Posted on 08/06/2002 11:54:12 AM PDT by demlosers
I think that the 1911 is one of the most beautiful and well-constructed firearms ever devised. It is simple yet elegant.
If not, does anyone have a recommendation on currently available versions of this weapon?
I wish I knew. You probably can get a nice accuratized .45 somewhere.
The Marines have it right, the 9mm is a pooch.
As I understand it, a double-action is when you pull the trigger which cocks the hammer and fires the round, and for single-action is a manual cock of the hammer.
On a double action pistol, pulling the trigger cocks the hammer and drops the hammer. On an SA (single action) pistol, the trigger does not cock the hammer. On a DA/SA, the trigger typically cocks the hammer on the first shot, while subsequent shots are SA (I say typically because you could decock after the first round for another DA shot, or you could have something like an HK USP, which can be carried safely in SA mode on the first round, or decocked in DA mode).
Another type of action is the Glock type action, which uses a striker that exists in a sort of half-cocked state, so that the trigger pull is lighter than DA but longer than SA.
Double-action Only (DAO) means you have that long trigger squeeze to pull back the hammer every single time you want to fire.
MEU (SOC) Pistol
Primary function: Modified .45 caliber pistol
Builder: Specially trained armorers at the Rifle Team Equipment (RTE) Shop, MCB Quantico, Virginia
Length: 8.625 inches (21.91 centimeters)
Length of barrel: 5.03 inches (12.78 centimeters)
Weight:
Magazine empty: 2.5 pounds (1.14 kilograms)
Magazine loaded: 3.0 pounds (1.36 kilograms)
Bore diameter: .45 caliber
Maximum effective range: 164 feet (50 meters) for specially-trained user
Muzzle velocity: 830 feet/252 meters/second
Magazine capacity: 7 rounds
Unit Replacement Cost: $600
Features: This weapon is a modified M1911A1 .45 caliber pistol sometimes referred to as "near match" or "combat accuratized." The MEU(SOC) Pistol is the designated "backup weapon" of Marines armed with the 9mm MP5-N Close Quarters Battle weapon. The M1911A1 was chosen for this role (and its modifications generated) because of its inherent reliability and lethality, and because the MEU(SOC) modifications make the M1911A1 design more "user friendly."
The unique characteristics of the MEU(SOC) pistol are: commercial/competition grade ambidextrous safety, precision barrel, precise trigger, and rubber coated grips, rounded hammer spur, high profile combat sights, and an extra-wide grip safety for increased comfort and controllability (which aids in a quick follow-up second shot). The issue magazines are replaced with stainless steel competition-grade magazines with rounded plastic follower and extended floor plate.
Inventory: 500
Background: The weapon modifications were designed in 1986 to meet the requirements of the MEU(SOC). Each pistol is hand-built by specially trained armorers at the Rifle Team Equipment (RTE) shop, Quantico, Virginia.
There is much said about the 15 round capacity of the Barretta, but why are we not using the double stack magazine on the 1911? Para-Ordinance originally came out with the wide frame, but it is available from many companies now (including Wilson's)
Except that Kimber, in its bid to satisfy the P.C. gods have saddled JMB's creation with a Series II safety, which is prone to failure.
Stupid Kimber, no cookie for you.
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