# Army prepares to sell surplus 1911A1 pistols. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [January 7, 2018, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/army-prepares-to-sell-surplus-1911a1-pistols/806011 "2018-01-07T00:27:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2018, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/army-prepares-to-sell-surplus-1911a1-pistols/806011/1 "2018-01-07T00:27:14Z")
Awesome news for gun collectors. I’m going to look into getting a 1911A1 pistol for my collection. Wonderful guns and this is a unique opportunity to get a vintage pistol. I hope interest doesn’t push the price beyond my means. They’ll be sold through the CMP. > **[Army prepares to sell up to 10,000 surplus 1911 pistols. Here’s how you get one.](https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2017/12/04/army-prepares-to-sell-up-to-10000-surplus-1911-pistols-heres-how-you-get-one/)** > > With the stroke of a pen, as many as 10,000 Army surplus 1911A1 pistols could be available for sale to the public early next year. > [@](#): > > A provision in the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act explicitly orders the sale of between 8,000 and 10,000 of the venerable .45 caliber pistols. The 1911 has a storied history, and it influenced handgun design for more than a century. > > Having seen service in every war since World War I, the gun is a favorite among collectors and civilian shooters, many of whom modify variants of the 1911 for competitive shooting. > (Cut) > > The CMP is a nonprofit organization that educates people on responsible firearms use and conducts marksmanship competitions nationwide. It is a recipient of military surplus firearms for sales to support its mission. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2018, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/army-prepares-to-sell-surplus-1911a1-pistols/806011/2 "2018-01-07T00:57:53Z")
I had one of those. It belonged to my father, who brought it back with him from WWII. Genuine Colt 1911A1. I replaced some of the peripherals like the barrel, spring and bushing, and at some point my brother put Pachmayr grips on it. Last I saw it, I put it in a box with my S&W Model 28 357 and my Hi-Standard .22 (which had a changeable barrel) and left it at my mother-in-law’s house when I got stationed in Germany. She eventually died, my wife and I divorced, and despite repeated requests to return my property to me, I haven’t seen them since. I’m now assuming they’ve either been sold or destroyed. :mad: ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2018, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/army-prepares-to-sell-surplus-1911a1-pistols/806011/3 "2018-01-07T01:14:52Z")
just like I won’t line up for an iPhone or Model 3, I won’t line up for one of these. I already have a new Springfield M1911A1 and that’s good enough for me. ---
**Author:** ![Lamoral](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lamoral/32/16078_2.png) [@Lamoral](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamoral)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2018, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/army-prepares-to-sell-surplus-1911a1-pistols/806011/4 "2018-01-07T01:19:56Z")
From the article: > [@](#): > > The rollout wouldn’t take place all at once, with the weapons set to transfer to the CMP from 2018 through 2020. Why might this be? ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2018, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/army-prepares-to-sell-surplus-1911a1-pistols/806011/5 "2018-01-07T01:21:38Z")
Yeah, I’m just not feeling the excitement of buying a shot-to-shit military sidearm that has zero sentimental value and would cost a small fortune to accurize. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2018, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/army-prepares-to-sell-surplus-1911a1-pistols/806011/6 "2018-01-07T01:49:58Z")
I am concerned the pistols in good condition will be priced beyond what I can pay. I wouldn’t buy one that isn’t at least in firing condition. There is something cool about a pistol that multiple soldiers carried. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2018, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/army-prepares-to-sell-surplus-1911a1-pistols/806011/7 "2018-01-07T01:57:30Z")
Doesn’t the military keep records of the serial number and the servicemen they issued the weapon too? There should be a long list of names for a seventy year old pistol. Unless it sat in the armory for several decades. I realize that information probably won’t be released with the gun. ---
**Author:** ![DinoR](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dinor/32/2821_2.png) [@DinoR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DinoR)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2018, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/army-prepares-to-sell-surplus-1911a1-pistols/806011/8 "2018-01-07T02:40:56Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Doesn’t the military keep records of the serial number and the servicemen they issued the weapon too? Not in any kind of permanent, centralized fashion. In the Army, Organizational property is signed over to Company Commanders who are then expected to be responsible for keeping track of it. Any lists used are normally internal to the unit. It isn’t information that goes higher unless there’s an issue. Be advised, even in good condition these are probably more in line with the old joke - “great for a gunfight…in a phone booth.” Civilian variants tend to be produced with tighter tolerances. We still had them when I started in the National Guard and only switched to the M9 in 1995. The phone booth joke is hyperbole but has some real basis in truth. Trust me. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2018, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/army-prepares-to-sell-surplus-1911a1-pistols/806011/9 "2018-01-07T02:43:27Z")
Ok, thank you for the heads up. That changes the price I’d consider paying. I’ll pass if the price isn’t right. I may buy a new civilian model that is more accurate. It’d be different if the provenance was provided. A pistol carried at the The Battle of Chosin Reservoir would be priceless if it was documented. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2018, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/army-prepares-to-sell-surplus-1911a1-pistols/806011/10 "2018-01-07T03:24:14Z")
“Qualified Civilians”. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2018, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/army-prepares-to-sell-surplus-1911a1-pistols/806011/11 "2018-01-07T05:19:17Z")
When I was in the service I was an MP for a short while. I remember taking mine apart, and then forgetting how to put it back together. The arms room guy had to reassemble it. Embarrassing but true. I’m not very mechanically inclined. Rounds for these are rather expensive, aren’t they? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2018, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/army-prepares-to-sell-surplus-1911a1-pistols/806011/12 "2018-01-07T05:38:54Z")
> [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](#): > > When I was in the service I was an MP for a short while. I remember taking mine apart, and then forgetting how to put it back together. The arms room guy had to reassemble it. Embarrassing but true. I’m not very mechanically inclined. > > Rounds for these are rather expensive, aren’t they? Depends on [what you buy.](https://www.midwayusa.com/45-acp/br?cid=21841) .51-1.85 per round. ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2018, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/army-prepares-to-sell-surplus-1911a1-pistols/806011/13 "2018-01-07T14:09:45Z")
> [@Gatopescado](#): > > “Qualified Civilians”. :rolleyes: Well, they don’t just [hand them out](http://thecmp.org/cmp_sales/rifle_sales/eligibility-requirements/). Before you can purchase one you must provide [ul] [li]Proof of US citizenship[sup]1[/sup][/li][li]Proof of age[sup]2[/sup][/li][li]Membership in a CMP-affiliated organization[sup]3[/sup][/li][li]Marksmanship or other firearms related activity[sup]4[/sup][/li][li]Be legally able to purchase a firearm[sup]5[/sup][/li][/ul] [sup]1[/sup]Naturalized, okay; green card, no dice. [sup]2[/sup]18 or older. [sup]3[/sup]Shooting clubs mostly but also some vet organizations like the VFW, police organizations like FOP, or the military, active, reserve, or guard. The club I belonged to required that you earn a marksman shooter badge (the lowest of the three) before it would vet membership for purchasing an M1. [sup]4[/sup]A long list of what qualifies. Mostly they’re looking for evidence you know how to safely handle a firearm. [sup]5[/sup]Including any local licenses or permits you might need plus other hoops like getting the arm shipped to a dealer in NY, NJ, CT, and CA. You are warned, _Your signature on the Purchaser Certification portion of the purchase application authorizes the CMP to initiate the NICS check and authorizes the FBI to inform CMP of the result._ I would imagine that if you’re a person if interest to the FBI they’ll come pay a visit. After all that you shell out your bux and wait for it to arrive. The M1 Garands are about sold out now but were once available in a variety of [grades](http://thecmp.org/cmp_sales/rifle_sales/m1-garand/) (and prices). The bottom grade was $160 30 years ago; they are long gone now. Being selective fire, I doubt M14s or M16s will ever be offered. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2018, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/army-prepares-to-sell-surplus-1911a1-pistols/806011/14 "2018-01-07T14:57:51Z")
Well that leaves me out. I’m not in any gun clubs or groups CMP recognizes. My dad was a member of the base’s Rod & Gun Club. That’s probably recognized by the CMP. But dad retired in 1973. Doesn’t do me any good. 😉 I had assumed a pistol would have the same background check required by any gun dealer. My .22 target pistol, RUGER Mark III Hunter 22/45 is built on a 1911 frame. Same grip. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2018, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/army-prepares-to-sell-surplus-1911a1-pistols/806011/15 "2018-01-07T15:08:35Z")
Comparing a Ruger 22/45 and the 1911. I got the optional longer barrel for my target pistol. [![]( " - YouTube") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkgn8SXXzN0) ---
**Author:** ![DorkVader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/73ab20/32.png) [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2018, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/army-prepares-to-sell-surplus-1911a1-pistols/806011/16 "2018-01-07T15:55:43Z")
> [@DesertDog](#): > > Well, they don’t just [hand them out](http://thecmp.org/cmp_sales/rifle_sales/eligibility-requirements/). Before you can purchase one you must provide > [ul] > [li]Proof of US citizenship[sup]1[/sup][/li][li]Proof of age[sup]2[/sup][/li][li]Membership in a CMP-affiliated organization[sup]3[/sup][/li][li]Marksmanship or other firearms related activity[sup]4[/sup][/li][li]Be legally able to purchase a firearm[sup]5[/sup][/li][/ul] > [sup]1[/sup]Naturalized, okay; green card, no dice. > [sup]2[/sup]18 or older. > [sup]3[/sup]Shooting clubs mostly but also some vet organizations like the VFW, police organizations like FOP, or the military, active, reserve, or guard. The club I belonged to required that you earn a marksman shooter badge (the lowest of the three) before it would vet membership for purchasing an M1. > [sup]4[/sup] **A long list of what qualifies. Mostly they’re looking for evidence you know how to safely handle a firearm.** > [sup]5[/sup]Including any local licenses or permits you might need plus other hoops like getting the arm shipped to a dealer in NY, NJ, CT, and CA. You are warned, _Your signature on the Purchaser Certification portion of the purchase application authorizes the CMP to initiate the NICS check and authorizes the FBI to inform CMP of the result._ I would imagine that if you’re a person if interest to the FBI they’ll come pay a visit. > > After all that you shell out your bux and wait for it to arrive. The M1 Garands are about sold out now but were once available in a variety of [grades](http://thecmp.org/cmp_sales/rifle_sales/m1-garand/) (and prices). The bottom grade was $160 30 years ago; they are long gone now. Being selective fire, I doubt M14s or M16s will ever be offered. The part I highlighted, I wonder if being a hunter’s education instructor would count. In ID we have a section of the hunter’s ed class dedicated to the safe handling of firearms in general, and to pass the class you are required to go to the range and shoot to demonstrate that you actually do understand how to safely handle and have at least the basics of shooting. ---
**Author:** ![BlueMerle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a87d85/32.png) [@BlueMerle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlueMerle)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2018, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/army-prepares-to-sell-surplus-1911a1-pistols/806011/17 "2018-01-07T16:11:05Z")
> [@DesertDog](#): > > [li]Membership in a CMP-affiliated organization[sup]3[/sup][/li] This is the requirement that bothers me, and may disqualify me. Would being an honorably discharged vet qualify? ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2018, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/army-prepares-to-sell-surplus-1911a1-pistols/806011/18 "2018-01-07T16:22:06Z")
> [@BlueMerle](#): > > This is the requirement that bothers me, and may disqualify me. > > Would being an honorably discharged vet qualify? not knowing where you are, [take a look-see.](https://ct.thecmp.org/app/v1/index.php?do=clubSearch) the easiest for me would be one of the several shotgun/rifle ranges in my area which offer club membership and are CMP affiliates. ---
**Author:** ![mixdenny](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mixdenny/32/2962_2.png) [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2018, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/army-prepares-to-sell-surplus-1911a1-pistols/806011/19 "2018-01-07T16:26:53Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Well that leaves me out. > > I’m not in any gun clubs or groups CMP recognizes. There are state level CMP clubs and people are known to join for a year just to purchase arms. They are listed on the CMP web site. Dennis ---
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2018, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/army-prepares-to-sell-surplus-1911a1-pistols/806011/20 "2018-01-07T16:37:10Z")
I have a buddy who is an armorer (or whatever they call it now) with the NG. He says that these pistols are likely to be in pretty good shape, though they will obviously not be as accurate as civilian models. It is pretty uncommon for these weapons to have been used a great deal and they were usually maintained very well. (I’m going to be generous about this statement, since it was his job to maintain them.) According to him, a lot of these pistols were only taken out for qualification, or issued to security personnel and carried in holsters for years. An individual pistol might need some slight tuning, polishing, or a new barrel bushing, but they are likely to be very practical defensive weapons at a decent price. And .45 ACP ammo is not THAT expensive, though it obviously costs more than 9mm. On the other hand, I don’t care to join any of the qualifying organizations in order to be able to purchase one. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/army-prepares-to-sell-surplus-1911a1-pistols/806011.md?page=2)