The CMP may finally get the chance to surplus over 100,000 of these 1911 pistols. (Photo: M62/Wikimedia)
The bill to surplus more than 100,000 1911 pistols through the Civilian Marksmanship Program is inching closer to passage. The Civilian Marksmanship Program, or CMP, has been unable to sell the pistols so far due to political pressure.
Last Friday the House of Representatives passed the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, which includes the language necessary to surplus the handguns. This will make it possible for the Army to transfer some 100,000 .45 ACP Model 1911 pistols to the CMP.
Technically the Army has been able to surplus the 1911s since 2016. However, legislators worded the 2016 NDAA to leave the decision up to the Secretary of Defense. The bill also capped the number of pistols the Army was allowed to surplus at 10,000 per year. Under the Obama administration, the Army surplussed no handguns.
“This year’s language, however, would effectively make the transfers mandatory and would remove the yearly cap,” praised the NRA in a statement. “Currently, the military has some 100,000 excess 1911s sitting in storage at taxpayer expense.”
“Transfer of these historically-significant firearms would ease a burden on the government’s heavily indebted balance sheet and help preserve important artifacts from the era when the U.S. military defended Western Civilization from worldwide fascism and aggressive Communist expansion.”
That doesn’t mean Americans will get to buy these guns in the near future. “They are still in the hands of the U.S. Army and there are still a few hurdles to clear,” said CMP spokesman Steve Cooper in an email to GunsAmerica. “The House and Senate each of their versions of the Defense Appropriations legislation which require resolution.”
“We are still very hopeful and we’ll be patient with the process,” added Cooper.
See Also: Buying Garands from the Government with the CMP
The Texas Hill Country Shooting Club earned the first place spot in the precision competition at the CMP Nationals. (Photo: CMP/Facebook)
If passed, the CMP will be able to transfer these guns to buyers the same way new guns are sold. Buyers will undergo background checks and stores would have to keep records of the transfers in-store.
Although the pistols, which were in service starting in the Philippine-American war before World War I, come with the original 7-round magazines, the NRA expects some legislators to push back against the bill. The NRA is asking gun rights supporters and gun collectors to contact their representatives to urge them to sign on to this legislation.
The CMP is a government-chartered program to teach firearms safety and shooting skills. The organization previously sold 1911 pistols until political pressure forced them to stop distributing handguns. Today, the CMP specializes in teaching shooting skills and hosts programs for adults and youths across the country.
The CMP order form for 1911’s require a social security number. It it optional on their other forms. I am not applying for social security and that is NOT what my social security number if for. There is NO valid or even reasonable reason for requiring a purchaser’s social security number. It is an unnecessary intrusion into a person’s life. If you feel the same contact your congressman and complain. I am. I will also not purchase a 1911 from CMP.
As far as I am concerned…. it is a great day for the public, Americans can finally purchase USGI Colt .45s from the government who has long kept them under wraps for the most part. Sure they will have been rebuilt, time and time again… anyone who’s purchased a CMP arm knows they are not buying a “pristine” M1 or Carbine… they have been rebuilt by countless contractors over the years…. and likely will require yet more updates to continue into service again…. Over the years I have learned, that the old adage “buyer beware” is as appropriate as ever… If you have the good fortune to purchase one of these .gov issued pieces…. have a bit of common sense and get it serviced by a “Qualified” .45 Smith…. and you will have purchased a great piece of history… that if you are luck is a shooter too.
Not so sure those 45’s will be beaters. I’d guess they may have been reworked before storage to be ‘ready for issue’. A ship I was on requisitioned one in the 70’s as I remember and got a Colt still in the original cardboard box and wrap. Beautiful gun.
Thanks for the update! Also, if you’re here to trash the 1911, then don’t buy one. I shoot plastic pistols and metal ones, old and new, expensive and cheap. If you like the 1911 or want one for your collection, buy it. If not, then this is probably not the forum for your “expert” opinion. I have my opinions, but I read this article because I’m happy this is moving forward. If you like your pistols, you should be too.
Have a good 1911 guy fit a barrel and bushing,replace recoil and hammer springs and maybe a set of hogue classic style grips, and new mags.
Good to go.wipe with a oilrag now n then. I’m one of those rare birds who like glock 30s and 1911s
You people comparing this gun to modern guns are pure IDIOTS. That’s like putting an M1 Garand up against a Savage. There is no comparison. These guns are meant to be collectors items, not competition shooting pistols.
Military pistols are like the village bicycle, everyone uses it and they wear out. I have a Remington R-1 & it shoots better than any match pistol I shot in the Marine Corps or as a cop shooting IPSC. 230 grain vs 115? That’s a no brainer.
Some of the “People” seem to have never fired anything but an old worn out 1911.
The 2 Philippine made 1911’s that I have (combined price of $650) will shoot better than I can and better than most of these idiots posting their 1911 trash talk!
Learn how to hit what you are supposed to be aiming at and you wont need 16 rounds (or however many rounds those Tupperware guns hold) to make a lethal point!
Oh, if and when I ever do get a “plastic gun”, it will be a HIGH POINT!
Never go full hi point 😀
Good one! Made me laugh
I’ve shot military 1911s and couldn’t hit a thing. I own a Beretta 92 and that is far better in every way.
Practice. Standard 43 oz. 1911 is a perfect platform for putting rounds right where u aim.
You have to realize that almost all of the army’s 1911s are WW2 issue. In fact, I don’t think ANY of them are post-war. They need new barrels, springs, etc and they’ll be good as new. That said, they could use more visible sights. I carried a Remington-Rand .45 auto for 30 months and it saved my life numerous times, but, like all machines, they need maintenance. I’ve heard too many stories about the Berretta slides cracking after 5000 rounds, AND it’s a 9mm. The only benefit I can see in a 9mm is mag capacity. If I had to carry a 9mm it would NOT be a Berretta. I do like the Hi-Power, non DAO S&Ws, the Sig and the CZ75s. Glocks I don’t like because of the trigger safety. It feels very uncomfortable to me. Otherwise, not a bad weapon.
I shot a 1911 for 26 years in the military and shot expert, EVERY TIME on the range! It is easy to use, and clean. I would LOVE to carry one as a civilian!!!
When I wanted to purchase a .45 ACP pistol, I went directly to a Glock 21. The 1911 was a formidable weapon when it hit the market a hundred years ago but all it is now is a memento of our past. The lighter weight of the Glocks, Sigs, etc. and the enhanced magazine capacity a no brainer.
Likewise. An M&P45 is a better gun for under $1k and holds 10+1. The 1911 though does look classic on the hip. Depends what you want a gun for?
Love my Glock 21!! I carried a 1911 in Vietnam with no problems, but the Glock is lighter, easier to maintain and capacity is much better.
As a piece of history, GREAT, as a firearm that could hit an intruder that was not touching you…NADA. The thing about handguns is, if you’re gonna stake your life and maybe the lives of others on accuracy, this is NOT THE ONE. If you’re going to pay over $100 to have a gun that may get you shot before you can hit what’s shooting at YOU… DON’T
I agree with Airborne 8. The 1911 I carried in Nam was so worn out I could have thrown it like a baseball and had a better chance at hitting the enemy. You may get one for $100, but it will cost you another $4 or $500 to get it in good shooting condition or shooting accurately. Unless you are buying it as a collectible piece of history, put your money on a new 1911. There are some really nice 1911s being made today.
The cure for that was easy. You go to the unit armorer and have it rebuilt with a new barrel & springs add more visible sights and you have a 1st class weapon and when you get a solid hit, the enemy is not getting up. I carried a WW2 issue Remington-Rand for 30 months and I used it. A lot. It never failed. Not even once. One other thing- if you can find a 1911 for $100 bucks tell me. I’ll jump on it. All the ones I’ve seen for sale are in the neighborhood of $1K- even the old WW2 guns.
I would treasure the thought of owning a historic peice like a vintage WW 1 1911! I carry a Colt 1911 as my daily carry. It would make to much since to sale these peices to collectors and general public and put the money toward the Federal bottom line. So I want hold my breath at seeing this oppertunity soon. Please keep us current on news of this as I would be a buyer.
The delays will last until the 2018 elections. At that point Congress will have an overwhelming majority of Democrats in power who will scuttle the bill forever. The pistols then will be melted down just as Clinton did to thousands of BAR guns and other U.S. military surplus weapons.
If they are anything like the clunker’s I carried on AD and Res time,hopefully the will not price gouge,as it could hardly stay on paper at 25yds. They can be accurized,but some of these will have some serious wear and cosmetic issues from years of use,and other than historical value,you can get a better modern gun to carry.
What a magnificent piece of history. I hope that they allow the 1911s to be sold sometime soon. I would love to have one of these for my collection.
So would I. What a wonderful piece of history to go into a collection.
I think everyone that can buy a gun thru the CMP now, should be able to buy a 45, I think that the bitching comes from people who think they won,t get one because of the number, Lets face it the old days are gone, I remember when the current 30-06 was almost free. Heck if I could buy what I wanted I would get 500 myself, pick out the ones I like and dump the rest.
As a long retired Infantry Soldier I would dearly like to have a workable complete perhaps worn 1911….IF… they are reasonable priced in the $150 range. Perhaps a limit to number of weapons to buyer of ONE!
I would guess the beaters will be between $7-900, the gems will go to auction. Just a hunch.
While stationed at RAF Sculthorpe, England in 1962, the USAF sold refurbished 1911’s at the rod and gun club for $9.75 each. My dad and I bought four each.
Military and non military, stop bitchen. Theses guns will go to the ones that have the money. Get together and put a stop to Capital Hill politicians taking our MONEY for their personal use. Make them pay their OWN way. Get rid of these crooks feeding off us TAX PAYING CITIZENS. STOP THE CARNAGE!!!!
It’s certainly a step in the right direction. Was it the Clinton administration that had a Navy ship transport thousands of WWII vintage M1 and other surplus rifles, all of them US property stored the Philippines for decades? They dumped them overboard out in the middle of the Pacific somewhere, apparently to keep us (uncontrollable, violent and high risk) gun collectors from getting our hands on them. What a waste!
The first time I read that “surplus” M1s and a lot of other surplus equipment was dumped in the ocean, it was the Pacific Ocean after WWII. I believe Truman was in the White House at that time. Included in the guns dumped were Thompsons and M1 Carbines, Springfields, 1911s, and a bunch of others.
So, it’s not really news, some 70 years later.
Yes, the entire klin’ton regime was a WASTE.
Not every veteran should get first crack at those pistols. Only the combat veterans.
Some Air force mechanic should get one and a police officer , fireman , or another civil servant with a dangerous job shouldn’t get one ? And what about commercial fisherman or truck drivers who risk their lives everyday to bring food to the table ?????
Most veterans joined for their own selfish reasons and society shouldn’t cave in and give them everything they want. Combat veterans, those disabled while serving get short changed by the gov’t because there’s too many veterans claiming too few benefits.
Anyone who enlists has a chance.of going into combat. As a combat infantryman I resent your comments. Selfish reasons? How dare you. If you haven’t served you should shut up.
it could be argued that literally everything that every human does is for “selfish” reasons, no matter how altruistic it may appear.
They will be sold through the CMP Jack Ass. Anyone that meets the requirements of the CMP can purchase a gun. If you are not military or LEO then just join one of the qualifying gun clubs they have listed and fill out the rest of their paperwork. At that point a truck driver is just as eligible to buy one as a combat veteran. That is why its called the Civilian Marksmanship Program. Next time know what you are talking about before making stupid comments.
All american citizens should have an equal crack at these since they were purchased by the taxpayers.
You obviously don’t understand that you must be a CMP member to buy any weapon or ammo from them. It has nothing to do with being a veteran, a combat veteran or anything other than being a CMP member and complying with your local laws. A lot of people on here are moaning about guns being dropped into the Pacific Ocean that civilians are not allowed to own anyway, like BARs and Thompsons. Our government also burned hundreds of PT Boats, and melted down all the B17s, B24s and other stuff that was obsolete after the war. People are now complaining about that there are no more warbirds for sale. That’s the way it goes.
They would have to be priced at least 50% below new comparable to be worth purchasing, which considering how the CMP “works”probably won’t happen… they’ll cherry pick the good ones and put them on their auction site, the others overpriced and worn. Of course I maybe old and cynical and wrong – “time will tell”…
Now is not the time to go pissy on gets a 1911 first. It’s not about me, it’s about us. Get it? In-fighting will surely see those pieces and any future surpluses go to the furnace before the situation gets resolved. Yep, keep playing into the anti-gunner’s scheme of things.
Just as a reminder, M9s will be getting retired in the near future.
I like the CMP, but they have changed their mission from the days of the DCM, which was part of the army. Gone are the days of being able to get an inexpensive, or even reasonably priced, surplus firearm or ammunition. CMP prices are so high that one can generally buy commercial ammunition less expensively than their 30-40 year old surplus M2, and the M1 rifles are no bargain either.
My expectation is that when the 1911s become available, they will be more expensive than new commercially available alternatives. If I were a 1911 collector, and wanted an authentic piece of (worn shot out) equipment, then I might buy one, but I would purchase it more as a shooter. Besides, the surplus rifles (M1s, 1903s, carbines, etc.) are uniquely available from the US military, and no commercial equivalents were usually made (except for carbines), but many commercial 1911s exist.
When they come out, which I hope they do, I will probably not buy one.
An opinion: the CMP should make firearms and ammunition available to competitors at reasonable prices rather than gouge potential competitors to fund their Talladega marksmanship palace.
Those relic’s should be free. The taxpayer has already paid for them.
I agree. They are priced crazy.
when I was stationed in germany in 1964, the gov. paid $115.00 for each 1911 45 pistol,what will we pay for one
Blame the flippers who bought cheap Garands and Carbines by the crate and resold them at gun shows for ridiculous prices. The CMP may as well capture that revenue rather than the gun show cockroaches.
Amen. I have one M1 Garand. It -was- a beater but had a good bore and chamber. I’ve replaced/rebuilt everything else, and still paid almost $900 for it from the CMP – prices increased after I bought mine. I see beaters selling at gun shows for over $1500. Just recently saw about 10 of them at a Cabelas Gun Library for sale at $2779!!! I really wanted a chance at a carbine, but guess what – same thing. They sold out fast and were resold by the hundreds by people at gun shows. The point was to make them available for the civilian marksman – not to have the gunshow pigs get rich. I even had to sign a contract saying it wasn’t for resale when I bought my M1. Unfortunately, I’m afraid the same thing will happen to 1911’s – there will be a huge rush to purchase by the gunshow pigs, then the price will go up and they won’t be available anymore. Thankfully, I already own a couple of WWI/II 1911’s that really mean something to me, and yes, I do shoot them competitively!!
yep the haves&the have not’s nobody cares about a normal deal anymore-gouge every penny they can,they used to sell for what 150.00 now maybe a box of ammo….
It’s funny that the 1911 pictured has the idiot scratch. I know what it’s called because I did it to my very first brand new Colt 1911.
I agree with “Fal Phil” since I was a tax payer the whole time (20 yrs) I was in the service, and still am today. I think that puts tax payer and vet in my corner.
Years ago I bought these 1911s for under 100 dollars. That was when you could buy and sell and trade at Gun Shows without the hassle/ Never will happen again of course but would like to see us Vets get first crack at these firearms just to keep and enjoy..
No. It is called \”Civilian\” for a reason… Veterans have all ready a leg up with the application process by observing certain protocols… I\’m not about to support a program in which – if veterans go to the head of the line – I have zero chance of buying one of these historic 1911s… Sorry, but some things in life confer equal opportunity, and the opportunity to access such weaponry is inherently equal whether one served in the military or not… As a veteran you have lesser minimal application requirements.. That should be sufficient…
You could have served but you chose not to.
You sound like a cry baby. Vets should get first crack.
active military should get first shot,with a discount.
Veterans are civilians now and they should definitely go 1st. They have earned the right. You didn’t and chose not to serve your country and make a commitment. To make comments like yours demonstrates exactly what is wrong with our country. Don’t care, just want mine… I deserve… You don’t DESERVE ANYTHING, you earn it. The good news is that your “support” doesn’t matter. 🙂
Your comment is what’s wrong, snowflake. I didn’t enlist so I could get mil discounts or jump to the front of the line. With meals, housing, and uniforms covered, plus pay, I got compensation. Not really leaving a ton for discretionary spending, but it isn’t a volunteer force of unpaid individuals.
And if any extra is deserved, an early spot on a buyers list is hardly sufficient. This would be a perk, not an honor. It’s either a way to cheapen the concept of service, or begging for a handout.
Just how many fringe benefits do former federal employees get? Is there any limit?
Thing is even if the 1911s are transferred to CMP the only ones who can purchase them will be shooting clubs, Vets organizations and such and even then they will not be sold to the individual if they follow like before and in the past. Yes I would also like to have one since I used to carry one from time to time while serving in the military. But I know they will never see the light of day for the likes of you and me.
I served in the military, and most of my brothers who served beside me would agree that just because we served we don’t get any special privileges. We didn’t enlist for there to be division between any of the citizens. When/if these come available they should be available for first come first serve. No matter what you have or haven’t done in the past. Quit bitching because you think you need another reason to holler out to everyone your a veteran and need to be pampered with special treatment.
Agreed. I’m a Veteran. I don’t need – or want – any special privileges. I am no longer in the Army, I’m a civilian now. I earned my Veteran status, but not like the guys in WWI/II/Korea/Vietnam. My combat veteran friends don’t want any special recognition either. They did their job, and most want to forget about it and just be a part of society again. I still buy lunch for guys with vet hats on. I don’t tell them, and I don’t need a thanks or anything else. As my DS said, “You are NOT special.”
As far as I understand the law already grants the Military the power to declare weapons surplus and to dispose of them thru various authorized means… including the Civilian Marksmanship Program… The delays in selling the M-1911, an obsolete weapon no longer in service, is being supported by deliberate misinformation and or the disingenuous interpretation of the law by Obama holdovers and their cohorts …. these anti-gun factions within the government need to be identified and removed from their positions of power… for the abuse of their office.
The Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of each Branch of the Military already have the power to declare items surplus based on current law and regulations. They can then dispose of them according to existing law.
YES. It Is Time That thay Give Us VET;s. A Hand. And Sell Us The Gun;s. First. ?????????
Since the taxpayers paid for them in the first place, they should get first crack.
OK, Veteran Taxpayers should get first crack !
EVER veteran of the military paid taxes while they served. Never understood why my brothers and sisters in the armed forces had to help pay their own wages. Obviously you never served or you would know this
Ya cause veterans are not tax payers….smh
Veterans are tax-payers friend. Never forget the taxes we paid so this discussion can take place.
Really? If Veterans had fought for my freedom, they’d have been attacking Washington, not some dirt farmers on the other side of the planet. Get over yourself.
Shut up. You’re not fit to walk slack for any veteran. It really pisses me off when non veterans bitch about veteran privileges. What privileges? We spent at least 3 years or more of our lives serving. So why don’t you all shut up. You chose to not serve so tough shot
Larry, you sound like a liberal snowflake crybaby. You have probably never done one thing for this country.
You get all the freebees you can and do nothing in return. Your comments show what ahole you are. Have a nice day.(:)
They should allow the sale of the M14.
Repeal 922-0 amendment to allow new registrations of machine guns with ATF.
I’m a retired LAPD Det/Sgt , and also own a retail gun store in Simi Valley Ca. The store, Gretas Guns ( Greta is my rotti ). I carry a 1911, also a Colt Commander. Since I have retire ( 23 years ago, Iam now 78, I’ve had to draw that gun three times preventing a crime. Keep the faith people, the pengalum will swing back our way. Feel sorry for me, I own a gun store , Jerry Moonbeam Brown is Gov
Chris,
I’m on the other side of the country and in the same boat. Rhode Island’s Governor was Crooked Hillary’s pick for Treasurer. The only thing I ask of Californians is to keep Brown from running for President.
Keep up the good work, cheers!
Jared,
Time for you and other patriots to GTFO of R.I. and move to a free state. AL,AZ,TN, TX? We chose to leave R.I. for the great state of Texas where we have a real governor. Although leftist are trying, they can’t turn Texas blue. World of difference here, and if you own a car, no property taxes, dealing with re-registering our cars and vehicle inspection was a snap, and friendly, helpful and polite people everywhere, including government offices. That extends to drivers on the roads also, no R.I. salute, weaving in and out, passing in breakdown lane, and they know how to use turn signals. Unemployment low, no snow, and if you like to hunt, well, hogs are a problem here, so that’s available if you like.
There is very little left in R.I. for citizens, it’s being over-run by illegals welcomed and promoted by Gina and her minion mayors. No regrets here.
Texas has property taxes! And there high compared to CA.
California property taxes are reasonable only if you purchased your home in the distant past. Property taxes (thanks to prop 13 of the 70’s) are based primarily on last purchase price. Therefore, if you bought your 2 bedroom cottage back in 1975 for $55,000. your assessment is based on that price. If you sell at current market price (maybe $450,000.00) the new owner gets hit with an assessment based on the new sale price. Makes buying a house in California extremely expensive (outrageous home prices PLUS high property taxes). As a retiree with a moderate pension and social security there is no way I could purchase even a very modest home here. In Texas I could easily afford a nice home. So why do I live in California? Same question I keep asking myself.
If you read it said “car”, because in R.I. you pay taxes on each and every car EVERY year, on top of high gas taxes. NO property tax on cars in Texas. Even New Hampshire has high property tax…
Chris, I think Jerry “Moonbeam” Brown should run for President with Crooked Hillary as his ardent supporter and Clinton Cartel money behind him!
Some of you may remember Uncle Remus’ Tar Baby Tale where Brer Rabbit pleads with Brer Fox “Please don’t throw me into that there briar patch”.
As an Honorably discharged veteran, Navy ’79, I respectfully request that the surplus 1911’s first be made available to honorably discharged veterans at a discounted rate. We were trained in the safe use, handling, & care of these weapons while serving in our military.
And with our safety being threatened every day by the criminals on our streets, I believe veterans should be the first given the opportunity to purchase any prior military weapons.
It was my honor to serve my country and I believe that we veterans desirve this opportunity.
Thank you,
A.H.
Louisville, KY
I rather agree with you…hadn’t even thought about the situation.
I served inthe Army from 1964 to 1971. Wounded twice while serving in Viet-nam,do you think I deserve to have one of these 1911s?
I believe veterans with honorable discharges should be allowed to take home the weapon they were issued in training if they want it at nominal cost, say $100 , a pistol is important protection and should be available to those who wish it. Thank you for your service.