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This Colt M45A1 CQBP or Close Quarter Battle Pistol was built and produced for the United States Marine Corps. This pistol was sold to the public as a unissued example. As of this writing the information as to where this pistol may have shipped initially is unknown. On the box there is a date of 07/13 which we are guessing is July of 2013 when it was produced. These pistols were in service until 2016, returned to Colt for apparent quality control issues. The "X" was applied over over the "USMC" letter to designate that the pistol was decommissioned.
The decommissioned M45A1 pistols were accompanied by the following Colt letter with the included text:
"Thank you for participating in Colt's rich history by purchasing a genuine Operator Issue Colt M45Al Close Quarter Battle Pistol. History shows that the United States Army formally adopted the Colt Model 1911 Automatic pistol on. March 29, 1911, and this faithful sidearm has served America in the hands of our military heroes and protected our freedom for over 100 years. The Colt 1911 was selected to continue to serve at the side of our service men and women. After a rigorous selection process, on July 20, 2012 the Colt Rail Gun was chosen by the United States Marine Corps as their Close Quarter Battle Pistol.
The first fielding of the Close Quarter Battle Pistol featured a Desert Tan Cerakote finished stainless steel slide and receiver, MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny accessory rail, National Match barrel, front and rear slide serrations, a long solid aluminum trigger, an enhanced hammer, an upswept beavertail grip safety with palm swell, a Colt Tactical ambidextrous safety lock, a flat serrated stainless mainspring housing with lanyard loop, Novak 3 Dot night sights, and Desert camouflage GlO composite stocks. The USMC has purchased the Colt M45Als for combat use by its Special Operations units, including Force Recon. As the USMC fields the newest generation of M45Als to operators, a precious few previously issued originals are available on an exclusive basis. An "X" has been engraved over the top of the "USMC" lettering on the slide to reflect the decommissioning of these pistols prior to their commercial resale.
Colt certifies that this pistol was purchased by the USMC for combat use by its Special Operations unit, including Force Recon. We at Colt congratulate you on your purchase of this unique piece of American history and are proud to certify it as a genuine issue service pistol."
