Back in February, we reported that the Civilian Marksmanship Program had received their first batch of surplus 1911 pistols from the US Army. The CMP has been busy sorting and grading this batch of 8,000 pistols and are almost ready to begin sales. While theoretically the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), passed back in November 2017, allows for up to 10,000 surplus pistols to be transferred from the Army annually, the CMP does not yet know what next year’s allotment will be.

The CMP’s 1911 information page explains the procedures for purchasing a newly surplus 1911, stating that:

Every applicant will be treated as a new customer to CMP.

Previous purchases or relationships with CMP create no advantage or disadvantage to the customer.

CMP 1911 is an FFL governed operation and is a separate entity from CMP and has its own record keeping operation with no ties to the existing CMP records.

They stress that all information on how to purchase a pistol will be posted as an information packet for customers on 4th June and that there is no need to contact CMP customer services before then. While the information and ordering details will be available next month, the CMP states that orders for pistols will only be accepted from the 4th September onward.

After months of sorting and grading the CMP has also posted the grades of pistol available and their corresponding prices:

CMP 1911 PRICING:

CMP has priced the 1911 type pistols at fair market value in accordance with CMP’s enabling legislation.

Service Grade $1050. Pistol may exhibit minor pitting and wear on exterior surfaces and friction surfaces. Grips are complete with no cracks. Pistol is in issuable condition.

Field Grade $950. Pistol may exhibit minor rust, pitting, and wear on exterior surfaces and friction surfaces. Grips are complete with no cracks. Pistol is in issuable condition.

Rack Grade $850. Pistol will exhibit rust, pitting, and wear on exterior surfaces and friction surfaces. Grips may be incomplete and exhibit cracks. Pistol requires minor work to return to issuable condition.

Auction Grade (Sales will to be determined by auctioning the pistol). The condition of the auction pistol will be described when posted for auction.

Note: If you have already purchased a 1911 from CMP you will not be allowed to purchase an auction 1911. If you purchase an auction 1911, your name will be pulled from the sequenced list. No repeat purchasers are allowed until all orders received have been filled.

Some good news is that shipping costs are included in the prices. It seems that for this first initial batch of 1911 the CMP will take orders from customers during a short one month window from 4th September to 4th October 2018.

For more information check out the CMP’s dedicated 1911 information page here.