CMP 1911A1...Please educate me.

[Dobbinsky]

I've always been interested in their surplus 1911A1s, but the qualifications and process is confusing to me. I'm retired military with an ID card, but don't have any CMP sponsored clubs in my area. Firstly, is the #1 service grade 1911A1 worth the money? Have you seen one? And how can I get a card if I decide to purchase one? Thanks!

Surplus U.S. Army 1911 Information - Civilian Marksmanship Program

The latest on the CMP 1911 sales will be posted on this page, including ordering and grade information as well as availability.

thecmp.org

 

[Recusant]

Mass manufacturing for the U.S. military 1911a1’s ended in 1945, and the M1911A1 remained the standard-issue U.S. sidearm until August 1985, when it was officially phased out. The 1911’s sold by the CMP for the most part are a mix of refinished frames, slides and small parts. Hardly any have original parts that left the factory together. Pre 1945 frames and slides were not case hardened and may show considerable wear. You may get a jewel or a pig in a poke, but you’ll get a 1911 frame that was a war time issue that retains some historical value. If you’re hoping to get a good shooter you might be better off spending your money on a newer manufactured 1911 that are available for a comparable price.

 

[Annihilator]

Also the CMP are also selling new 1911’s with the CMP labeling, they are made for them by Tisas….just a FYI if you can’t get one of the original 1911’s, also Tisas makes a GI version without the CMP labeling….

 

[Shibadog]

Also the CMP are also selling new 1911’s with the CMP labeling, they are made for them by Tisas….just a FYI if you can’t get one of the original 1911’s, also Tisas makes a GI version without the CMP labeling….

This. I’ve heard the CMP Tisha’s 1911’s are a pretty decent copy of the original 1911A1.

 

[Dobbinsky]

Mass manufacturing for the U.S. military 1911a1’s ended in 1945, and the M1911A1 remained the standard-issue U.S. sidearm until August 1985, when it was officially phased out. The 1911’s sold by the CMP for the most part are a mix of refinished frames, slides and small parts. Hardly any have original parts that left the factory together. Pre 1945 frames and slides were not case hardened and may show considerable wear. You may get a jewel or a pig in a poke, but you’ll get a 1911 frame that was a war time issue that retains some historical value. If you’re hoping to get a good shooter you might be better off spending your money on a newer manufactured 1911 that are available for a comparable price.

I didn't realize they were so old! I scored expert with one on my first qual with the grunts.
Our armory had nothing but 1911A1s when I left that command in 1985, about 300 of them. I would have gladly taken them off their hands for them before they were issued new sidearms. You know, to reduce their workload and stuff.

 

[Grayfox]

I have two of the CMP 1911s. Excellent gun for the money and a real piece of military history. A USGI 1911 on the open market will cost at least several hundred dollars more.
However, be aware that they are mixmasters that have been through at least one rebuild. Maybe more. Plus CMP inspected and repaired them as needed. Almost all of them have mixed brand names and replacement parts. Plus the new parts are black instead of parkerized like the originals. These will mostly be small pins and such.
These are genuine G.I. issue guns that were put into storage for possible re-issue if needed. Uncle Sam don't care about pretty or matching parts as long as they work.

And how can I get a card if I decide to purchase one?

Are you talking about a FOID card? I have no idea. Check with your state.