Semper FI 1911 - Industry Insider

American Handgunner, March-April, 2002 by Cameron Hopkins

The U.S. Marines have not abandoned the Government Model yet, although the Beretta M9 is still the official service pistol of the armed forces. The Marines recently purchased enough parts from aftermarket 1911 manufacturers to build 789 pistols for "close quarters battle." Marine armorers from the Precision Weapons Section, MCBQ, are building the guns.

The inventory of parts reads like a who's who of the 1911 aftermarket business. In fact, the list is so diverse that it appears as if the Marines flipped through Brownells catalog and took one of everything. They started with 789 barrels, bushings and link pins from Nowlin Manufacturing as well as 789 sear springs, ejectors, firing pin stops, mainspring housings and mainsprings. From Springfield Armory the leathernecks bought 789 slides and a corresponding number of hammers, sears and disconnectors from Cylinder & Slide Shop.

Ed Brown Products got the nod for 789 beavertails and recoil spring guides while Novak's .45 Shop received an order for 789 rear sights. Wilson Combat is providing 789 extractors and mag release buttons and King's Gun Works is selling 789 ambi thumb safeties.

It is unknown what brand of frame the Marines are building the guns on. The Marines stated that the parts they chose are the best "after extensive market research and field testing."