Starting in 2018, the Civilian Marksmanship Program kicked off a milsurp M1911 pistol program. This came as a result of a literal act of Congress signed by President Obama (not kidding) that allowed the CMP to begin processing some 100,000 vintage 1911s in the Army’s “attic”– the Anniston Army Depot.
The crux of the argument was that the Army was spending $2 per year, per gun to store and inventory these guns– the newest of which was made in 1945– that essentially no one outside of the Army’s museum system was still using.
The first 10,000 guns were transferred from the Army to CMP that year. Then another 10,000. Then another 10,000. Now, the non-profit government-chartered corporation that uses such sales to fund marksmanship activities across the country is opening the fourth round of guns.
The mail order process seems daunting but is fairly easy. The user simply fills out a packet including copies of proof of U.S. Citizenship, proof of membership in a CMP-affiliated club (groups like the Garand Collector’s Association count), and proof of participation in a marksmanship activity (a CCW counts). Once accepted, you get an random generated number (RGN), then you wait for the call, pay, and pick it up from your FFL. The current price range of the CMP 1911s runs from $1,100 to $1,250 in four different grades.
CMP 1911 Round 4:
Beginning September 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023, the CMP will be accepting Round 4 M1911 Pistol orders. The CMP is increasing the lifetime purchase limit of 1911 pistols to two (2). The yearly limit is one per calendar year until you have met your lifetime limit. If you have never purchased a 1911 pistol from CMP, you may only purchase one at this time. If you have purchased a 1911 pistol in 2023, you CANNOT purchase a second 1911 at this time. If you previously purchased a 1911 through the RGN process or auction in 2018-2022, you are eligible to purchase a second 1911 pistol. You must submit a complete order packet. Incomplete orders will not be accepted. View details on the CMP 1911 Pistol Program on our website.
Also, the CMP has changed the number or rifles you can get.
Yearly Rifle Limit Decrease & Rifle Case Update:
Effective October 1, 2023, the CMP’s new yearly limit on M1 Garands will be 6 per calendar year. If you have already purchased 6-8 M1 Garands in calendar year 2023, you will not be allowed to purchase more M1 Garands until January 2024.
Due to supply issues and customer feedback, CMP will no longer offer a free rifle case with every rifle purchase. Customers will receive one free rifle case per calendar year with their first purchase of an M1 Garand in each calendar year. Rifles not shipped in a rifle case, will be shipped in a custom (made for specifically for CMP) corrugated cardboard box with convoluted foam. Rifle cases will be eligible for purchase when quantity permits. This does not apply to pistol orders. All CMP 1911 pistols will be shipped in a pistol case.
To comply with all firearm regulations, each rifle and pistol purchased from CMP will include a gun lock.
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