1911A1s in Iraq

[jmoore]

When I was in Iraq in 2005, I saw some SOF support guys from 10th Grp caryring 1911A1s. Nothing special, just regular issue pistols. Funny thing was, the actual operators were carrying M9s!

Shot placement is much more important than caliber! I reckon the SF guys train a bit more then the support troopies.

[tabbat8]

spec fors , seals and other misc units were armed with the 1911 or other .45s often at their xo / commander's permission/orders. one small outfit doing security detail for the brass over there had a batch of sig 1911's bought and paid for by their command....

[Brian Dick]

SOCOM Armorers at Fort Bragg build new 1911A1 pistols for SF folks using Caspian components. There are plenty being carried and used in theater.

[mike radford]

Special Forces has always had more choice of weapons and more flexibilty. When I was in 5th SF in the 70's there was a huge SF weapons armory that had almost anything used by anyone in the last hundred years. Seeing mp40's, Thompsons, BAR's, PPsh's, etc. at the range was the norm. Choice of weapons was based on what was best for the situation.

Before the Son Tai raid, guys I served with went to local gun shops near Ft. Bragg and bought modern quick aquisition sights for their M16's. These were much more suitable for that night operation. At the time that was nearly unheard of because the military was so closed to new ideas and burdensome. Now even the regular units have more flexibility.

[Waltherman]

My son-in-law, a USMC Capt, sent me an email on his second tour in Iraq telling me
to pick him up a WW-2 1911 and to try it out. I call a 1911 collector friend and we got
him a RR, all original and it didnot miss a beat with 230 gr ball. Now on duty in Afganistan
carring the RR. He said those doped up insurgents would not be stopped by that 9mm ball,
unless you hit him in the torso with 6 well placed shots. Has not had to use it yet, but he feels
much better about his chances with the WW-2 War Horse at his side, Caught a little flack,but they really don't care, as long as you can get the job done. Simper Fi, go Marines

[mlin]

Look at post #87 of the link to 1911 forum. Some photos of Army guys carried 1911a1.
Military 1911 photo thread (vintage pics ONLY) - Page 4 - 1911Forum

[Mohawk]

I never Gave up My .45. Carried Her all over the World for 22 Years. Never liked or cared for the 9MM. Always viewed it as a sub gun round. No one ever followed through with an aggressive action when struck with a .45 hardball round. That in and of itself is testimony enough for the power of that fine cartridge. I spent 19 of 22 years as a Member of SOCOM...

[tx81]

Look at post #87 of the link to 1911 forum. Some photos of Army guys carried 1911a1.
Military 1911 photo thread (vintage pics ONLY) - Page 4 - 1911Forum

I was looking at the pictures (pretty cool) in the post's URL and one of them caught my attention.
One of the MEU 1911's has "LEAD" engraved on the right side of the frame.
Anyone know what the engraving means???

[jmoore]

"LEAD" probably indicates LEtterkenney Army Depot.

[emmagee1917]

Yep , rebuild mark. Quite common on the legs of M1 garands , I believe.
Chris