's Model was a specialized semi-automatic pistol chambered in .45 ACP, developed by Dale Hoffman at Rock Island Arsenal and adopted by the U.S. Army in 1972 for its general officers. It featured a shortened 4.25-inch barrel and slide based on the 1911A1 platform.

Why was the M15 General Officer's Model developed?

It was developed because the U.S. Army's existing inventory of Colt Model M pistols was dwindling after WWII, and a need arose for a more modern, accurate, and specialized sidearm for general officers. The M15 won 1971 Army trials against competitors.

What were the key technical specifications of the M15 General Officer's Model?

The M15 is a single-action semi-automatic pistol chambered in .45 ACP with a 7-round capacity. It features a 4.25-inch barrel, Fixed National Match type sights, a stippled front strap, and was converted from existing 1911A1 inventory with unique miniaturized internal components.

How many M15 General Officer's Models were produced?

A total of 1,004 units of the Rock Island Arsenal M15 General Officer's Model were produced between 1972 and 1974. This makes it a relatively rare and collectible firearm, representing the last custom-made specialty pistol for general officers before the Army adopted standard issue pistols.

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