Colt Defense LLC Announces Award of Marine Corps M45 Close Quarter Battle Pistol (CQBP) Contract
OutdoorHub Reporters 07.20.12
It turns out SoldierSystems.net’s report on a rumor that Colt would be producing one of the Marine Corps’ new pistols was correct. On Friday it was announced that the Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC) would be placing an order for up to 12,000 .45 caliber Colt 1911A1 Rail Guns to be the new M45 MEU(SOC) pistol. Below is the official announcement from Colt Defense LLC (via the Dalton Agency).
Colt Defense LLC has been awarded an Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity contract by the U.S. Marine Corps for up to 12,000 M45 Close Quarter Battle Pistols (CQBP), plus spares and logistical support. The new CQBP is a direct descendant of the iconic Colt M1911 adopted by the U.S. military in 1911 and carried as the primary sidearm through all the major conflicts of the 20th century.
The CQBP contract is for a five-year period and has a potential value of up to $22.5 million. The CQBP expands on a long history of MARCORSYSCOM re-building original Government-issue 1911s, primarily for use by Force Recon and MARSOC units.
“This is a truly gratifying contract award,” said Gerry Dinkel, President and CEO of Colt Defense. “To have the 1911 selected again for U.S. Forces 101 years after its initial introduction is just an incredible testament to the timeless design and effectiveness of the Colt 1911. Colt Defense looks forward to another great partnership with the Marine Corps as we renew industry production of the military 1911.”
The initial Delivery Order on the contract is for 4036 CQBP, plus spares. Deliveries will begin later this year.
