MEU SOC 1911?

[NYsteveZ]

I have no idea what I am talking about when concerning handguns (see my sig) What is the MEU SOC 1911? I was with the 15th MEU a long time ago, and I would LOVE to have a 1911 that my old unit had a hand in designing or was designed for. If I was to make a clone, how do I start? What model (Springfield etc) is closest to the real deal MEU SOC, and/or what model is a good base to start with? Thanks in advance!

[G60]

http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/history/meusoc.htm

[elSquid]

http://www.forcerecon.com/strongmenarmed3.htm

Search for NSN100S-O1-370-7353 in the page to find the section.

There are custom smiths offering packages, for example...

http://www.berryhillguns.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8&Itemid=4

http://www.berryhillguns.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=12

Should give you some ideas.

-- Michael

[TripleT]

http://berryhillguns.com has about as close as you can get to the MEU 1911's. There were a few different variations over the years but this is what I think your looking for.

[NYsteveZ]

Okay, thanks guys! Im glad its a Springfield as I have heard great things about them, and now, will purchase that as my first American handgun. I first seen the MEU SOC in pics here- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MEU(SOC)_pistol
Interesting stuff installed on it (tactical light/laser?) I was thinking of picking up a Springfield GI Milspec then adding, but I will research the links you guys provided. Thanks again!

[NYsteveZ]

Okay, thanks guys! Im glad its a Springfield as I have heard great things about them, and now, will purchase that as my first American handgun. I first seen the MEU SOC in pics here- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MEU(SOC)_pistol
Interesting stuff installed on it (tactical light/laser?) I was thinking of picking up a Springfield GI Milspec then adding, but I will research the links you guys provided. Thanks again!

[PRCABR4Christ]

Dave Berryhill built a bunch of the MEU SOC 1911's, and he's truly an artist in the craft

[NYsteveZ]

I was with the 15th MEU and had friends in Recon. I must have walked by them a million times and never heard of this gun. I DO know they carried all the cool stuff, and my one buddy came to the "Ant farm" (antenna hill) one night to make a phone call carrying a "bloop gun". I was just a lowly comm guy, but I always admired them. I also admired the SEALs who carried other stuff, but seeing this gun named after the MEU is a true honor. There definately was a strong preference to the .45 than the Berreta 9s for certain things. The MEU as a whole got the better stuff, and my Plt included. Here is a picture from 98 in the sandbox (North Kuwait) during Operations Southern Watch and Desert Thunder. I am the tunnel rat in the back wearing my T-shirt like a turban. Notice the 249 SAW and the scope on the M16 in the front. Great times!

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af72/nystevez/Commplt98.jpg

[Sturnovik]

http://berryhillguns.com has about as close as you can get to the MEU 1911's. There were a few different variations over the years but this is what I think your looking for.

Love the look of a worn 1911 and love that hammer. Thought I was the only one who preferred the command hammer .

Wish I could find those grips. I'd even buy the hammer and grips for my 1911 next year haha.

[Cyc Wid It]

Start with a Colt

[NYsteveZ]

Start with a Colt

Got it! Reading on the MEU, it seems like they took a bunch of old 1911s that were lying around and updated them-a very common practice in the Corps ("we do more with less"). Im gonna go to my gun shop and start pricing. It looks like it might run pretty high, but, to me its worth it.
I also see alot of 1911s. Some by Springfield, Colt etc, so I take it 1911s are like ARs (Colt, Bushmaster, Spikes etc)? Any models I should avoid? I figured I would start with a Springfield GI model and add all the MEU parts I could, but I want to be as close as possible.

[elSquid]

Interesting stuff installed on it (tactical light/laser?) I was thinking of picking up a Springfield GI Milspec then adding, but I will research the links you guys provided. Thanks again!

Depends on how close a copy you want. A milspec would be a good choice for a full on build.

However, if you are lazy, just toss a pair of Pachmayrs on a parked "loaded"...



...and if you squint, it's not too far off.

Also: check out Springfield's MC Operator as well.

-- Michael

[elSquid]

I figured I would start with a Springfield GI model and add all the MEU parts I could, but I want to be as close as possible.

Well, you could look for a neglected WWII era 1911 as a base if you really want to be as close...

Anything is possible, just bring money!

-- Michael

[Sturnovik]

Depends on how close a copy you want. A milspec would be a good choice for a full on build.

However, if you are lazy, just toss a pair of Pachmayrs on a parked "loaded"...



...and if you squint, it's not too far off.

Also: check out Springfield's MC Operator as well.

-- Michael

Nice pistol, and my god that looks like the Omega Sea master on the bottom.....sorry had a 007 moment there.

[Striker]

From the 1911 Forum/September 2009.

The latest build sheet was posted by the USMC in July 2009. Caspian has been awarded a contract for the frames. They have an integral plunger tube and a .250 radius cut for the grip safety (Ed Brown). The slides call for Springfield Armory, but Caspians are being used due to supply issues. The slides have front serrations, a lowered & flared ejection port and Novak front & rear sight cuts. The barrels are either Bar-Sto or Wilson Combat, dependant upon supply.

Cylinder & Slide, Ed Brown, Caspian and Wilson Combat round out the major suppliers for the other parts. Wolff supplies the springs, including an 18.5 pound recoil spring.

I don't know if Dave Berryhill is making MEUSOC copies anymore. Your only other choice is to try to find a Kimber DET-1 pistol. There are a few around, but, even by 1911 standards, they're expensive. Though the civilian versions are suppose to be the Warrior or Desert Warrior, neither are the same pistol. Good luck.