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M45 MEU(SOC) Pistol
The MEU(SOC) pistol is a modified 1911 .45 ACP pistol developed for USMC special operations units such as Force Recon and MARSOC.
USMC Force Recon units have been using the pistol since 1985. It is officially designated as the M45 MEU(SOC).
The Marine Corps' Precision Weapons Shop (PWS) in Quantico, Virginia made the following modifications to the standard Colt 1991:
- ambidextrous thumb safeties
- after-market grip safeties
- Videcki light triggers
- rounded hammer
- accurized match-grade barrels
- Pachmayr rubber grips
- front cocking-serrations
- Wilson Combat stainless steel magazines
M45 MEU(SOC) Pistol - Images and Further Info
A US Marine fires a M45 MEU(SOC) pistol under the instruction of a member of a Deep Reconnaissance Platoon team leader.
US DoD Photo
M45 MEU(SOC) Pistol Specifications
| weight: | 2.43 lbs (empty) |
| length: | 8.25 inches |
| barrel length: | 5.03 inches |
| rate of fire : | semi-automatic |
| muzzle velocity : | 830 feet per second |
| caliber : | .45 ACP |
| magazine : | 7 round detachable |
M45 CQBP
In summer 2012 it was announced that the Marine Corps would be purchasing up to 12,000 new variants of the M45 MEU(SOC) from Colt Defense LLC, to be designated as the M45 Close Quarter Battle Pistol (CQBP). Features of the M45 CQBP include:
- dual recoil system
- 80 firing pin safety
- lanyard loop
- tritium night sight
- cerakote ceramic coating
- stainless steel internal parts
- M1913 Picatinny rail under the barrel for mounting accessories
A US Marine with the 31st MEU Force Recon Platoon fires a M45a1 CQBP.
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Edward Guttierrez III/Released
