Comparison of the M45 MEUSOC (bottom) and the M1911 (top).
m45 meusoc
The MEU(SOC) pistol, ("Marine expeditionary unit (special operations capable)") officially designated the M45 MEUSOC is an M1911 variant. It became the sidearm for the Force Recon Element of the USMC's Marine Expeditionary Units since 1985. The handgun features some modernized features like longer pointy back spur, skeletonized external hammer, dovetail rear sights, a wraparound Pachmayr grip and a lighter trigger with hole(s).
This also applies to its most recent variant, the M45A1 CQBP which was introduced in 2012. Visually identifiable by its railed dust cover, diagonal front slide serrations and desert tan coloring.
