Colt M45 MEU(SOC)

History of Colt M45 MEU(SOC)

The MEU (SOC) represents the ultimate evolution of the M1911 Colt system, which debuted in the early 1900s and has become a popular and respected weapon for countless security and military forces around the world. The system is highly regarded for its overall design, which results in higher levels of reliability, robustness, and man-stopping capabilities.

The MEU (SOC) stems from the need to equip US Marine Corps personnel with a standard sidearm when deploying the Marine Corps HK MP5-N 9mm submachine gun.

Given the wide availability of the M1911A1, which has been accepted as the standard American pistol for decades, the MEU (SOC) is a modified M1911A1 - although all M1911A1s were replaced by the newly accepted Beretta M9 9m pistol. Although the MEU(SOC) has some superficial similarities to the M1911A1 system, the MEU(SOC) has several improvements that improve its effectiveness and handling characteristics.

MEU(SOC) features a new barrel design, more sensitive trigger function, improved sights and a rubberized pistol grip. The magazine itself has also now been updated to a more efficient stainless steel model.

Approximately 500 M1911A1 models have been modified to this updated MEU(SOC) standard, ensuring that the M1911 family as a whole will continue to serve the U.S. military for decades to come.

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