Why The M45A1 Kinda Sucked

[@MiMoSAResearch]

Nothing wrong with having click-bait in the title. In fact, I am trying to master it for my new channel! A couple of counterpoints: The issued M45A1 was made to spec, the Marines spec'd it without front checkering, with Cerakote (despite advise from vendors not to), and at a specific price point. I could go on about Cerakote vs Decobond thickness, application methodology, vendor choice, etc. I won't absolve Colt completely of any and all missteps (the first thousand delivered had sights flying off during testing, for example), but the deck was stacked against them in the way the RFP was written for these items. You rightly point out the issue of production line gun vs the M45 made by a PWS 2112 with parts requiring hand fitting. I think that particular argument speaks for itself. Colt delivered these at a price of between $1050 and $1195 (depending on year and volume) to the USMC, not a lot of meat left on the bone for hand fit parts. So given that, for whom was it a disappointment? Serving Marines? They wouldn't have cared about holster fit, they were issued the Safariland version you demonstrate. And we've seen plenty of evidence of skate tape on the front strap of issued decomms for those so inclined. Then the USMC conceded and permitted a Decobond finish as an authorized update, which was implemented and delivered. Concerning issues with the design of the holster they were issued (which is what I believe is what is refer to in the opening shot as a horrible design), I'm not sure one could fault of the firearm for that. It was a disappointment for the consumer? Sure, holster fit could have been an issue for the consumer, since it had not been seen before and the holster makers needed to adapt to a new configuration, as I am sure would have occurred when railed 1911s first appeared. If the consumer wanted a checkered front strap and something that didn't rattle, they could have chosen a model out of the Custom Shop (at least, current models which do come with a checkered front strap). The forced switch to 9mm was a more a political issue than a user requested issue. Signing off from Mom's basement...

[@defconcreative]

Very solid response! I think I really was just disappointed overall… it was a grail gun for me and I almost paid $9k for a decommissioned one 2 years ago…. I shoot all my guns and I would have been VERY disappointed had I pulled the trigger on that one.

[@MiMoSAResearch]

@@defconcreative Welcome to M45A1 Decomm madness! My first issued decomm (a Camp Lejeune schoolhouse gun) shot a full 3" low at 7 yards. I don't think it would hit paper at 15 yards! But I was lucky enough to get it for $1350 on the first day of release. I traded up for a 2nd Raiders Battalion Fox Company gun that cost me $4k, and I thought I was crazy at the time. It shoots POA/POI.

[@the1911FrenchAddict]

​​@@defconcreativewhen you buy a decommissioned one, you buy a part of us history in a way. You see many guns with tight tolerances with alchemy, cabot... it's the high end of hand fitted guns. You will be disappointed 100 percent. In fact, it's only a 1200 usd gun, like Mimosa research said. The purpose of a M45A1,still according to me, doesn't pretend to be a Ferrari, it pretends to be a Toyota Hilux, very tough, practical and affordable. Maybe a good restomod for 2025 would be a M45A1 new gen

[@HFSswfl]

Thank you for a comment that is actual facts, not internet operators who know nothing about how any of this works.

[@traeucity6087]

Brown noses, then writes a book.

[@Papieck37]

I agree... The M45a1 is a production gun while the M45 was a skilled artisan product. The original MEUSOC and its variants were really a true piece of art.

[@defconcreative]

Agree

[@bobbressi5414]

My dad was on the US Army pistol team. I learned how to shoot with a 1911. I can tell you from experience, the series 80 block does not simply make the gun drop safe. It makes it safe against certain part failure. Mainly the main sear spring. For your viewers who may not know, the 1911 uses a 3 leaf sear spring in the back strap. One leaf engages the hammer when it is cocked. On the Springfield series 70 gun I owned, the tip of this spring broke off, leaving only a tiny surface to engage the hammer. On loading the weapon by chambering a round, the hammer fell and caused a discharge. Further examination revealed the damage to the leaf spring. Fortunately, I always use safety protocols when loading a weapon so nobody was injured. Just the backstop I use when charging any gun. Had this been a series 80 gun, the hammer still would have fallen, but as the trigger was not depressed, the firing pin block would have stopped the gun from firing. I realize this is a very strange and rare failure, but if it happened to me Im sure it's happened to others.

[@DogeMcLovin]

Great info - I didn't know series 70 could have such a discharge. Thinking about it, it makes sense though... as the grip safety will be more than likely depressed when chambering.

[@tperry101202]

what would be cool is if ACW made a "M45A2" and made m45a1 homage but giving that ACW love and care.

[@elijahanderson6736]

I heard from a guys who used a MUESOC gun oversees that the 1911 system was less than ideal in the desert. The hammer/firing pin would get dust and sand immedielty after getting off the helo. The guns wouldn’t function. They switched to Glocks and never had an issue again. I love the 1911 but I think it’s limited in duty use for the military except for select units who can choose

[@Rubeless]

Exactly.

[@zacharydalton8132]

“There’s a lot of ways to mitigate drop safe issues” Yeah like don’t drop your fucking gun lol

[@defconcreative]

Exactly

[@graystoke8229]

We can easily blame Colt for the problems with the M45A1 but the fault more largely lays with the Marines. The Marines set the requirements, industry responds, and the Marines conduct testing and pick a winner. The Marines are responsible for final quality control.

[@defconcreative]

I BLAME ERRYBODY

[@K-bob_45]

100%. They said they wanted cerakote. Cerakote sucks compared to ionbond, especially on a stainless frame.

[@tylergarrett4498]

​@K-bob_45 dude I've got like 3k rounds out of my m45a1 (not the surplus) First couple hundred rounds I found the extractor claw was holding on to shells. The coating that the colt made 'not m45a1' isn't the cerakote but otherwise it's a solid gun

[@K-bob_45]

@@tylergarrett4498 are you saying you got a colt that was not cerakoted and that’s problematic? Your last sentence is confusing me. As far as holding rounds I imagine you’re describing excessive extractor tension

[@tylergarrett4498]

@@K-bob_45 yeah, I was incredibly tired when I made that comment, made more sense last night. It's a m45a1, but it's decobonded.

[@NegligentDischarged]

My M45a1 sucks so much that it keeps going up in value ever time I shoot it 🤷‍♂️

[@TheRealZJM377]

Yeah til your frame cracks

[@Zantar45]

This shouldn't be a surprise, but the Philippine Army uses the Rock Island 1911A1 as a standard issued side arm (...also the Glock 17). What is a surprise though is that they are in the process of replacing all the single stack 1911 pistols for double stack RIA 2011 tac ultra pistols chambered in 45acp. You would expect them to drop 45 and go with 9mm because of also having Glocks, but nope, they are sticking with the big ball

[@1911Ministries]

Colt may be the original manufacturer but they are no longer anywhere near top tier. Last month, I walked into the store of my local dealer, wanting to buy a Colt just so I can say I own a Colt. I already owned a Springfield 1911 Garrison. I handled this brand new stainless Colt Government and it had so much play between the frame and slide that I questioned whether or not the employee made a mistake and handed me a Rock Island Armory. My Springfields do not rattle and they are production guns. Needless to say I walked out that day with my second Springfield 1911 Garrison but in stainless. I am so thankful that the design of John Moses Browning is being manufactured by countless other companies outside of Colt. If Colt was the only company allowed to manufacture the 1911, by maintaining all of their patents, then the 1911 would be dead today due to their negligence. The M45A1 should have been produced by Springfield. Not Colt 🤷‍♂️

[@TheRealZJM377]

Don't forget about Fusion 1911s that are right next to SA

[@christophermead9800]

If I came across an M45A1, I would leave it in the box for a decade, then sell it, buy lots of ammo, an Alchemy or Cabot and pocket the rest of the money. I’m a shooter, not a collector. I only own 3 pistols and they’re all 1911s chambered in 45

[@defconcreative]

He’ll yeah

[@RedHuntsman]

I bought one of those that were used and returned to Colt-these were never shipped in a colt box like the unused ones were. I did a FIOA request for it and it was assigned to the Raiders specifically G Company. Many of the used ones were trainers that never got out of the U.S.

[@CrkdFngrGngrBndt]

I bought mine like 2 years ago finally, I had a chance to buy one like 8 years ago as I was getting out of the Marines but at that time $2,000 for a pistol was outrageous, it was a USMC marked pistol, not a decommissioned but one of the early ones Colt put out before the Marine Corps told them to stop. Wish I could have bought that one but I’m happy with the one I have for basically sentiment, and it does shoot pretty nice all things considered

[@the1911FrenchAddict]

Can't wait to see. By the way thank you for your kind words on the meusoc video. Keep going, you're doing great 👍

[@defconcreative]

It’s very cool to see European fans of the 1911!! Thanks for sharing the photos and story.

[@the1911FrenchAddict]

@@defconcreative so I watched the full video, on won't be that keyboard warrior. You know that I own the same, and sadly...I agree with you. The gun rattles, the front grips... it's definitely a huge mistake from Colt. In fact, I wanted the gun so hard because, for me, it's a good looking gun, a very original choice in the days. The 80 series....for sure it's not the best choice for the trigger, but... it's not perfect but not that bad. I would really like to try (or own 😅) a m45, but it's nearly impossible to find one. Feel free to have a look at the channel of "Mimosa research" one m45a1. The guy is really nice and he's got an huge collection of 1911, especially m45a1, so different models I didn't even know. I would be curious about the thoughts of Eli of this m45a1, not a lot of good things I guess 😅 Jack made a review, so when I bought the m45a1, I already knew about the "rattle gun" I am coming to the US in 15 days, I hope I can find an alchemy custom somewhere, for being sad for real 😂 Thank you for the review

[@the1911FrenchAddict]

​@@defconcreative and by the way, just for the story, I shot ,2 days ago, with some 45 ACP bullets from 1943 with my Ithaca from 1943. It was amazing. Very soft bullets, but the smell of the powder was.... amazing

[@Barta5838]

Got to T/E them at Colt Armorer’s school in Ft Worth, TX when they first came out. Spent a day at the range with 4th Force Recon “breaking them in” at the range, at a later date. They did not like them compared to what they already had. They issued them the pistol, the light and a Safariland holster that did not accommodate the light. Brilliant! We did put a crap ton of rounds through them, though, with no hiccups.

[@richardwattler6088]

They should of had Springfield Armory build there railed 1911 instead of Colt.

[@ChuckSneed88]

I do believe springfield made and entered the mc operator for that contract but didn't get it for whatever reason. I love that gun tho as I do all the other m45/meusoc guns.

[@defconcreative]

Agreed

[@Rubeless]

A retired general went to work for colt, that’s the reason.

[@MikeRehfuss]

@rubeless nailed it. Chris at Small Arms Solutions did a deep dive on retired flag officers running Colt and all the problems that arose.

[@TheRealZJM377]

That's right. I guess they missed the FBI contract that Springfield Armory 1

[@kingjehukhan8541]

I am not in my moms basement, I am in the study! LOL! That MARSOC 45 was put together rather piss poorly...sad but true.Remember when DELTA was rocking custom 1911's because it beat out the Glock 21..wait ..what? Fact. H&K=Master RAce!......Great Video! Thanks!

[@GradyM40A6]

I have a brick that beat out the Glock 21, and every other Glock JUNK ever made.

[@Stefwich1911]

Can you make a video about the Kimber DET1? The predecessor to the m45 and the military “warrior” model

[@ryangrey3578]

At about 4 minutes in you stated it didnt serve in the gwot. Unless i misheard you. Maybe not with MARSOC but they weren't the only users. Recon still used them for quite a bit.

[@defconcreative]

I said the opposite…. It was used in GWOT

[@ryangrey3578]

@defconcreative thanks for the clarification. Although you then went on to say the m45a1 only had a 4 year service life which it didn't. MARSOC dropped them but recon continued to use them for another 5-6 years.

[@luloadventure]

Would be nice to compare the Colt M45A1 with the Tisas Raider. Looking some Gun-Reviews of Tisas Raider, this gun looks like the Quality and aesthetic control are much better than Colt did. Probably the better option for the US Army should be the Springfield Armory Operator-TRP, but as you say, probably the 2011 in 9mm could be the option. Thank you for your review and opinion. Regards from the Swiss Alps.

[@defconcreative]

The tisas suffers from the same design problems and is Turkish so it’ll suck even more

[@cavalieroutdoors6036]

@@defconcreative I don't think their rail is as thick. But it is a more thrifty model. And you get what you pay for. So I'm prone to agree, even if I did have a good run with my Girsan 1911.

[@MrKingArthurhk]

I can only imagine how expensive that.45 ACP costs.

[@Bill308A10]

Made my own muesoc clone out of a rock island that I literally abused, rebuilt the old thing after 10k rounds and years of just shooting it. I bought the cheap thing just to burn it up and man I was actually amazed how well it held up. Re-barreled and gutted it replaced everything with Wilson parts and brown. Got Novak sights cut into the slide added a rail to the dust cover via welding. I did go with a full length guide rod I feel it’s better.

[@defconcreative]

Personally I like GI guide rods… makes disassembly easier.

[@Bill308A10]

@@defconcreative I was of the same opinion until I got a Wilson guide rode it’s not sharp like the other ones and strips down the same way as an original

[@jasondubois3399]

I’ve had the opportunity to handle ,but not shoot, an original Colt M45( a first gen model with the ega serial number. It struck me as a typical production grade 1911. Nothing stood out as exceptionally bad, but there was nothing that really impressed me either.

[@douglasdaugherty5337]

I have the Tisas Duty Raider, the M45 A1 clone. It looks much nicer than it shoots. I have a lot of failure to feeds. Maybe these are caused by the feed ramp not being incorporated into the barrel. Otherwise it is a fun pistol to shoot at the range. Just wouldn't bet my life on it not malfunctioning.

[@defconcreative]

NO... you don't want a supported feed ramp on 45acp... they suck

[@douglasdaugherty5337]

@defconcreative My Springfield Armory Garrison .45 Commander has a feed ramp incorporated into the barrel and I have far fewer failure to feeds or failure to go into battery than I do with the Tisas Duty Raider.

[@cavalieroutdoors6036]

It shouldn't need the feed ramp incorporated into the barrel. Either method achieves the same end result. I would wager it need some extractor tuning. Consider sending it to Tisas and see if they fix it. if they fail, you can check the 1911 forum. Find the Gunsmithing section. Steve in Allentown extractor tuning thread. If the gun won't feed after all that, and maybe some light feed ramp polishing, it has a deeper issue.

[@barnacanbull]

REMINDS ME OF UNCLE RICO AND HIS QUARTERBACKING VIDEOS FROM NAPOLEAN DYNAMITE

[@defconcreative]

I guess you could say things are getting serious

[@robertharvey2536]

If you're looking for one for your collection, I have a colt custom from their custom shop. It is available.

[@defconcreative]

Honestly, the base non military version is the only one I would be interested in. The custom shop guns really aren’t worth the extra dough

[@markevans658]

Always thought they should have gone with the Springfield MC Operator.

[@defconcreative]

Agreed

[@POPJack1717]

They didn't go with Springfield for the same reason most military units and law enforcement choose the Trijicon over any other 'better' brand of optic, simply because of the Name and "History of rELIaBiLiTy". Colt was the 'Trijicon' of the weapons category.

[@TheRealZJM377]

That's right. I guess they missed the FBI contract at Springfield won

[@track-sv2us]

They can make a 9mm 1911 that holds 17 plus rounds but can't make a 45acp double stack that holds 15 rounds

[@defconcreative]

Yes ….we have one at ACW

[@track-sv2us]

@@defconcreative never heard of acw 1911. where can i find it

[@defconcreative]

Google: Alchemy Custom Weaponry or ACW 1911 The quantico hicap in 45acp carries 14+1 in 45acp

[@celmer6]

I owned a Para Ordnance P-14 with 2 round base plate for a total capacity of 15rds. It was a great pistol and I traded it off for a sweet 1964 Ford F-100 Custom Cab.

[@danielmattera4298]

As much as I would like to say these are all wrong, they are all fair points. I would honestly say the crazy recoil in all the DOD videos are probably because the Dual Recoil Springs are trash. Military armorers are terrible about springs outside certain units, and mine failed at 3k rounds. Recoil was so severe that my wrist was sore by the end of 2 mags, and remained so for a few days. I replaced the springs with normal weights and its back to shooting nicely again. The thick rail thing is super annoying as well. I modified a ALS holster to work, instead of using the hood version, all that was needed was to dremel out the bottom where the light touched the body of the holster. For my EDC holster search was a lot harder. I ended up finding that the Phlster Floodlight was what worked best. I am just short of 5k on the gun now at a year of ownership and its been a great shooter within its limitations.

[@defconcreative]

So…. We still frens?

[@danielmattera4298]

@@defconcreative Yes. We still frens

[@hurt1704]

You’re alive bro. Miss your uploads

[@defconcreative]

Been very busy!!! But I am back at it on a good schedule!

[@kellyBorgman]

A Former Delta guy spoke of a 1911 during a battle. The dust and debris from a helicopter downwash put his 1911 out of action when needed. Sad 😞 face.

[@JKCullens]

M45A2 will rise from the ashes

[@basketweave_101]

I take it the last restomod for the year will fix all the faults with the m45a1.

[@defconcreative]

🤣🤣🤣 no…. Not that ambitious yet

[@MrRampro]

Have you started lifting?

[@defconcreative]

Yup

[@earlmorrison8163]

M45 all day long !! Thanks for the video !!

[@defconcreative]

Agreed!

[@Throndl]

I went with the SA MC operator back in 2012. When the M45A1 came out, at first, I was disappointed I went with the SA. Over time, though, I'm glad I went with the MC Operator.

[@M45A1Guy]

The Springfield is filled with MIM parts and worth less than you paid for it. The M45A1 doesn’t have any MIM parts and has almost doubled in value. Go back to being disappointed.

[@TheRealZJM377]

​@@M45A1Guythat's bullshit. Forged frame in on the SA. that junk colt has issues with the frame cracking and the paint chipping

[@Throndl]

@@M45A1Guy While I do think SA using MIM parts is mega gay, I don't think the M45A1 is anything to write home about quality wise. They are both production guns that command a more premium price due to the name on the side, than their inherent value. Neither is a Wilson Combat or even a Dan Wesson Valor. I just think, between the SA MC Operator and the M45A1, the MC Operator is the better gun. My internet opinion.

[@xusmico187]

MARSOC using a M17?

[@defconcreative]

M17/18..... honestly I despise the 320 so much I don't know which is which. Some units still use glocks

[@K-bob_45]

The reason for the beefy frame rail, shallower wider serrations, and the dual spring assembly(which you failed to mention) is another requirement from the govt. it had to go 10k rounds between maintenance cycles. This cracked all the first round guns and only colt offered a solution. Springfield wasn’t willing to meet contract requirements. Colt did. The M45 is a great 1911. All of its problems are just that it’s still a 1911. It’s more durable and more serviceable than the meusoc

[@boomee78]

its easy to say it sucks now. I think you are used to some of the niceties you currently have with your setups and access to.high end stuff now.

[@defconcreative]

They were making good guns in 2012

[@xusmico187]

AI or CQB? origional finish or second run? NM or other barrel? Yes the rail is bad. their is on holster for a SA 1911 but that Colt M45 rail eats up holsters...

[@defconcreative]

The one I shot is a civilian with the Ionbond finish.... but my opnion stands on any version of the M45A1

[@ACGBLR]

I do want a M45A1, but from a quality builder. Probably will pick one up and have a smith work it over.

[@defconcreative]

That’s what I would do…

[@_beanswick2054]

Some thing about 1911’s and that Roadster shop shirt screams 🦅🫡

[@defconcreative]

Merica

[@sconniejohn]

I wouldn't thumb my nose at either, but for the money, id put it towards a WW2 genuine article. The "provenance" of a colt factory run of a factory run military sidearm is okay. I'm not going to throw shade, but it's a factory run gun. When considered guns in the $1700+ range, lots of others, at least as good if not better, become an option.

[@TheRealZJM377]

He'll yeah it sucks chipping paint and cranking frames colt made the 1911 look REAL BAD . And then when military tried to sue colt they failed for bankruptcy HA HA HA HA HA

[@Disirregardless]

I’ve owned this gun four times because it was so cool. One of the first run custom shop guns. Two of the blue box cerakote guns and one in Ionbond. I can assure, these guns kinda suck.

[@defconcreative]

Amen

[@Pacificplinker556]

Love the m45 so much I got 2

[@JoeFromTheAfternoon]

Operators > Colt M45A1

[@defconcreative]

Agree

[@mrweeby1961]

So it's not like the Marine armors would build. While I wouldn't pay what the Colt pistol costs and an ex military would be more expensive I'd still like to have an ex military one. I have a Colt from around 2011-12 that was custom made for the US Army 163 Dragons, stainless. It's a commemorative with mission engravings and special serial number. Yeah it's not an actual military pistol but it's still cool.

[@alfredjr2k556]

This M45 handgun make me good, not sucks.

[@doranmaxwell1755]

Ok... I kinda glossed over the M part when I clicked on this. I shoot a lot of handguns of various kinds but actually don't own a plastic striker fired gun. have had a 'few' 1911's which I like but mostly shoot revolvers out plinking. Even tho I am arguably a better shot than them especially hip and point lol They tell me i will be last chosen when they form their civilian seal team/John Wick six As at best I can only get 6 or 7 from the cartell hit team they are expecting before I run out of ammo and I really don't practice fast reloads. I do remind em tho that I will get the first two at least. Rattlers and sodas fear me! Sooo.. I handload so can afford to shoot a lot. I also like the 1911 but.... not the ones with the tiny little hammer you can't get to because of this gawdy beavertail in the way. I learned on revolvers...single action Colts and double action guns. I can shoot double action but typically don't. maybe 40 years ago when I got a good deal on a nickel Colt 1911 made in 1936... I started to really like the 1911... before that there was not a lot of choices. I pretty much treat all handguns the same. round in the chamber and cock the hammer on the draw. keep things simple huh? In the 90's I bought a Kimber. VERY accurate.. still have it maybe 25k rounds later but with Wilson combat guts including two piece guide rod Like Saint Browning intended. Also... for my style? this was a very very clumsy gun to get into action. That hideous extended beavertail really got in the way. The 'Delta' hammer on the gun is sorta ok tho so I just cut the BT down to a useful size. I am sure that a few by now have had a case of the vapors over this and had to get a tacticool energy bar to recover In fairness tho I do have large but not meaty hands and have never gotten slide bite on any of em. Also... just to be ornery... (hey I'm old) Garand thumb is pretty much a myth. Aaaad... A colt single action army is safe to carry with 6 rounds no matter what John Wayne told you in some movie.

[@WyoCaterpillar]

You like Bud Light and eat corn on the cob from the end, don't ya.

[@hectorvazquez4528]

No one changes springs in the military. Series 80 was a smart choice. Lots of misinformation.

[@defconcreative]

Ghey

[@antoniotula262]

They'd have done much better with a G21.

[@mariotorano3781]

This guy looks like a large 3rd grader. Also wanted to add Springfield armory has sucked for a long time nobody buys that crap or they do and sell them right away

[@defconcreative]

Cmon man… I look like a 5th grader at the very least

[@JoeFromTheAfternoon]

The gun is made by Colt. Not Springfield Armory.

[@seijiroukikuoka5975]

The M45A1 is just another classic example of Colt being nothing but a massive failure since the 2000's, while the MEUSOC M45 was everything that the M1911 platform should have evolved into. Also, another case of "if it ain't broken, don't try to fix it". The Colt fanbois can suck it.

[@defconcreative]

A man of culture!