Since they know so much, you'd think they'd know that the Marines have designated the rail-equipped MEUSOC .45 the Marine M45. The ones tested for the Marine Interim Close Quarters Battle developmental program were from Kimber, and it seems they didn't work out as well as hoped. So now it's Colt, again.
RFI, dated 16 JAN 2004 which seems to imply interest in an integral railed frame, but it also gives a good idea of what the Marines were looking for in the MEU(SOC) .45. circa 2009:
1. Must be able to adapt to current and future optical/elector-optical technologies via the Mil Standard 1913 rail.
2. Must be capable of eight (seven in magazine, one in chamber) well-aimed shots before magazine reload.
3. Must be capable of firing military system procured DODIC A475, 230 grain .45 caliber Service Ball ammunition.
4. Must be one-man portable for deployment and employment.
5. Must be easily adaptable for both daytime and nighttime operations.
6. Must allow for rapid removal and installation of optical/electro-optical sighting devices.
7. Must have a non-reflective finish on both the weapon and sighting device.
8. Must be capable of airborne insertion with parachutists and waterborne insertion, after waterproofing, with divers and small boat.
9. Must be impervious to 48 hours exposure to high salt content sea water and resistant to abrasion caused by normal use.
10. Must have an external magazine capacity of seven rounds.
11. Must incorporate a manual safety.
12. Must incorporate failure resistant hardened parts where possible throughout.
13. Must be capable of repair at organizational maintenance with few exceptions.
14. The weapon shall demonstrate the ability to meet or exceed mean rounds between stoppages of 300 rounds threshold , 900 rounds objective.
The Marine Corps System Command (MCSC)intends to issue a solicitation number M67854-09-R-1146 for 1800 M45 .45 cal pistol slides. The Government anticipates a resulting firm fixed price contract for this commercial procurement ...
