Weapon Name- M45 MEU (SOC)
Round Type- .45 ACP
Over-all length- 8.25 in (210 mm)
Barrel length- 5.03 in (127 mm)
Weight- 2.438 lb (1,105 g) fully loaded
Rate of Fire- Semi auto
Feed Mechanism- Detachable Double Column Box Magazine
Round Capacity- 8 + 1
Effective Range- 50 meters
Range- 100 meters
Accuracy- 4 MOA
Accessories- Picanty Rail
Quick switch firing mechanism- N/A
Scope/Sights- Iron Sights, optional Scope
Muzzle Velocity- 285 m/s (15 gram projectile), 610 Joules
Firing System- M45
Miscellaneous/electronic information- Essentially it's a modified M45 with a cobalt chrome barrel sporting an enlarged magazine and utilizing more powerful rounds.
Basic Information
The weapon is essentially an M45 1911 with a variety of modifications. The weapon uses a "flow formed" polygonal cobalt chrome 8 groove 1 in 16 inch (1 turn in 16 inches (40.64mm)) right hand turn barrel; the barrel is made of an alloy that contains more than 50 percent cobalt. The barrel is roughly 13% heavier than standard steel barrels, but is more erosion and corrosion-resistant and is designed to retain high strength during long-term exposure to high temperatures. Cobalt alloys are frequently used in the aerospace industry, such as the hot-gas section of turbine engines. A proof of concept M240 7.62mm x 51mm NATO barrel, in practice, had 24,000 rounds test-fired through it, causing it to reach temperatures of 1,100 degrees, without failure. A steel barrel would have failed under such treatment.
The weapon also utilizes 8 round high grade springfield armory magazines, designed for high reliability in a single column 1911 sized magazine, allowing for the use of 1 more round than a standard 1911.
The weapon has a PSI rating of approximately 23,000 PSI, compared to 21,000 PSI for a standard .45 ACP. This allows the 15 gram round to achieve a velocity of 285 m/s, with 610 joules, and that still remain sub-sonic, allowing for the use of a suppressor to adequately silence the noise of the rounds. While only a mild increase in power, it's energy levels are closer to on par with that of the .40 S&W and 9mm, albeit with more power.
The weapon sports impact gel backed rubber grippings.
The weapon otherwise is similiar to an M45 colt 1911. A Marine operator may shoot as many as 80,000 rounds from this pistol during a training-cycle and subsequent deployment. However, it is more common for a Marine to return the pistol to the PWS at Quantico for a rebuild after 10,000 rounds have been fired. A rebuild entails discarding almost all of the gun's parts except for the frame. The frame is inspected and reused again if it is still within military specifications. There are frames in the USMC inventory that have had as many as 500,000 rounds fired through them, making it one of the most reliable and durable handguns available. A ceramic sheen and gloss reducing coating exists on the stainless steel frame, to help provide scratch resistance and make the weapon less visible.
The weapon also sports a lanyard, tritium night sights in addition to the standard sights, and the same safeties as a traditional 1911. It has picatainny rails designed for the addition of a laser or flashlight.
