USMC Force Recon & MEUSOC: the M45A1

[@AsbestosMuffins]

"What are we gonna do to replace these colt 1911's?" "....why don't we just buy more colt 1911s?"

[@RambleOn07]

Genius lol

[@D00000T]

just recolor it

[@Locutus494]

If only the Army applied the same logic to replacing the M9...

[@mattisvov]

"The grips are nice and grippy." That's the kinda things that makes Ian so lovable.

[@FairlyUnknown]

It seems obvious and you'd think all grips would be "grippy," because it's the name and function, but I assure you there are a lot of firearms out there which have "grips" that will slide right out of your hand or bobble around.

[@dELTA13579111315]

@@FairlyUnknown every handgun with wooden grips I've ever held was like that, I can't see the appeal of wood nowadays except for looks

[@ronhmclaughlin]

They were specified for usage while wearing flash fire-resistant gloves like Nomex aviator gloves

[@Misericorde9]

I am surprised and disappointed that Ian did not mention the grip scales’ pattern and its resemblance to a 1970s set of curtains.

[@terribledemon3033]

US Ordnance: You can't just ignore the advantages of the 9x19mm cartridge such as lower recoil, less wear, cheaper ammunition, higher capacity as well as NATO compliance etc. etc. etc. USMC: haha big boolet go boom.

[@bluecaptainIT]

US Ordnance: Don't you tell me you also believe red bullets go faster... USMC: Yep and grippy things made of crayons so we eat when hungry and no food!

[@cmndr_superglue]

45's can also be suppressed with standard ammo while being leagues better than 9's.

[@RalphReagan]

If you're a girl

[@windhelmguard5295]

or you can get a gun made for adult humans.

[@joseramirez9599]

Isn’t it because military can only use ball ammo and 9mm ball is less powerful than 45 ball?

[@PyschoArmorer2111]

Before the M45A1, there was the M45. The M45 is the replacement to the MEU(SOC) .45. The MEU(SOC) was built by the Rifle Team Equipment shop. It is the grandfather of pretty much all the modern combat 1911s. They were built by the Marines of the RTE shop at the request of some Force Recon Marines. They were what we would call "match conditioned". They were built to run. They would start with standard government slides and frames. Then had match barrels fitted, in-house machined sights, ambi-safety and an extended beaver tail grip safety. We say match conditioned because at the time the RTE shop was building match 1911s for competition. We didn't fully build them as match guns but a lot of fitting of the barrel to the slide was completed. Enough were built for the Force Recon battalions. They continually were getting rebuilt after they went through a MEU deployment rotation. The Kimbers Ian spoke of were a limited amount of guns bought by the short lived detachment of Marines assigned to SOCCOM. They were bought due to, at the time, RTE (now called Precision Weapons Section-PWS) didn't have the capacity to build more guns for the SOCCOM detachment. I got to PWS in mid-2008. By that time they were building the M45. The M45 was a slightly modified MEU(SOC). There were a few more commercially sourced parts used. We built them off of the stockpile of government frames had. Used Springfield slides with semi-fit Bar-Sto barrels and bushings and Novak sights. Wilson Combat sear, hammer, disconnector, trigger, ambi-thumb safety and beaver tail grip safety. Wrapped with Pachmayr grips. The government frames underwent some modifications. The front hole of the ejector was drilled through to the mag well. The mag well was beveled. The reciever bridge was relieved to prevent shearing the barrel legs off. A standard guide rod was used. After building and QC inspection, the guns were bead blasted and then parkerized and then blued. After refinishing they were proof fired and function fired. We did not have an accuracy standard for the M45. During my time at PWS, we had anywhere from 4 to 8 builders for the M45. We would each build 10 guns at a time. A build cycle (fitting through testing) would take about 2-3 weeks. We could do more than the 50-60 a year Ian stated. The M45A1 came about due to our stockpile of frames drying up. At one point we bought 800 1911s from the Army and ended up with around 200 frames that met our inspection criteria. MarSOC wanted M45s but due to their rapid growth, they outpaced our production capabilities and ultimately the supply of frames. That's when the solicitations went out for a commercial replacement. Thus, the M45A1 was born.

[@Viewer-ld5rc]

Great info! Cool stuff all around.

[@drizzie1226]

Thank you this answered all my questions. Im sucker for the fine details so I enjoyed reading

[@MrRogsmart]

"Just the facts." Thanks.

[@jamessoden4336]

thank you for the details. I am looking to turn my Kimber warrior into a version of the PWS pistol.

[@ronhmclaughlin]

It was like 10-12 years ago, but if I remember right they just renamed all the guns MEUSOC 45s in inventory as M45s

[@wayneparker9331]

As a former USMC officer (and before that a military brat raised on various Marine bases), you nailed the why. It was the combination of traditional emphasis on marksmanship and the “Marines are too tough” for a 9 mm pistol that made so many Marines want to keep the M1911.

[@scotthvac3857]

All haters aside John Browning knew what the hell he was doing when he designed the original 1911.

[@pkt1213]

Then improved it with the Hi-Power

[@FreeRangeLemon]

rwsthedemonking I heard somewhere that browning didn’t have a double stack mag because it was too much firepower for one man, so even the single mag would be the best handgun in the world.

[@exquisitecorpse4917]

The 1911 also brute-force through basically all its original problems by iteration. There have been so many copies made over so many years that it's probably more optimized than any other single gun design. HOWEVER, it's still a 110 year old machine that is very expensive and shoots exotic ammunition. Browning's 1911 is the American katana: A weapon made by a craftsman as a symbol for warriors; an article of faith representing tradition, honor, and clan with a mystique of its own. There may be better swords out there, but - with all that magic - who the hell needs "better"?

[@KillrMillr7]

And the BAR

[@Predator42ID]

@@FreeRangeLemon They did. Its called the FNX which has a 15 round magazine. Back in the early trials FN succeeded where many had failed. sadly the reason why the Army didn't adopt it was because of two things. Weight and the sheer size of the grip hence why the modular pistol program was created.

[@Ishpeck]

Doesn't this means that the US armed forces has issued 1911's to _somebody_ for a solid 108 years? That's a dang good service life.

[@finskigerman6485]

“Colt Railgun” sounds so much cooler than what it is.

[@Ironforce7701]

Deine Autokorrektur hat dich betrogen "mich" war bestimmt nicht deine Absicht

[@deathlarsen7502]

It is cool

[@justindunlap1235]

give them time they'll make it.

[@26muca07]

I have a soft spot for 1911s, picatinny rails and guns parkerized with a tan color. This is literally my dream handgun. Edit: It's on sale on their website. Imbel M45 GC MD2, but you still can't customize it. No picatinny, tan color and it's a double stack 14+1 and it's around 1.1K USD. I'm out, I'll stick to my G42 for a while...

[@heyzoos-cgr9369]

@Graham Stewart I second that, Cambridge here.

[@26muca07]

Our current President in Brazil just last year passed a bill in Sept. 2019 allowing civilians to own 52 new calibers for handguns. Imbel (one of our factories around here) is all about making 1911 clones and they're releasing the 1911 .45 customs for civilians. I already own a HKP30 in 9mm and a G42 in 380 for plinking. As soon as that .45 lands in the store, I'm buying it. I just do plinking though, and the S&W 1911 I shot in Ohio was enough to my brain, it said: That's the one, marry it.

[@busaman5261]

She is gorgeous

[@abefroman8202]

It’s hideous. Belfast U.K. 🇬🇧

[@ArcturusOTE]

@@abefroman8202 I guess you prefer less brandished designed, perhaps a function over form (or really, nostalgia) preference?

[@soapbaker1968]

1911-2016 I think John Browning would be proud that his gun lasted 105 years as a military pistol Bravo devil dogs for keeping the old girl a little longer

[@TheAKgunner]

Force Recon and MEU(SOC) still carry this as a sidearm.

[@NorthernNorthdude91749]

@@TheAKgunner Nope. The DOD ordered the military not to use the 1911 anymore. It isn't even an option in spec ops anymore.

[@TheAKgunner]

@@NorthernNorthdude91749 I seriously doubt that.

[@NorthernNorthdude91749]

@@TheAKgunner Well it's true. The DOD ordered it completely retired from US military service. It couldn't stay in use forever.

[@SUPERVANS56]

@@NorthernNorthdude91749this is how I know we’re going to lose WW3.

[@mattiatiozzo2010]

Finest quarantine content from Gun Jesus

[@sveinungchr]

Some days you just wish had enough money to buy EVERY gun on this channel...

[@auto--]

Karl-Heinz Erlenhain it’d be a death battle for anything french

[@DonziGT230]

Yea, some, but only those that end it y.

[@Kr-nv5fo]

While Fireplace Man struts around, bandoliers stuffed full of prototype pistols

[@RockIslandAuctionCompany]

I also wish you had enough money to purchase every gun on this channel.

[@yuletide1281]

I’ll pass on the Japanese mystery pistols

[@GentlemansCombatives]

Italian sissy pistol, yep sounds like the marine Corp acquisition board

[@petesheppard1709]

Of course, the Marines also went with their own Beretta variant, the M9A1

[@omartorres5688]

Also the M1911 lasted longer than the Luger as a service pistol who I proved which is the better pistol

[@mitchellpatterson1829]

@@petesheppard1709 I vote for the Beretta M96 (call it the M40 pistol?), assuming we are stuck with Beretta. Not that Beretta is a bad choice, just not my favorite.

[@ronhmclaughlin]

@@petesheppard1709 Following the purchase of the M9A1, the Marine Corps changed its Table of Organization based on lessons learned in OIF 1 and removed most pistols from service. Prior to that change all SNCOs and Officers rated an M9 as the service weapon, after the change only Cols, Navy Chiefs and Drs rated a pistol. So a whole bunch of pistols went into storage.

[@mariosebastiani3214]

@rwsthedemonking so, you think that a 9x21 can't kill a man and having 12+1 shots at the ready instead of just 8 is worse?

[@ArkhonXIX]

Remember these have dual recoil springs. Makes for a much nicer recoil impulse compared to a normal 1911

[@czwarty7878]

​@Kathleen Shaw I didn't know that, I'm glad he said that so now I know something new. You being a dickhead didn't add anything to table though.

[@ArcturusOTE]

Isn't that kinda common on modern 1911, especially on ones chambered in loads hotter than 45 ACP?

[@deddogoon]

I've got an old Officer's ACP and it recoils nicely with the double spring setup

[@ronhmclaughlin]

The M45A1 used a dual spring recoil system meant to mitigate the frame battering that destroyed half of the test guns during the development of the program.

[@Predator42ID]

They also make triple reduction springs systems for 1911s which improve it further.

[@mynameisntimportant9341]

I inherited my grandpas Vietnam era M1911, it is my favorite pistol shoots great, has a lot of finish wear but functions flawlessly, it is my everyday carry because I know it will fire every time

[@shawnr771]

Nice, never sell it. Buy a couple of parts kits for it. So you have them if you ever need them.

[@mynameisntimportant9341]

@@shawnr771 I'll never sell it, to much sentimental value not to mention it'll save my life if necessary, shit it saved my grandpa, he had a story where his M16a1 jammed up bad in the middle of a firefight in the jungle and he used THAT pistol to take out 3 vietcong, granted my grandpa's stories were kinda exaggerated and his alzheimer's make the validity come to question but I chose to believe them

[@1978garfield]

I would never carry an heirloom like that. If you ever have to use it to defend yourself it will be held as evidence. Valuable guns often turn up "missing". Also it is likely they will engrave case numbers on it. In many states even if you eventually are not charged or go to trial and are found not guilty you still don't get your gun back.

[@rodrigodepierola]

"Italian sissy-pistol", do I detect a new product of Forgotten Weapons merch?

[@AlbanyRaiders]

Loved the video! For what it's worth, the Glock 19, literally called the M007, was adopted by MARSOC in 2016/17. However, the M45A1 is still going strong within the Marine Reconnaissance community! The 1911 is kicking the can a little further down the road...

[@ArcturusOTE]

I guess they're not completely phasing them out, well if it ain't broke dun dump it

[@ovk-ih1zp]

@@TheRealColBosch Sorry, but the G19 to me is almost as bad as the full sized USP. The ergo's & trigger i find impossible t use well. I wold rather break off a table leg & beat them with it than use either of those plastic fantastic's, but that might just be the trigger snob in me.

[@ArcturusOTE]

@@ovk-ih1zp So what would be a good recommendation? The SIG pistols?

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

@@ovk-ih1zp While you debate it, It's the World and Police weapon of choice.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

@rwsthedemonking You realise Glock is the gun of choice for the FBI, most Police and numerous Military?

[@christophershapka8937]

That is a dream handgun for me lmao. The nice color and unique grips complement the weapons form very nicely. And your presentation was informative and easy to listen too. Over all well done.

[@andyrihn1]

“Even in 2016 these were replaced with Glock 19s” It’s as if a million fudds cried out and were suddenly silenced

[@Grewyn7]

Glocks are incredibly uncomfortable to shoot. Which is why they lasted less than 3 years in service. 1911s are wildly obsolete but they are ergonomic to fire. Compare personal taste in firearm to personal taste in pizza. Sure there are some people who like classic pepperoni still (the 1911), and there are tons of people who like Hawaiian (glock). But that doesnt mean either is for everyone or perfect by any stretch

[@vitoscaletta7151]

Only thing I hate worse than fudds is Glock fanboys

[@cmndr_superglue]

They adopted the glock 19 just in time for the army to adopt the m17 which is also offered in 45 and has similar ergonomics to a 1911 *facepalm* Its almost like when the Corp replaced m16's with hk416a5's in their combat units just in time for the army to switch to a new cartridge...

[@jesseterrell9354]

Grewyn7 obey and conform all bow to the mighty Glock

[@realjackiema]

US Marshals Special Operations Group Adopts STI 2011 Pistols (07/24/2019)

[@justinmartinez680]

I'm not a 1911 guy but that gun is beautiful

[@austinhughes6852]

That is probably the nicest looking 1911 pistol I’ve ever seen!

[@maverickfoxbmsn]

The M1911 got a facelift as an M45 the gun that keeps evolving.

[@agolftwittler1223]

First gun I was issued 43 years ago. Still my favourite, still got one. Thank you for the upload Sir, stay cool and safe.

[@BigMackM27]

Got to handle a couple of these when I was a Marine FAP working alongside the Special Reaction Team. Awesome pistol with an action as smooth as glass.

[@bikecommuter24]

The 1911 design has one advantage over many other handguns it points very well for most people and don't forget old Slab Sides does not do to bad when it runs out of ammo it makes a pretty good melee weapon.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

So does a Luger.... More so Actually....

[@F1delF1estasMC]

"The feeding ramp is polished to a mirror sheen. The slide's been reinforced. And the interlock with the frame is tightened for added precision. The sight system is original, too. The thumb safety is extended to make it easier on the finger. A long-type trigger with non-slip grooves. A ring hammer... The base of the trigger guard's been filed down for a higher grip. And not only that, nearly every part of this gun has been expertly crafted and customized. Where'd you get something like this?"

[@TheHunterWulf]

*immediately starts carving on grips with a knife

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

A gun store....😷

[@HelenaOfDetroit]

A friend of mine was in the Marines and had the newer Glock you mentioned. Got to try it out on the range and it was awesome. I was shocked how many rounds it held

[@ArcturusOTE]

Well it does use double stack magazines, which a lot of modern pistols use

[@Vladimir_4757]

"Italian Sissy Pistol" should be the official name of the Beretta M9

[@deadflowers7017]

I thought it was

[@wolftower9705]

I am a little ashamed to admit I have a 1911 chambered in sissy. That said, it was a choice between the 1911 and a much worse G17. At least it let me shoot up my surplus ball ammo.

[@markwhite1780]

Never understood why 9mm Beretta. Takes 2 taps to drop a bad habit.

[@brendankeel4521]

It's good for anything else than being a sidearm.

[@murphy7801]

Yeah such bad pistol it was adopted everywhere

[@Ohnoitsthatguy-620]

“Marine Special Forces” I can feel all those jimmies getting rustled like the wind through my beard.

[@lacnospmoht3753]

Marine special forces. Uncapitalized, meaning not the proper noun. Def: the units of a country's armed forces that undertake covert, counterterrorist, and other specialized operations.

[@markwhite1780]

Kinda like saying "seagoing bellhop "????

[@Jorvaskrr]

To clarify, Army Special Forces is the official name for The Green Berets. If you want to encompass the SEALs, MARSOC, Marine Raiders, Army Rangers, then you refer to them as Special Operations. Therefore, there's no such thing as Marine Green Berets, good God.

[@miatalife94]

While everyone one walking around at a multi unit exercise had a m9 you knew the guys with the tan 1911s were badass haha

[@Houseballey]

colt: we made a railgun me: nice, but how do you power it? colt: nah nah, it's a traditional gun me: so... you add the whole train for free? how do i go about laying down the railroads to use it? colt: .... me: ... colt: it's a 1911 with a picatinny rail

[@TommyWWIII]

Hey Ian, just a little clarification on the replacement. Marine Recon continues to use the M45 today, although the Marine Corps as a whole is beginning the transition to the M17/18 pistols. That being said, Marine Special Operations Command (which is a separate command to Recon) did switch to the Glock 19 in 2016.

[@neutronalchemist3241]

The Marine Corp never adopted the M45A1. They adopted the M9A1.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

@mgsfan15 No. It's been dropped. Thus the surplus status.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

@@neutronalchemist3241 The M9 was for general issue. The Recon and SOC used the M45a1 For like 5 years.

[@TommyWWIII]

@@neutronalchemist3241 Marine Reconnaissance continued to use a 1911 platform well after the M9 was adopted in 1985 under various manufacturers and designs under the general designation "MEU(SOC)". As Ian said in the video, in 2012 the Colt Rail Gun won a 4,000 unit contract where they would upgrade existing pistols to the new model, the M45A1Close Quarters Battle Pistol. The M45A1 was in service with MARSOC until 2016 where it was replaced by the Glock 19, and it is still in service with Recon until the Marine Corps as a whole finishes its transition to the M17

[@steveh.996]

This comment needs more upvotes. I got out recently and can confirm that MARSOC moved to glocks, while Recon kept on using the Colt.

[@Mildcat743]

It's still insanely cool that the 1911 as a platform has existed as a standard issue item for the US for over 100 years. Nothing except the M2 comes even close.

[@foleymaj]

Cool and yet still somewhat stubborn, because it really shouldn't have. Some platforms out there are just really behind the curve from what the standard is, and 1911 was that since the introduction of hi-power.

[@yocapo32]

@@foleymaj Until the Hi-Power drops the shitty trigger safety, and comes in .45 without being the width of a cinder block, you're wrong.

[@DerLoladin]

With the caveat that the M2 is a seemingly ageless design that maintains relevance after a full century, while the 1911 continues to exist solely due to tradition and some people considering it a symbol of the US military. (And probably the fact that handguns haven't been relevant on the battlefield for the past 70 odd years) Still neat though.

[@sparkling925]

Lucas Hagg because the m2 fits all of the requirements for a hmg, the 1911 is really behind the curve it only existed so long because of the higher ups being like „1911 good real man shoot 45“ same with the m14 308 controversy

[@foleymaj]

Just as a curiocity, the Finnish military still has sniper rifle model 1985 that were built around Mosin Nagant receivers, some probably dating back to Imperial Russia times. They have been replaced in frontline service by the Sako TRG in .338, but you still see some around.

[@roteba1]

What a good looking pistol in a very understated way.

[@enricopaolocoronado2511]

"Italian sissy pistol" Why am I imagining some Gunny dude in the Marines saying that before throwing the Beretta into the ground and stomping hard on it repeatedly?

[@neutronalchemist3241]

The Marine Corp adopted the Beretta M9A1. Some special unit was given that Colt, without any competition, mostly due to Gen. William M. Keys connections, and had little else than just problems with those.

[@bluecaptainIT]

Gunny: This sissy pistol ain't shit! Beretta: *adds rail* Gunny: Perfect! Glock: *presents Glock 19* Gunny: Awesome! DoD: *adopts SIG pistols for all branches* USMC, Beretta and Glock: You serious?!

[@RichardCranium321]

Until he breaks a bone in his foot from the safeties sticking out a mile... 😊 I love my m9a3 but would never pay even HALF list for one. I "inherited" it early. Grandfather said he couldn't see the look on my face if he had to wait til he was dead for me to get it. He had to be resuscitated after a heart attack & he started handing out his "will" items early bc quote "well I already died once, I wanna be able to watch you enjoy these things before I do it a second time!" I miss that ol man!

[@stevenbobbybills]

@@RichardCranium321 certainly a good sense of humour.

[@STRAKAZulu]

@@RichardCranium321 sounds like how my uncle was.

[@wraithcadmus]

"How productive is your remote working Wraith?" "I clicked on a vid that said Uploaded 16 seconds ago"

[@gonnegottkehaskamp1667]

Took me a Minute to understand. XD

[@tamlandipper29]

Too ****ing true.

[@Telonelemon3]

I AM SINISTAR

[@otm646]

Look at this guy still with a job!

[@kaloyankatzarov9284]

Where do the crayons go?

[@insertname1667]

@Kaloyan Katzarov honestly when I saw the thumbnail, my first thought was "it looks like I should be able to draw with it".

[@HellbirdIV]

See the wavy lines in the grip panels? The grip panels are actually made of crayon so that, in an emergency situation, a Marine can eat his grip panels to stay alive.

[@beardoggin8963]

Kaloyan Katzarov in a dispenser on the pic rail of course

[@Arthurzeiro]

@M Via Crayon muncher detected

[@Activated_Complex]

Where you point it.

[@omartorres5688]

Nice that the M1911 is still around as I always wanted one of these guns

[@violentfoxtrotalphagolf]

That type of barcode is referred to as a data matrix.

[@sliceofbread2611]

nice to see a kerbal here :)

[@JimYeats]

No it's not. It may have formerly been referred to as a 'data matrix', but Gun Jesus has now dubbed it; '2D barcode'.

[@Kepe]

@@johnanon6938 Smart phones can scan all sorts of 2D bar codes, QR codes included. You just need an app that supports them. The 2D barcode on the gun in this video seems to have the same serial numbers as the three rows of text next to it.

[@M4xXxIkInG]

@@Kepe my phone can read data matrix.

[@ledzeppelin27]

Gonna be honest here. I have no idea what they are for. Could someone nice explain for a guy why you would want one on your military sidearm?

[@JimFortune]

USMC 250 years of history unimpeded by progress!

[@JimFortune]

@Joshua N. Ajang And the M1911 is very manly! lol

[@bigwangmark]

Yay new video time. I am running out of videos to watch on youtube over the past week at home.

[@shawnr771]

Yeah I found the End of the Internet the other day.

[@michaelogden5958]

"...some 9mm Italian sissy pistol..." I got a chuckle out of that. :-)

[@BullMooseFox]

I once saw a Marine gate guard carrying one of these when I went to see my friend graduate Marine boot camp at MCRD San Diego. As a 1911 fan I thought it was neat. Never saw one again though.

[@freekashyyyk896]

The mag has only 7 rounds cause thats the highest number the average marine can count to

[@The_GK1]

What they lack in brains, they make up for in brawn and competency. That's all they need.

[@peanutbutter5402]

An American*

[@brandontaylor8011]

Actually its because they are able to shoot straight and dont need the 15 shots from a 9 even if they do still wonder why every color of crayon tastes the same

[@KeyserSoze23]

@@peanutbutter5402 A Trump supporter*

[@peanutbutter5402]

@@KeyserSoze23 nah, all Americans are like that

[@zbyszanna]

It's great to see that at least guns get some tan these days.

[@tokahontas9990]

zbyszanna my buddy has all tan guns lol

[@nateg9770]

I carried that exact weapon in the Marine corps when I served. 2002-2012. I love it

[@pwatkins70]

theres a marine that stands gate guard for my base that still carries one of these as his sidearm actually. even while holstered, this is extremely distinguishable from the m9's that everybody else carries around lol

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

I would love to have a Colt M45A1 in my collection. Thanks for showing this awesome 1911 , Gun Jesus !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@taccovert4]

Having handled both M9s and 1911s, and Glocks, obviously the Glock is the superior 'hammer', but it's just that, a hammer. The M9 is well...meh. Kinda fat, kinda heavy for what it is, safety is in a downright dumb position and lacks some ergonomics, etc. The 1911 has great ergonomics, just lacks capacity for its size/weight...."An elegant weapon, for a more civilized age". Overall, yes the 1911 is obsolescent...not obsolete just yet but getting close. But I'd also argue the M9 was obsolescent the day the first Glock 17 rolled out of Austria. There are a couple of considerations to keep in mind though when you're comparing them as 'military' pistols. 1) 9mm NATO is a 124gr FMJ with a rather sharp point. .45ACP is a rather broad round nose 230gr FMJ. 2) .45 isn't going to shrink, and 9mm in the modern context has fully eclipsed .45 because of the insanely good performance of modern JHPs. Which the military can't take advantage of. 3) If you're firing more than a dozen pistol rounds, you should have long since gotten your rifle back up and into action. 4) In a military context, muzzle report and some other related factors can under the right circumstances have a bearing on the morale of the opposition...hence why we don't do widespread suppressed weapons. 5) Neither caliber will penetrate body armor in standard loadings, so the increased penetration of 9mm is functionally irrelevant. 6) Pistol engagements are typically less than 25m, and 9mm doesn't get an edge over .45 for point of aim-impact until you stretch it out to at least 50m. Conclusion: There are valid arguments for having the bigger heavier bullet when you consider the above. And several different experiences in different theaters over the last century or two have shown that for pistols, a larger round can be more effective on certain types of opposition (mainly ones that are high). And in what is decidedly a back up weapon, you're not as overridingly concerned with capacity. My preference if I had my druthers would be a Glock 19, with backup Magpul 21 round magazines as reloads, and 124gr +P JHPs. But given military-type restrictions, I wouldn't consider myself to be under prepared with my rifle and a 1911....it's probably only going to come out of the holster for the rare sneak-n-peek into a closet or something, and at contact range it's about reliably getting off 2-3 rounds.

[@kalashnikovdevil]

There's some changes to that. Army JAG is preparing a case for JHPs in military service pistols as part of the M17 and M18, I can only imagine the Marine Corps is following that with great interest. We're also now using wide spread suppressors in the Marine Corps, with the idea being every grunt will have a can on his M27 IAR.

[@Predator42ID]

You do know Glock didn't actually invent anything right. All they did was take existing technology that was being developed or already had been developed. Put them together with innovation in manufacturing, combined with a legendary marketing scheme and boom. The Glock 44 and their suing of Sig shows just how much they really lack in innovation and imagination.

[@Rubeless]

I’ll tell you why you get your info off of wiki. We use the 1911 for direct action. We use the M9 for deep recon. Any retard could figure out why.

[@taccovert4]

@@Rubeless 😂😂😂😂 umm, no. No one is wasting time on selecting a pistol, much less a specific caliber for a mission. They use what is issued, or what has been selected as the overall sidearm. A pistol is a sidearm, not a primary weapon. You will see some special units using a non standard sidearm as their service sidearm. You won't see elite troops nitpicking about the difference between a 1911 and an M9 during mission planning. That's a waste of time.

[@taccovert4]

@Crown royal it's a hammer. Nothing elegant or perfect about it. But it's a tool and it works.

[@fredboat]

Enjoyed the video/history. I bought a Colt M45A1 a few years ago and mine is more of a Dark Earth finish, Shoots just fine.

[@nctrnl.kd017]

my go-to sidearm in Insurgency: Sandstorm :)

[@nikbrady14]

I Can't fucking wait till the console release!

[@nctrnl.kd017]

@@nikbrady14 I'm so stoked for the console release too.... We need more players in the community. :D

[@jonnyblade3234]

My go to in Division 2

[@michaelrey2002]

HEEEEEEEEEEEEY! Me too! :D It's a good backup pistol, and it's stronger .45 ACP caliber never lets me down when I'm in a pickle too, as it saved me numerous times

[@user-by6bt1mz3e]

JP Dorato you better be on when it comes out, I pre ordered and am counting on others to not let it die I’ve been waiting for the console version for a while now

[@arcblooper2699]

The Glock has only replaced it among the Raiders. Recon is still rocking them in full as of late 2020

[@Tottleminerftw]

I just realized this video just came out and hope of finding one of these sky rocketed (Estimated Bid) 5-8 thousand dollars And another dream shatters.

[@Calvin_Coolage]

Could always just get one of the commercial models.

[@david05111]

Yeah these have become preposterously expensive over the last few years. The ones with actual wear are even worse.

[@AshleyPomeroy]

The last one seems to have sold for $12,650. That was back in May 2019. It was a much lower serial number though. Back in September 2018 a worn one sold for $4,025 - the worn finish looks pretty good, it has a patina.

[@CadillacFleetwood68]

Your videos are always great. Especially on lockdown, they have been an oasis of sanity; thanks for what you do, Ian.

[@sethy5136]

Love forgotten weapons early in the morning!

[@MrRogsmart]

Nice bit of history. Thanks Ian.

[@TroopperFoFo]

You forgot to mention the General Keys. A three star general. The Three stars on the side of the pistol is a reference to him.

[@jimf3932]

They were built by the Precision Weapons Shop, Ian. About 300 yds away from the rifle team’s offices at Quantico.

[@Josh-hr5mc]

In 1909-1910 one of the test pistols went through 6000 rounds of ammo. It got so hot they simply just dunked it in water to cool it down and go at it again. Browning supervised the test himself

[@ukwan]

My favourite pistol of all time, beautiful things!

[@STRAKAZulu]

Knowing as many Marines as I do (and almost becoming one, myself), I can say your assessment of both those lines of thought being correct is spot on.

[@03nike80]

almost just aint close enough.

[@galenw2339]

I am not one of these 1911 worshippers that being said for a short period of time while in the Marines I was issued a Beretta M9. I can tell you the M9 is on the same level as hi-points. Furthermore it was issued with 9mm ball. Quality lower than whale $h17. The only reason the US ever got on board with Beretta was so we could keep an AF base in Italy. However lets acknowledge that pistols are very very rarely used in combat. I’m out now, but I am sure the glocks are a welcome change.

[@neutronalchemist3241]

The "base in italy" story, and all the variations ("sell F16", "store nulear weapons") are 100% bullshit. The 92F won the contract simply because it performed better than any other handgun tested in the XM9 program. People tend to not understand how cheap the entire contract to sell pistols to the US army really is. Really, in respect to other expenses, those are pocket money. The few 76mm guns that OTO Melara sold to the US Navy were worth much more.

[@galenw2339]

@@neutronalchemist3241 it was rigged testing designed for the Beretta to pass. Smith and Wesson even won a federal lawsuit and congress had to step in and order a new round of testing 3 years later. Where the M9 won again on the basis that 100k M9’s had already been delivered and changing guns then would cause logistical problems. It had everything to do with backdoor politics and Avianon Air Base. M9’s are paperweights. I say good day sir.

[@neutronalchemist3241]

@@galenw2339 S&W pistol broke during the life expectancy test. Beretta one didn't. S&W lawsuit estabilished that the S&W pistol did break, but the rules didn't prevent the broken gun to pass the test anyway. Beretta won the re-run anyway. Because it performed better than any other handgun tested. Yeah. The testing was rigged. It was made so to give to the soldiers working guns.

[@danielburgess7785]

The extended beaver tail also plays well when wearing gloves.

[@crumply5959]

Force recon and some marine mp units still use the m45a1 and hasnt been replaced yet. Some recon units are switching to p320s but for the most part the m45a1 hasnt been replaced yet. Marsoc raiders replaced the m45 with the glock but that was it.

[@arcangelsecurity]

Your information is usually spot on. But history on the these reject Colt m45s with bad coatings and PWS built MEUSOC 1911s is less than accurate. The deactivated Force Recon Companies or Force Co. which no longer exist and most integrated into MARSOC DET1 (KIMBER) and now MARSOC Raiders. Force Recon now is part of Battalion Recon. Not even close to the former 8654 operators selection or capabilities or training pipeline. And FYI these M9s would never had held up to the rigors and round count the hand built 1911s or NSW 226s for that matter went through. All American SMUs at that time inlcuding Delta and ST6 used hand built and constantly maintained match 1911s as they saw up to 2k rounds a day. In the heyday the USMC or Force Recon didnt have much money but had a surplus of 45ACP ammo. You should do a review of various SMU 1911s including the HRT ones built by SA custom shop.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

You realize 19 years of war is too long for small batch production?

[@scout3058]

I EDC one of those NSW 226s. Of all the handuns I've owned or been issued it is by far my favorite.

[@weijingburr2392]

I've watched this video before and somehow I missed the 9mm Italian Sissy Pistol part, this time I caught it though, and I shot the coffee straight out of my nose.

[@ashkanhooshmand6518]

For some reason, I envy whoever's gonna own this pistol.

[@blarghinatelazer9394]

They're beauts.

[@misfit4816]

@John Doe they go for 6k on gunbroker. not the regular M45A1 but the Ex Marine M45s

[@shawnr771]

As much as I like what I see. Aint no pistol worth $6000.00.

[@TacticalTerry]

The new Taurus 1911 looks kinda similar and is supposed to be functional. For $400 to $500 it should be a nice pistol.

[@brandondavis4306]

check out the tisas raider looks alot like this pistol for 500

[@brentnunn7031]

I carry one! I was issued it for being on the srt team

[@Arthurzeiro]

Ahhh, the sidearm of every tryhard airsoft player out there.

[@galliman123]

Indeed haha, I'll take a Tokyo Marui M9 Chrome any day over this with its super comfy rubber grip

[@dainiusvysniauskas2049]

Nah, try hards usually run around with 2011s

[@Predator20357]

Why would TryHards be using real pistols? Is that what makes them TryHards?

[@dainiusvysniauskas2049]

@@Predator20357 Well, there are two types of try hards. Those who try to play as hard as possible and those who try to look as military as possible

[@Predator20357]

Dainius Vyšniauskas Ah Okay, I guess the former will be using the actual gun.

[@williamkirk9713]

I bought one when they were first being sold. Marked USMC instead of M45A1 like the newer ones. I was a motivated Cpl at the time and just had to have one. Spent way too much on it but I still love the damn thing

[@micronicman]

If you want to do an interesting story, do one on the Kimber DET-1 pistol and why they destroyed all of them when they went to the Railgun.

[@KillrMillr7]

I carried the old M1911 in the Corps, at short range they were fine, but they were so old and beat up after 3 wars at that time, they needed to be replaced. I carry a P250 Sig in SW 40. I love it.

[@jonathangriffiths2499]

Watching this while “ Sergeant York” is playing on the TV !

[@TimothyHuntC]

Nice video. Informative and well done.

[@MatigrisSH]

"Italian 9mm sissy pistol" - That is how i'll forever refer to my 92FS now lol

[@thinkingofyouto1]

Got mine absolutely love it

[@thelonerider9693]

The last time I was this early, it had a sight-safety...lol. Awesome to hear about this version! Ian you are keeping many of us sane during a trying time, thank you and best of wishes to you and your family thank you!

[@tjmoo3576]

These never actually got fully "replaced" in the end and are still being used today by any marsoc unit that wants to use them and has actually seen a massive uptick in use again in recent years.

[@michaelrey2002]

So, let me get this straight: The *M45A1* is the modernized version of the *M45 MEU(SOC),* which is the modernized version of the Colt M1911? Basically a modernized version of a MODERNIZED VERSION?

[@ronhmclaughlin]

The M45A1 was a replacement for the M45, which was the renaming of the MEU-SOC 45.

[@AshleyPomeroy]

I like to think that there's a parallel universe where the Imperial German army has only just stopped using the Mauser KC96A2(Spezialkräfte). And Great Britain is moving to the Webley Mk XXVIII**.

[@almost_friday9745]

I mean, the ak100 series is a modernization of a modernization

[@jameswhite153]

yep

[@coltm45a16]

Got any problems there?

[@userone4527]

When your current service weapon is a video on forgotten weapons. Man, that one hurts.

[@sidewinder666666]

I'll gladly give you my nickel-satin Combat Commander on Tuesday, for an M45A1 today.

[@rogerjohnson8707]

No, but we can discuss a short term loan on a hamburger.

[@chetdavis4286]

That is one beautiful, badass piece of work

[@stew88hi]

Their is way more to this story this program was dead before it started I was on the test and evaluation team for this weapon

[@CalzaTheFox]

Do tell!

[@heyzoos-cgr9369]

@@CalzaTheFoxYou took the words right out of my mouth...

[@nathanc.8821]

?

[@aritakalo8011]

@@CalzaTheFox most likely not, if he likes to keep his confidentiality oaths towards military.

[@LOUDcarBOMB]

There is a video of the M45A1 by Chris Bartocci / Small Arms Solutions that talks about the problems, being critical, and talking of using other .45 ACP pistols (SIG P228, H&K USP Tactical, and Glock 21). One of the most severe was the frame having serious cracks in it with photos (one being a long crack above the 1913 rail [like 2 - 3 inches / 50 - 75 mms] ).

[@noahtackett6264]

"oh wow they're surplus now, maybe I can get a nice 1911 for cheap." *Looks at $1250 price tag at cheapest and over $7k at high end* "What the fuck? Also why aren't these held together by duck tape, bubblegum, hopes and dreams?"

[@cerjmedia]

I learned about this gun from R6, very cool and interesting history i must say

[@johnbacon4997]

Does the FBI ops use these or Maverick

[@cerjmedia]

​@@johnbacon4997 FBI SWAT does, except Castle, because they replaced his with the Super Shorty not too long ago. Maverick uses the 1911, specifically the SIG SAUER Tac Ops Variant.

[@Blakewater0326]

The old Springfield 1911A1 MEUSOC pistols were precision weapons, therefore superior to the mass produced factory gun of the Berreta M9. The 1911 frame is also more ergonomic than the M9. Being .45 was just seen as a boon to smaller 9mm, and with military loads the .45 is superior in terminal ballistics. The Colt gun has been trash, the newer Colt M45A1 has had multitudes of issues and are no longer precision weapons. We’re still using the M45, but it will be replaced in the coming years with the fielding of the new Sig M17 pistol.

[@Shadow-dy7oh]

good old john moses browning

[@tristanburke2451]

Absolutely beautiful pistol I'm a big fan of 1911's and that is a amazing example

[@remcodenouden5019]

The US military: finally adopts something in 9mm The USMC: but muh .45

[@eatingelizabethsfrizbee]

Marines are not Special Forces (that is the Army's Green Berets) we are SOC or Special Operations Capable.

[@TheRogueWolf]

My thought, at first glance: "Who made a gun out of white chocolate?"

[@Hysteria98]

Imagine a small mechanical marvel such as this to be in use for well over 100 years and lead the way in pistol design, as well. Stunning. Gun design so old it outlasted very nearly every person on the planet.

[@generic_tylenol]

Wild. It looks almost like one of those plastic guns in a multi-pack you'd find at the dollar general.

[@OFallons]

I agree, 9mm sissy pistol, I absolutely loved my incredibly accurate issued 1911 issued to me in the Navy, it said Swisuvale on with twin dolphins, I dream of that weapon and wish I could have some way having it. Hands down the best weapon ever, at 50’ it put them where I wanted them alway 1100 in the Bulls eye.

[@illusion__5261]

Anyone use this on Ash and Thermite over the USG?

[@gonnegottkehaskamp1667]

Of course. I love the empty reload Animation.

[@MEleven-wh2kh]

Of course, because why do you need a USG 5.7 (Five-Seven) when you got a M45 MEUSOC (Modern 1911)?.

[@azrael3758]

Yes the Marines are huge on history and traditions. half the bootcamp was history/tradition classes.

[@SlavicCelery]

I know people are quick to praise 9mm as so much "better" than 45ACP, but when it's about FMJ....ehhh not nearly the same thing.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

Fine. There better, hi cap, .45ACP guns to use than this.

[@kiwi_comanche]

ICONIC sidearm right there. Awesome.

[@neutronalchemist3241]

"this is far from forgotten yet, but it would be better if it was".

[@neutronalchemist3241]

@M Via soldiersystems.net/2012/07/20/marsoc-winning-colt-guns/ "Due to cracks which developed in the pistol slides during Reliability Testing, that test was not able to be completed as planned. Testing was planned for 15,000 rounds per pistol, but stopped early at 12,000 rounds"

[@duedah837]

Whoever did this is a professional, no question. This thing could shoot a one-hole at 25 yards in a machine rest.