The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) recently set the parameters for the time frame in which orders for one of 8,000 vintage M1911s will be accepted, and the window closes Oct. 4.
Earlier this year, the guns were authorized for sale. Prices are between $850 and $1,050.
The CMP expects to receive more applications than guns, so it’s the luck of the draw provided you get your application in on time. The qualifying names of those who will be in the running for one will be entered into a Random Number Generator, then the CMP will start making calls.
Once you get a call, you’ll have your choice of which grade gun—rack grade, $850; field grade, $950; service grade, $1,050—you want, based on availability, and you will have five days to pay for the gun.
The application is seven pages long, and it calls for providing a signed copy of the FFL for where the gun will be shipped. Applicants must also supply evidence that they can legally own a firearm, that they have CMP affiliation, and, for those under 60, that they have marksmanship skills. The marksmanship requirement can be satisfied by providing proof of military service, a copy of a concealed-carry permit, or evidence of competitive shooting.
The guns have been released from the Army’s museum and the Defense Logistics Agency, and most were rebuilt in the 1970s or 1980s.
The CMP will be enforcing a strict limit of one gun per person, per year.
Another 8,000 or more of the classics will be offered through a similar process next year.
If you’re interested, go here and download the order form.
