Guns and Ammo reports Colt wins contract

[chipD]

Just ran across this and thought I would post it here.

http://www.gunsandammo.com/2012/07/2...-marine-corps/

[Longitude Zero]

The more things change the maore they stay the same. The rediscovery of the 1911. Just like the B-52 you cannot kill a great weapon system.

[ripley16]

This isn't a "rediscovery", but rather replacements for Marine Special Force units that already use the 1911. I guess I'm a bit surprised that the 1911 was retained, as the Navy Special Forces have gone away from the 1911, and adopted a better weapon in the form of the HK MK24, (HK45ct). Colt recently lost a much larger contract for the weapon system to replace the SAW, to Heckler & Koch. You win some and lose some.

[gb6491]

Originally Posted by ripley16

This isn't a "rediscovery", but rather replacements for Marine Special Force units that already use the 1911. I guess I'm a bit surprised that the 1911 was retained, as the Navy Special Forces have gone away from the 1911, and adopted a better weapon in the form of the HK MK24, (HK45ct). Colt recently lost a much larger contract for the weapon system to replace the SAW, to Heckler & Koch. You win some and lose some.

Seems to me, that in this case, "Better" is just a matter of opinion.

[Longitude Zero]

Originally Posted by ripley16

Navy Special Forces have gone away from the 1911, and adopted a better weapon in the form of the HK MK24, (HK45ct).

Only partially true. Certain "special units" adopted the SIG P226 instead of the HK and are on ther fourth of fifth batch of weapons. These units shoot their weapons until they are worn out then replace them. They go through initial training at a location in Coronado, CA.

[AJBert]

I grew up on old school math, so I'm not really up on how to do math these days, but a $22.5 million contract that will deliver 4000 firearms comes out to $5625 per firearm.

Seems just a tad bit steep to me for ANY sidearm.

[yqtszhj]

They did mention that spare parts would be supplied but like you said, that is really high. But you have to consider it's the government and they pay 3 times as much as anyone else.

[TucsonMTB]

The INITIAL order is for just over 4,000 pistols. The contract is for up to around 12,000 pistols. So with a $22.5 million dollar contract, that equates to about $1,875.00 a pistol.

A little expensive given the painted finish, but maybe they are getting some extra attention to reliability before shipping. I hope so.

[mr surveyor]

If I were in a position to pick my battle side arm, I think I'd also prefer the Colt. The Sigs are fine, and I'm sure the HKs are every bit as fine, but I just have no affection for the Beretta service pistols. Still, make mine a 1911..... all steel.

[ripley16]

Originally Posted by gb6491

Seems to me, that in this case, "Better" is just a matter of opinion.

By better I meant cheaper, more reliable, as accurate, lighter, suppressor ready and has a higher capacity. IMHO, yes, that is better.

Only partially true. Certain "special units" adopted the SIG P226 instead of the HK

"instead" is the wrong word. Actually they utilize both the MK24 and MK25, but since we were talking about .45acp pistols, the MK24 seemed the apt comparison.