Here's yet another reason I'm proud to be a United States Marine. My beloved Corps has placed and initial order of over 4,000 M45 Close Quarters Combat Pistols, plus spares with the first issue of this five-year deal with Colt beginning later in the year.
Colt Defense LLC, West Hartford, Connecticut was awarded the $22,500,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract just this past week. After crunching the numbers, it appears we are being hosed with $1,875 per pistol...then again, this isn't news. The government has and always will have to pay a premium for new equipment.
Colt developed a dual recoil system for the CQBP that's based on the recoil system found in their 10mm models. The modification was made to reduce stresses on the frame and slide and enable the pistol to complete the Corps' required shooting schedule. The pistol had to survive a 20,000 round shooting schedule. The Colt .45 also has a series 80 firing pin safety, is entirely Cerakoted tan and has a lanyard loop and night sights. Yes!!!
The civilian 1911 rail gun usually has a stainless or carbon steel finish and rosewood grips, but Colt's prototypes for the Corps have a desert-color Cercoat finish, eliminating glare on the weapon and making it less identifiable at a distance. As the name suggests, this model has a section of 1913 Picatinny rail under the barrel to mount accessories such as a light or laser aiming device. They also have more stainless steel internal components to afford the pistol more corrosion protection since it will be carried in a maritime environment. They're equipped with a tritium night sight made by Novak.