• Watch Out for Scammers!

    We've now added a color code for all accounts. Orange accounts are new members, Blue are full members, and Green are Supporters. If you get a message about a sale from an orange account, make sure you pay attention before sending any money!

Sidearms & Scatterguns Colt USMC .45 CQB Any thoughts?

Douglas-001

Douglas-001

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 16, 2012
602
1,137
54
50 miles west of Camp Perry
So while checking this pistol out for a good friend of mine who just returned from Camp Leatherneck, as well as another base, I can't recall the name. I find that the price is through the roof! He turns 21 in May and I was thinking about a gift for him as we went to the range upon his return and he was really diggin' the .45. He also worked out with some suppressors I have and got a kick out of those too. A brief conversation with him a few weeks back and he tells me he's leaning towards the .45. I knew they were expensive, but good grief, that seems ridiculous. Seems there will only be a limited amount released to the public, is that correct? Just thinking out loud members. He's a good man and just when I think that the younger generation is lost, I know that there are more like him out there and I try to keep the faith. Maybe I'll take him up to Canada where the strip clubs are ALOT different....I know many members are Marines, are you afforded any kind of purchasing privileges by manufactures? Perhaps I could help him (financially) move into a great firearm? Any thoughts? Thank you.

Doug
 
I know this will probably not sit well with some people but it's the truth, so take it for what its worth. A good friend of mine runs courses for the MARSOC guys and has seen nothing but issues with them in every class he's had them in. The MARSOC guys are not happy with the new pistol due to the issues and most not wanting it in the first place, a majority would prefer something else. It might work well for a recreational/occasional user but for the use it gets as a work gun, it's already falling short.
 
Just an opinion, but after checking one out at the NRA show, I think there are much better 1911's to be had for the money.
 
It would be really neat to learn the kinds of issues that people are having with the issue guns. Some issues are more easily fixed than others. However, for the price, I would expect that it would work from the start without needing more tinkering.
 
Papa Zero Three said:
I know this will probably not sit well with some people but it's the truth, so take it for what its worth. A good friend of mine runs courses for the MARSOC guys and has seen nothing but issues with them in every class he's had them in. The MARSOC guys are not happy with the new pistol due to the issues and most not wanting it in the first place, a majority would prefer something else. It might work well for a recreational/occasional user but for the use it gets as a work gun, it's already falling short.
Click to expand...

Why am I not amazed.
 
For the price you can get a good custom 1911 from shops that make them hard use friendly.
 
I would consider a Colt rail gun, or an hk45. Hk has good military lineage. And HK is the gold standard in reliability
 
From what I understand from a close friend of mine at 2nd MSOB they're dropping that handgun in favor of a more reliable platform. I won't name manufacturers but there isn't much guessing as to which will be adopted...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Great info members, thank you. Nothing written in stone just wanted to get some feedback. He spied that pistol and fell over! I can always steer him towards something else. He does seem set on the 1911 platform and I know that for half that amount he can pick up a quality .45. Plenty of time so there's no hurry. But we all know how it is when you see something you like.............:) Good luck and good shooting!

Doug
 
The pistol mentioned has 3 concerns:

1. It's a 1911 and 1911s, IMO, are not good production guns. I carried one for work, and serviced them, for 12 years so I am confident in my feelings there.
2. This is a special 1911 that has more collector appeal than practical appeal.
3. If you shoot it, that value declines. They are TOO expensive street price right now.

Your buddy is best served by getting a semi-custom 1911 " set model" that he can wring out. If he sells it, won't get smoked on it. If he buys it used to begin with, will save a TON over the CQB.

As for the comments from Caylen....holy smokes. That sounds like a mess. I'll be keeping my ear to the ground on that.

I've told this to many people before, if I wanted to carry my 1911 in harms way, no problem. I service it. Clean it. Fix it. Am responsible for it front to back. If I have squad of guys who I am responsible for...those swinging dicks are getting a modern striker based pistol. Life is too short to make their 1911 problems MY 1911 problems.

TTR
 
Gents,
I work at MARSOC as a support guy. We have had nothing but issues with these pistols. It pains me to say this as I am a 1911 guy! Most CSOs prefer the Glock. Even if this was a reliable weapon the price is ridiculous. You can damn near get a custom 1911 built (that will actually work) for what colt wants for these.
 
Sorry to hear this! I absolutely love mine. The CQB version (civilian model) came with a 3lb trigger from the CCS. There's a retired Marine PWS armorer (think he knows a thing or two about) building them and hardfitting the barrel. I think it is as good or even possibly better then any of the other high end manufacturers. It is a Custom Shop Colt. It is well worth the premium unfortunately GB is charging. I was hitting consistantly at 50yds standing freehand effortlessly. I can't say enough great things about it. If you send BJT72 a pm on the 1911forum they can be purchased directly from Colt for $2200. I was also lucky to pickup the M45 version..the same one MARSOC gets off of GB. That came with a 4lb trigger but no hardfitting of the barrel due to interchangability in the field. The CQB is my shooter and the M45 will not be fired for collectibilty purposes.
 
Last edited:
Check out the Sig Scorpion or Kimbe Desert Warrior. You can almost have both for the price of the Colt. Similar in appearance to the Colt. Both are great guns as well
 
Based on internet talk on the 1911 Forum (its from the internet so its true) there is a difference between the issue guns and those being sold commercially. The commercial models come from the custom shop and I believe the barrels differ and fitting is tighter. The GI contract production is on a different line and in order to have the ability to switch parts around they are not made to the same tolerances.

I don't know sounds like a circle jerk to make the same gun in two different production lines but that's what I have understood is happening.

Now if that is true you would think that the GI contract guns would run better with some slop in them but this seems to not be the case. Than again the people that do have the guns are not doing with them what happens to these guns in the Fleet. Id say they get looked at and spanked over more than they get taken out of their little pelican case. I am a 1911 fanboy but I have no reason to doubt there could be issues with the new gun.

Still I can understand your friends want to own one. The gun would be great but it is a big nut and mighty generous of you to consider getting him one. In lieu of that have you considered an NCO sword? An official one ($400 +/-) not an India copy. Is he E4 or above? Is he staying in the Corps? We almost had it arranged to buy each guy in our detachment one from our bar fund but Charles Taylor ruined that for us. I think every now and than of buying one but things like ammo and powder always climb to the front of the blowing money list.


Edit - On second thought I guess a sword might be a let down if he has any inkling there may be a gun coming. Lots of nice alternative guns mentioned on this thread. Again very generous of you to think of your friend and giving such a gift.
 
Last edited:
As per Brent..the Colt Custom Shop manager. Both the CQB and M45 are built on the same production line. Both have NM barrels. The CQB's barrels are hand fitted along with slide to frame and trigger work.
 
Last edited:
pmclaine said:
We almost had it arranged to buy each guy in our detachment one from our bar fund but Charles Taylor ruined that for us.
Click to expand...
Ol' Chuck and Ben ruined a perfectly good libo float we had going back in '96. Three months in Monrovia getting those fucking worms crawling through our skin and insane malaria pill dreams while getting shot at with shitty ROEs sucked ass.

OP, I'd say have your buddy hit up the 2112 armorers at the Precision Weapon Section shop to see if they can build him up an old school MEU(SOC) .45. I know they used to do it on the side years back, and it would be more exclusive than a CCS model to boot.
 
I've seen a lot of custom guns and knock off's over the years for USMC .45's one even said "Recon .45" to try and catch the un knowledgible. Back in the day, the orgional MEUSOC 45 was a great secondary. very reliable and never had any issues. Somewhere along the way they must have changed how they were manufactured as now i hear nothing but negative things about the new service ones.
 
I never considered an NCO Sword. He's a CPL and I believe he is up for SGT this month. I figured that a sword was issued as I have only seen one before and that was at another friends house decades ago. He was a SSGT. He has no idea that I was considering helping him make a purchase financially. Sorry if I gave the wrong impression in the original post. I did advise him to ask his fellow Marines what their thoughts were on the subject. (He's in the Jacksonville area now, along with his wife who is best friends with my daughter, they went to school together.) I like the idea of the sword, but would I be allowed to purchase it as a civilian? I would also have to check with his wife ( The Colonel) as she may be looking to get him something special for his 21st birthday. I was leaning towards a pistol as I could get him started with ammo and mucho other supplies he may need. I guess the question-mission- now is how do I get him to query the crew at 2112 weapons system? The Kimber is a good gun. I have a Custom Classic that is almost 20 years old and still shoots bugholes! Excellent advice members! Are active Marines afforded any discounts from manufacturers? More deep thoughts from my shallow mind....

Doug

P.S. This is another thought....A Randall Knife? Model 14
 
Last edited:
Douglas-001 said:
I never considered an NCO Sword. He's a CPL and I believe he is up for SGT this month. I figured that a sword was issued as I have only seen one before and that was at another friends house decades ago. He was a SSGT. He has no idea that I was considering helping him make a purchase financially. Sorry if I gave the wrong impression in the original post. I did advise him to ask his fellow Marines what their thoughts were on the subject. (He's in the Jacksonville area now, along with his wife who is best friends with my daughter, they went to school together.) I like the idea of the sword, but would I be allowed to purchase it as a civilian? I would also have to check with his wife ( The Colonel) as she may be looking to get him something special for his 21st birthday. I was leaning towards a pistol as I could get him started with ammo and mucho other supplies he may need. I guess the question-mission- now is how do I get him to query the crew at 2112 weapons system? The Kimber is a good gun. I have a Custom Classic that is almost 20 years old and still shoots bugholes! Excellent advice members! Are active Marines afforded any discounts from manufacturers? More deep thoughts from my shallow mind....

Doug

P.S. This is another thought....A Randall Knife? Model 14
Click to expand...

Id hate to cock block the buying of a gun for a fellow Marine but if you do get him a sword get a legit one through a place like "The Marine Shop" in Quantico VA. There are a lot of crap replicas out there and they are crap. The government does not issue NCO swords.

This company and this tell tale guide may be helpful

Marine NCO Sword Buying Guide

You don't have to be Active duty/a Marine to buy one. Id imagine most are given as gifts by family/friends or earned through achievement in some service school.

Just a thought.

...and if your looking for more friends of good character that you would lavish such gifts of high quality as you have mentioned Im available!
 
Since it sounds like cost is a concern, I would suggest the Smith and Wesson E-series. They should be about 1/3 to 1/2 the price of the Colt USMC CQB. The E-series has and external extractor that actually works and has received high marks from at least one top 1911 gunsmith. If it is being shot a lot, then extractor maintenance should be much easier than a traditional 1911 extractor replacement.
 
Well, my daughter spoke with his wife last night and it looks like his wife is buying the pistola for him. I'm not sure what he picked out as I have not spoke with him lately. I reckon he'll call me sooner or later. That's a great link to the sword idea. Are they the only authorized/certified seller out there? Thanks again members.

Doug
 
Papa Zero Three said:
I know this will probably not sit well with some people but it's the truth, so take it for what its worth. A good friend of mine runs courses for the MARSOC guys and has seen nothing but issues with them in every class he's had them in. The MARSOC guys are not happy with the new pistol due to the issues and most not wanting it in the first place, a majority would prefer something else. It might work well for a recreational/occasional user but for the use it gets as a work gun, it's already falling short.
Click to expand...

Yup. These things had problems long before they were adopted but Colt got a nice free pass. Glad MARSOC has G19s in their armory.
 
Douglas-001 said:
Well, my daughter spoke with his wife last night and it looks like his wife is buying the pistola for him. I'm not sure what he picked out as I have not spoke with him lately. I reckon he'll call me sooner or later. That's a great link to the sword idea. Are they the only authorized/certified seller out there? Thanks again members.

Doug
Click to expand...

That sword seller looks first class but they really do blow their own horn on the site. Id want a recommend from someone that has actually bought an NCO sword if you go that route.

This place

The Marine Shop - Quantico

was a staple for buying uniforms when I was MSG. I think they outfit a lot of OCS Marines also. They will have the real deal swords.

Note if you go the sword route they will ask a size. They are fit to the Marine in I think basically a small, medium, large but it will be expressed in heights - as an example 5'6" to 5'10", 5'11" to 6'3. I don't recall correctly maybe they measure off your inseam. If you have a best guess a legit seller will help you out.
 
Last edited:
Your height isn't what totally determines the correct sword length. Unless the Corps has changed the standard since I have been out, 1995. The correct length is the tip of the sword should be at the height of the corner of your eye. I am 6'4" and my NCO sword is a 34. My best friend is 6'3" with no neck and short arms his sword is a 32. I know a lot has changed since I got out. So it might be different now.
 
dragbag said:
Your height isn't what totally determines the correct sword length. Unless the Corps has changed the standard since I have been out, 1995. The correct length is the tip of the sword should be at the height of the corner of your eye. I am 6'4" and my NCO sword is a 34. My best friend is 6'3" with no neck and short arms his sword is a 32. I know a lot has changed since I got out. So it might be different now.
Click to expand...

Sir this sounds absolutely right and makes most sense. This measurement will keep the Marine from knocking his cover off when performing the sword movements.

I knew there was some criteria for fitting.

I certainly hope your best friend is not the type that his arms are so short he cant reach his wallet when the bar tab arrives. I have some like that.
 
pmclaine said:
I certainly hope your best friend is not the type that his arms are so short he cant reach his wallet when the bar tab arrives. I have some like that.
Click to expand...

LOL. No he never had a problem paying for bar tabs. I don't drink so I was always the driver.
 
I'm not a Marine( my GT score was too high :D ) but I can honestly say those that I do know, would rather have a firearm that they can use and is worth something than a ceremonial sword that will be seldom, if ever, used and has no resale value. Just my 2 cents observation.
 
Papa Zero Three said:
I'm not a Marine( my GT score was too high :D ) but I can honestly say those that I do know, would rather have a firearm that they can use and is worth something than a ceremonial sword that will be seldom, if ever, used and has no resale value. Just my 2 cents observation.
Click to expand...

Agreed but that is a big nut. If the OP has the desire/means the CQB45 would be outstanding. If the OP is trying to be budget conscious, as a Marine, Id rather have a Marine NCO sword over a High Point. The OP is a very generous sole for even thinking of this. Good for him.

To me firearms, like tools, are a personal thing. If I had CQB45 in my head (regardless of what the Fleet concerns are with the pistola) and I received a Wilson instead Id be unsatisfied - not ungrateful - but unsatisfied.

If you wanted an M40A1 and someone gave you a Remington 700P would you be fulfilled - they are the same thing right?

Edit - Voluntary disclosure - Im a Colt fanboy. In my mind, despite knowing the quality issues Colt had for some time in the really lean years, the only pistola that to me is a 1911 is the one with the Colt Pony on the side. That or an Ithaca or a Remington UMC or a Remington Rand or a Union Switch and Signal or a Singer, or a Springfield Armory (Springfield Massachusetts that is). Sickening and demented but that is just me.

PS - and my GT score was so screaming high I was made to be the guy that was going to carry missles on my back and guide them into a tank with wires all the while said tank was furiously trying to turn its turret in order to keep me from doing my job. Genius I am. So much for demanding an 03 MOS when everyone was telling you you should be somewhere else.
 
Last edited:
As a Marine, I'm fairly pissed that this was acquired by the Corps. The early testing that was leaked publicly was very damning.

The context is the were part of a test to determine acceptability for adopting the weapon. This was like the third time a shoot off/endurance test was done since 1999 to adopt replacements for the PWS built 1911s.

For this test Colt provided 10 gun for testing, 4 were destroyed 1 locked up prior to half way point and 5 guns made it to a point were the test was called 3000 round early (orginal standard was 15,000 rounds). Leading to another set of tests in which the thresholds were changed to below the point the other test guns failed. During that test, they allowed Colt to make a configuration change in stride and threw out all (large number) of failures prior to the change but did not reset the test. The throwing out the pre-configuration change failures dropped the MRBF below the specs allowing Colt to achieve the threshold. Since the endurance test was reduced to below the previous firing requirement none of the guns broke. And why CMC's "fix acquisitions red cell" is thinking about looking at this. No one in uniform who gets the full story thinks everything was above board as it should be.
Click to expand...
 
LRI said:
As a Marine, I'm fairly pissed that this was acquired by the Corps. The early testing that was leaked publicly was very damning.
Click to expand...

At the time of contract wasnt CEO of Colt a ret Lt Gen USMC, Navy Cross?

"I got your back son, now get in there and give em hell! Ill be behind you all the way!"
 
I shot one of these at SHOT Show media day last year. I liked it a lot. I spoke to the dude at Colt who designed it about the broken frames, et al and he told me all the problems were addressed of. I guess he would have said that no matter what

For a fact- I also know of a very well respected hostage rescue unit (non mil) that issues 1911s to their team. My understanding is when they run any platform specific training for 1911s they bring an armorer and have him sit on the line. They also run Glocks when they leave CONUS.
 
Last edited:
May be times have changed, but when I was in the Corps and you made Corporal the thing you wanted was an NCO's sword.

I know there is no more NCO resident course, now replaced by Cpl and Sgt course but either way I am willing to bet you will be doing close order drill and using a sword. I used mine a few times once out of NCO school.

Now my sword sits on the wall and I look at it with pride and fond memories.

I have bought and sold lots of guns and knives. I only bought one NCO sword and will have that same sword for the rest of my time on this earth.
 
chipsfan said:
My understanding is when they run any platform specific training for 1911s they bring an armorer and have him sit on the line.
Click to expand...

This is the reality of the 1911 platform. Unless it is a dedicated hobby gun, you or somebody around you, had better be a competent 1911 armorer. Their maintenance schedules are more demanding with parts repair/replacement being more frequent and complicated.
 
dragbag said:
May be times have changed, but when I was in the Corps and you made Corporal the thing you wanted was an NCO's sword.

I know there is no more NCO resident course, now replaced by Cpl and Sgt course but either way I am willing to bet you will be doing close order drill and using a sword. I used mine a few times once out of NCO school.

Now my sword sits on the wall and I look at it with pride and fond memories.

I have bought and sold lots of guns and knives. I only bought one NCO sword and will have that same sword for the rest of my time on this earth.
Click to expand...
I was too cheap to buy one- in fact I waited for another Sergeant to leave so I could buy his blues used- I sold those to someone else when I left.
 
dragbag said:
May be times have changed, but when I was in the Corps and you made Corporal the thing you wanted was an NCO's sword.
Click to expand...

Swords mean "drill", so no. I was happy to live through getting my blood stripes.


Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
 
chipsfan said:
I was too cheap to buy one- in fact I waited for another Sergeant to leave so I could buy his blues used- I sold those to someone else when I left.
Click to expand...

I was to poor to buy one, but I scraped up enough to get one.
 
Rail differences between Colt Rail Gun & other Mfgs & Colt Marine

After the initial testing the frame was beefed up in the rail area and the slide serrations were spread out more and not as deep into the frame to handle the +P ammo and pass the initial round count.Rest assured everything was taken care of before being issued to the troops or public.Pic courtesy of Tim Lau from Modern Service Weapons.
 

Attachments

  • m45-crg-frame2.jpg
    m45-crg-frame2.jpg
    156.3 KB · Views: 17
Dieseldave24v said:
Gents,
I work at MARSOC as a support guy. We have had nothing but issues with these pistols. It pains me to say this as I am a 1911 guy! Most CSOs prefer the Glock. Even if this was a reliable weapon the price is ridiculous. You can damn near get a custom 1911 built (that will actually work) for what colt wants for these.
Click to expand...

What issues are you having?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

vinniedelpino
Putting down the family dog...
Replies
57
Views
1K
Pharmseller
Pharmseller
I
The Marines
Replies
86
Views
2K
M8541Reaper
M8541Reaper
M
Suppressors Crooked Class 3 Dealers -- Suggestions?
Replies
10
Views
734
Millron
M
Bilb0
Update Dimpled: [Modding an LMT MRP CQB Quad w/ Riflespeed etc]
Replies
24
Views
589
Weberferguson
W
baker72
USMC DMR McMillan Black M14 Stock 1 of 4
Replies
4
Views
386
USMCSGT0331
USMCSGT0331
Top Bottom
Back