CmdrSlander
Member
Knocking-Off the MEU(SOC) .45
a Project by CmdrSlander of Thehighroad.org
--------------------------------
Introduction:
I've always wanted to own a close approximation of the venerable MEU(SOC) .45 pistol. The MEU(SOC) .45 is a M1911 variant hand built from existing M1911 frames by Marine Corps armorers at Quantico. The MEU(SOC) .45 is one of the few M1911 variants still in use in the U.S. military, and, needless to say, since they have chosen to keep using it, they love it. As one marine said: "The only problem with the gun is that we don't have enough of them." and "[We have] 60, are allotted 110, and should have 300."
Truly replicating the MEU(SOC) .45 would call for the acquisition of the highest grade M1911 components as well as hours of laborious hand fitting. This of course requires a great deal of money and time. Where my gun hobby is concerned, I have little of either. Therefore, I have resolved to duplicate the appearance and handling of the pistol without truly replicating it. This will allow me to use cheaper components, etc. I intend to do all the work myself, and, as my gunsmithing experience is close to naught, 'Drop-in" is the order of the day. For my first post, I will create a 'MEU(SOC) shopping list', divided into two sections: "Core" (components without which the pistol will not resemble or handle like the MEU(SOC) .45) and "Additional" (components which are considered accessories, and which are not present on all MEU(SOC) .45s).
As the MEU(SOC) .45 is a custom built piece of equipment, there are many different configurations in the field. I have chosen the configuration pictured below as my guide, primarily because it is distinctive while not differing too far from the GI style M1911, which is my base gun for this build.
I intend for this thread to serve as a guide so that others may create a MEU(SOC) knockoff as well.
Figure 1: A MEU(SOC) .45 as configured for combat use in 2007 by Marine Mike Searson.
Part the First: Shopping List
Core:
The Base Gun: My base gun for this project is a RIA GI in 9mm (yes, the blasphemous 9mm, I prefer the cheap ammo cost and mild recoil of the 9, a .45 can also be used for this project, of course.) As a .45 ACP chambered M1911 would be more accurate for the project I will link to it: http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_876/products_id/411539079/Rock+Island+Armory+GI+M1911A1+Mil+Spec+.45 [Cost: $409] (Any Colt Series 70/GI Style Pistol can use the same parts and procedures as outlined in this guide)
Figure 2: The Base Gun, on which the MEU(SOC) knockoff will be built.
Strider Gunner Grips: Searson's .45 has been outfitted with Strider Gunner grips. Pachmayr wraparound grips are often used as well and are now virtually standard. I prefer the Striders and will be using them for this project. http://vzgrips.com/gun-grips/1911-pistol-grips-1/gunner-grips/gunner-grips-army-green-g10 [Cost: $65]
Figure 3: Stider/Simonich Grips in Green.
Drop in Beavertail Grip Safety: By Wilson Combat. Replicates the look of the Beavertail GS used on the MEU(SOC) .45. http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/38838 [Cost $32.58]
Figure 4: Wilson Combat Drop In Grip Safety. 'High Ride Beavertail.'
Alternate Style 'Ring' Hammer: Again, duplicates the look of the MEU(SOC) .45. http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=53825/pid=27433/Product/1911-AUTO-HAMMERS?utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=googlebase&mc_id=10000&gdftrk=gdfV21820_a_7c187_a_7c3466_a_7c100004492_d_100004490_d_10575 [Cost: $25.99]
Figure 5: Ring style hammer as fielded on all MEU(SOC) .45s.
Extended Thumb Safety: By Wilson Combat. Note: Ambi Safety's are present on some MEU(SOC) .45s. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/670138/wilson-combat-extended-thumb-safety-1911-blue [Cost: $31.99]
Figure 6: Extended thumb safety, mono-dextrous.
Wilson Combat 8 Round Magazine: As issued with all MEU(SOC) .45s. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/644241/wilson-combat-magazine-with-base-pad-1911-government-commander-45-acp-8-round-stainless-steel [Cost $31.99] (if you have a 9mm M1911 like me: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/485473/wilson-combat-elite-tactical-magazine-etm-with-base-pad-1911-government-commander-9mm-luger-10-round-stainless-steel [Cost: $33.99])
Figure 7: Wilson Combat 8 Round Magazine, Stainless steel.
Total Cost for a 9mm M1911 for Core Components (excluding the pistol itself): Only $189.55 (.45 ACP 1911 owners subtract $2)
At the Core Level, you'll have made your pistol largely identical (superficially) to a combat ready MEU(SOC) .45. Not only is your pistol more useable, being better suited for duty, combat, range use, and carry than an unmodified GI pistol, it is a great conversation starter among gun enthusiasts, as you have an approximation of the only M1911 still in the hands of our armed forces.
Additional:
High Profile Sights: The real MEU(SOC) .45 uses custom made high profile sights fit to the GI dovetail, these sights are produced at Quantico and not available to the general public. These Fusion Firearms sights are a good alternative. Professional Gunsmithing and/or special tools will be required to fit these sights. Not all MEU(SOC) .45s wear high profile sights, though all those with replaced, aftermarket slides do. I will not be using these sights to save on gunsmithing costs. http://www.fusionfirearms.com/servlet/the-746/1911-Colt-white-dot/Detail [Cost: $29.95 + gunsmithing fees]
Figure 8: High profile, 3 dot sights for M1911's with GI sight cuts. Similar in both form and function to the custom sights used on the MEU(SOC) .45
Mainspring Housing with Lanyard Loop: True GI M1911s will have a lanyard loop already, however, the RIA does not. The Marines, of course consider a lanyard loop and lanyard critical, as the MEU conducts operations at sea, where a lost/dropped pistol would, of course, be impossible to recover. As a lowly civvie I may skip this component. http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=30861/pid=12739/Product/1911-AUTO-LANYARD-LOOP-MAINSPRING-HOUSING [Cost: 48.99]
Figure 9: An arched MSH w/ lanyard loop as employed on Searson's .45. Some MEU(SOC) .45s use flat MSH, this is left to operator preference.
SureFire Weapon Light: Research indicates that the weapon light employed by Searson is no longer available, the closest approximation available to us at relatively low cost is the SureFire X300. I feel fairly safe in assuming that the marines have since upgraded from the light used in the 2007 photo of Searson's pistol, and a light very similar (though not marked with brand names) has appeared on more recent iterations of the MEU(SOC) .45. http://www.surefire.com/illumination/weaponlights/handgun/x300-led-weaponlight.html [Cost: $275]
Figure 10: SureFire X300 weapon light.
SureFire Weapon Light Rail Adapter: Required to use any modern SureFire Weapon light on a railless M1911 pattern pistol. The MEU(SOC) .45 employs frames from WWII era M1911 pistols (no rails, obviously), so it is safe to assume that the Marines use this or a similar component to mount weapon lights. http://www.surefire.com/mr07-mounting-rail.html [Cost: $99.00]
Figure 11: The adapter required to use a weapon light on a traditional M1911. Attaches via modified slide stop assembly.
Gemtech Tactical Retention Lanyard: This is the EXACT lanyard used by the Marines. Its breakaway feature is recorded to have saved the life of one marine after his helicopter crashed in deep water off San Diego, Ca. His .45 became caught on a strut within the chopper, trapping him in the rapidly sinking craft. The breakaway feature engaged moments later, allowing him to escape. http://www.gem-tech.com/store/pc/Tactical-Retention-Lanyard-26p144.htm [Cost: $25]
Figure 12: The Gemtech TRL, with its, quite literally, lifesaving breakaway feature.
--------------------------------------
I will begin ordering components for the pistol soon. Updating this thread as they arrive and are installed, with tips and instructions for installation. A range report will, of course, wrap up the thread. The pistol is likely to be completed by January, 2013 (components have to be ordered piecemeal as funds become available).
---------------------------------------
Much the information in this post was derived from "Strong Men Armed" by Patrick A. Rogers.
--------------------------------------
I like to thank the Marine Corps for having the guts to continue fielding the world's greatest combat pistol, 101 years later.
Marines + .45 Auto + M1911 = RUN FOR COVER, ENEMIES.
------
Until the components arrive, it is up to you to keep this thread alive with discussion, tips, etc.
a Project by CmdrSlander of Thehighroad.org
--------------------------------
Introduction:
I've always wanted to own a close approximation of the venerable MEU(SOC) .45 pistol. The MEU(SOC) .45 is a M1911 variant hand built from existing M1911 frames by Marine Corps armorers at Quantico. The MEU(SOC) .45 is one of the few M1911 variants still in use in the U.S. military, and, needless to say, since they have chosen to keep using it, they love it. As one marine said: "The only problem with the gun is that we don't have enough of them." and "[We have] 60, are allotted 110, and should have 300."
Truly replicating the MEU(SOC) .45 would call for the acquisition of the highest grade M1911 components as well as hours of laborious hand fitting. This of course requires a great deal of money and time. Where my gun hobby is concerned, I have little of either. Therefore, I have resolved to duplicate the appearance and handling of the pistol without truly replicating it. This will allow me to use cheaper components, etc. I intend to do all the work myself, and, as my gunsmithing experience is close to naught, 'Drop-in" is the order of the day. For my first post, I will create a 'MEU(SOC) shopping list', divided into two sections: "Core" (components without which the pistol will not resemble or handle like the MEU(SOC) .45) and "Additional" (components which are considered accessories, and which are not present on all MEU(SOC) .45s).
As the MEU(SOC) .45 is a custom built piece of equipment, there are many different configurations in the field. I have chosen the configuration pictured below as my guide, primarily because it is distinctive while not differing too far from the GI style M1911, which is my base gun for this build.
I intend for this thread to serve as a guide so that others may create a MEU(SOC) knockoff as well.
Figure 1: A MEU(SOC) .45 as configured for combat use in 2007 by Marine Mike Searson.
Part the First: Shopping List
Core:
The Base Gun: My base gun for this project is a RIA GI in 9mm (yes, the blasphemous 9mm, I prefer the cheap ammo cost and mild recoil of the 9, a .45 can also be used for this project, of course.) As a .45 ACP chambered M1911 would be more accurate for the project I will link to it: http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_876/products_id/411539079/Rock+Island+Armory+GI+M1911A1+Mil+Spec+.45 [Cost: $409] (Any Colt Series 70/GI Style Pistol can use the same parts and procedures as outlined in this guide)
Figure 2: The Base Gun, on which the MEU(SOC) knockoff will be built.
Strider Gunner Grips: Searson's .45 has been outfitted with Strider Gunner grips. Pachmayr wraparound grips are often used as well and are now virtually standard. I prefer the Striders and will be using them for this project. http://vzgrips.com/gun-grips/1911-pistol-grips-1/gunner-grips/gunner-grips-army-green-g10 [Cost: $65]
Figure 3: Stider/Simonich Grips in Green.
Drop in Beavertail Grip Safety: By Wilson Combat. Replicates the look of the Beavertail GS used on the MEU(SOC) .45. http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/38838 [Cost $32.58]
Figure 4: Wilson Combat Drop In Grip Safety. 'High Ride Beavertail.'
Alternate Style 'Ring' Hammer: Again, duplicates the look of the MEU(SOC) .45. http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=53825/pid=27433/Product/1911-AUTO-HAMMERS?utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=googlebase&mc_id=10000&gdftrk=gdfV21820_a_7c187_a_7c3466_a_7c100004492_d_100004490_d_10575 [Cost: $25.99]
Figure 5: Ring style hammer as fielded on all MEU(SOC) .45s.
Extended Thumb Safety: By Wilson Combat. Note: Ambi Safety's are present on some MEU(SOC) .45s. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/670138/wilson-combat-extended-thumb-safety-1911-blue [Cost: $31.99]
Figure 6: Extended thumb safety, mono-dextrous.
Wilson Combat 8 Round Magazine: As issued with all MEU(SOC) .45s. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/644241/wilson-combat-magazine-with-base-pad-1911-government-commander-45-acp-8-round-stainless-steel [Cost $31.99] (if you have a 9mm M1911 like me: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/485473/wilson-combat-elite-tactical-magazine-etm-with-base-pad-1911-government-commander-9mm-luger-10-round-stainless-steel [Cost: $33.99])
Figure 7: Wilson Combat 8 Round Magazine, Stainless steel.
Total Cost for a 9mm M1911 for Core Components (excluding the pistol itself): Only $189.55 (.45 ACP 1911 owners subtract $2)
At the Core Level, you'll have made your pistol largely identical (superficially) to a combat ready MEU(SOC) .45. Not only is your pistol more useable, being better suited for duty, combat, range use, and carry than an unmodified GI pistol, it is a great conversation starter among gun enthusiasts, as you have an approximation of the only M1911 still in the hands of our armed forces.
Additional:
High Profile Sights: The real MEU(SOC) .45 uses custom made high profile sights fit to the GI dovetail, these sights are produced at Quantico and not available to the general public. These Fusion Firearms sights are a good alternative. Professional Gunsmithing and/or special tools will be required to fit these sights. Not all MEU(SOC) .45s wear high profile sights, though all those with replaced, aftermarket slides do. I will not be using these sights to save on gunsmithing costs. http://www.fusionfirearms.com/servlet/the-746/1911-Colt-white-dot/Detail [Cost: $29.95 + gunsmithing fees]
Figure 8: High profile, 3 dot sights for M1911's with GI sight cuts. Similar in both form and function to the custom sights used on the MEU(SOC) .45
Mainspring Housing with Lanyard Loop: True GI M1911s will have a lanyard loop already, however, the RIA does not. The Marines, of course consider a lanyard loop and lanyard critical, as the MEU conducts operations at sea, where a lost/dropped pistol would, of course, be impossible to recover. As a lowly civvie I may skip this component. http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=30861/pid=12739/Product/1911-AUTO-LANYARD-LOOP-MAINSPRING-HOUSING [Cost: 48.99]
Figure 9: An arched MSH w/ lanyard loop as employed on Searson's .45. Some MEU(SOC) .45s use flat MSH, this is left to operator preference.
SureFire Weapon Light: Research indicates that the weapon light employed by Searson is no longer available, the closest approximation available to us at relatively low cost is the SureFire X300. I feel fairly safe in assuming that the marines have since upgraded from the light used in the 2007 photo of Searson's pistol, and a light very similar (though not marked with brand names) has appeared on more recent iterations of the MEU(SOC) .45. http://www.surefire.com/illumination/weaponlights/handgun/x300-led-weaponlight.html [Cost: $275]
Figure 10: SureFire X300 weapon light.
SureFire Weapon Light Rail Adapter: Required to use any modern SureFire Weapon light on a railless M1911 pattern pistol. The MEU(SOC) .45 employs frames from WWII era M1911 pistols (no rails, obviously), so it is safe to assume that the Marines use this or a similar component to mount weapon lights. http://www.surefire.com/mr07-mounting-rail.html [Cost: $99.00]
Figure 11: The adapter required to use a weapon light on a traditional M1911. Attaches via modified slide stop assembly.
Gemtech Tactical Retention Lanyard: This is the EXACT lanyard used by the Marines. Its breakaway feature is recorded to have saved the life of one marine after his helicopter crashed in deep water off San Diego, Ca. His .45 became caught on a strut within the chopper, trapping him in the rapidly sinking craft. The breakaway feature engaged moments later, allowing him to escape. http://www.gem-tech.com/store/pc/Tactical-Retention-Lanyard-26p144.htm [Cost: $25]
Figure 12: The Gemtech TRL, with its, quite literally, lifesaving breakaway feature.
--------------------------------------
I will begin ordering components for the pistol soon. Updating this thread as they arrive and are installed, with tips and instructions for installation. A range report will, of course, wrap up the thread. The pistol is likely to be completed by January, 2013 (components have to be ordered piecemeal as funds become available).
---------------------------------------
Much the information in this post was derived from "Strong Men Armed" by Patrick A. Rogers.
--------------------------------------
I like to thank the Marine Corps for having the guts to continue fielding the world's greatest combat pistol, 101 years later.
Marines + .45 Auto + M1911 = RUN FOR COVER, ENEMIES.
------
Until the components arrive, it is up to you to keep this thread alive with discussion, tips, etc.
Last edited:
