Make: Colt

Model: M45A1 CQBP Commercial

Serial Number: 02981EGA

Year of Manufacture: 2013 / ATF Classification: Modern

Caliber/Gauge: .45 Auto

Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Magazine-Fed

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 lamps have dimmed significantly, but are still usable in very low-light environments.

Grip/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: Desert Sand Cerakote

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp with light fouling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its finish. There are very light handling and operational marks present. The markings are clear and complete. The grip screws are sharp and unmarred, with turnable slots. Overall, this pistol rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a green Colt-branded Pelican case, MEUSOC Otis cleaning kit, a total of three 7-round Wilson Combat magazines, cable lock, and an assortment of factory paperwork.

Our Assessment: This early commercial Colt M45A1 Close Quarters Battle Pistol represents one of the most desirable variants of Colt's modern military-pattern 1911 production. Manufactured in 2013, this example is distinguished by the rare "USMC" marking within the slide legend, a feature found only on the earliest commercial pistols before it was removed from later production. That marking alone places this pistol squarely in the short initial window when Colt's commercial M45A1s most closely mirrored their Marine Corps-issued counterparts, making it a particularly scarce and historically interesting example.

Chambered in .45 Auto with a 5" barrel, the M45A1 continues the century-long lineage of the Government Model as a fighting pistol, updated for modern service with contemporary materials and finishes. The .45 ACP cartridge remains central to the pistol's identity, pairing controllable recoil with authoritative performance. The bore rates an excellent 9.5 out of 10, and the action functions correctly, reflecting a pistol that has seen minimal use while retaining its full mechanical integrity.

Condition is exceptional, with approximately 99% of the original desert sand Cerakote finish remaining. The pistol is housed in a green Colt-branded Pelican case and is accompanied by a MEUSOC Otis cleaning kit, three 7 round Wilson Combat magazines, a cable lock, and an assortment of original factory paperwork. Taken as a whole, this is a rare early-production M45A1 with strong finish retention, and a complete accessory package that underscores its significance within Colt's modern USMC-associated offerings.