United States Marine Corps Weapons & Equipment
MEU (SOC) Pistol
Primary function: Modified .45 caliber pistol
Builder: Specially trained armorers at the Rifle Team Equipment (RTE) Shop, MCB Quantico, Virginia
Length: 8.625 inches (21.91 centimeters)
Length of barrel: 5.03 inches (12.78 centimeters)
Weight:
Magazine empty: 2.5 pounds (1.14 kilograms)
Magazine loaded: 3.0 pounds (1.36 kilograms)
Bore diameter: .45 caliber
Maximum effective range: 164 feet (50 meters) for specially-trained user
Muzzle velocity: 830 feet/252 meters/second
Magazine capacity: 7 rounds
Unit Replacement Cost: $600
Features: This weapon is a modified M1911A1 .45 caliber pistol sometimes referred to as "near match"
or "combat accuratized." The MEU(SOC) Pistol is the designated "backup weapon" of Marines armed
with the 9mm MP5-N Close Quarters Battle weapon. The M1911A1 was chosen for this role (and its modifications generated)
because of its inherent reliability and lethality, and because the MEU(SOC) modifications make the M1911A1 design
more "user friendly."
The unique characteristics of the MEU(SOC) pistol are: commercial/competition grade ambidextrous safety, precision
barrel, precise trigger, and rubber coated grips, rounded hammer spur, high profile combat sights, and an extra-wide
grip safety for increased comfort and controllability (which aids in a quick follow-up second shot). The issue
magazines are replaced with stainless steel competition-grade magazines with rounded plastic follower and extended
floor plate.
Inventory: 500
Background: The weapon modifications were designed in 1986 to meet the requirements of the MEU(SOC). Each pistol
is hand-built by specially trained armorers at the Rifle Team Equipment (RTE) shop, Quantico, Virginia.
Information and Photos Courtesy of United States Marine Corps
