Make: Colt

Model: M45A1 CQBP Commercial, 01070CQB

Serial Number: 09186EGA

Year of Manufacture: 2013 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT *** USMC”. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT GOVERNMENT MODEL”. The left of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle. The right side of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” and the serial number is behind and above the trigger. The right side of the dust cover is marked with a QR code and “(17V) 13629 / (1P) M1070CQBP / (S) 09186EGA” and “U.S.”. The barrel is marked “-COLT 45 AUTO N.M.-”. The firing pin retention plate is marked “1”.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Trijicon blade with a slightly ramped rear face and inset tritium lamp, dovetailed to the slide. The rear sight is a square-notched Novak base with one inset tritium lamp to each side of the notch that is dovetailed into the top rear of the slide. The front sight lamp has dimmed completely, the rear lamps have dimmed somewhat but are still useable in very low-light environments.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are textured G10 panels. There is no notable wear or damage to the grips. There are only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Tan Cerakote

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is only faint operational wear and some light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger breaks crisply. The slide has barely perceptible play to the frame. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes in a green Colt-branded Pelican case with a cardboard shipping sleeve with the serial-matching label, Colt branded Otis cleaning kit, a total of two 7-round Wilson Combat magazines, a cable lock, and an assortment of factory paperwork including manual and test-target.

Our Assessment:  On July 20, 2012, about 101 years after the 1911 was first adopted by the U.S. Armed Forces, the M45A1 was adopted by the Marine Corps for use by several of their Special Operations Capable units as well as their pistol shooting team. Dubbed the Close Quarters Battle Pistol or CQBP, the pistol has several upgrades over the original Model of 1911, including front and rear slide serrations, night sights, accessory rail, extended beavertail grip safety, skeletonized hammer, ambidextrous thumb safety, National Match barrel and Cerakoted stainless steel slide and frame.

This pistol is a commercially sold example, serialized in the same range as the USMC used pistols. As one of the earliest commercial M45A1s, the pistol was hand-fit by the gunsmiths of the Colt Custom Shop and shipped in a Colt-branded Pelican case with a Colt-branded Otis cleaning kit and two Wilson Combat magazines. The pistol is in excellent condition, and it appears to have spent more time in the Pelican case than out. This pistol is a must-have for any U.S. Military pistol collection or 1911 collection.