Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
If you’ve been kicking yourself for only grabbing one surplus 1911 pistol from the Civilian Marksmanship Program back when prices were lower and supplies looked endless… well, CMP just gave collectors and shooters a pretty solid surprise.
As of May 2025, the CMP has officially doubled the lifetime purchase limit on surplus M1911 and M1911A1 pistols from two guns to four.
For anyone unfamiliar, the CMP 1911 program offers authentic U.S. military-issued 1911 pistols transferred from Army inventory. These aren’t reproductions or clone guns. They’re real-deal service pistols that were carried, rebuilt, mixed, refinished, and dragged through decades of American military history.
CMP says roughly 98% of the pistols are “mix-masters,” meaning frames and slides may come from different manufacturers or rebuild periods. Some may also include commercial replacement parts.
Basically: don’t expect museum-grade mint Colts every time you open the box. But that’s honestly part of the appeal. Each gun ends up feeling like a weird mechanical time capsule with its own story baked into it.
Current pricing breaks down like this:
- Service Grade: $1,300
- Field Grade: $1,200
- Rack Grade: $1,100
- Range Grade: $1,150 (currently sold out)
- Auction Grade: Pricing varies by auction listing
The Service Grade pistols are generally the cleanest of the standard offerings, while Rack Grades can show heavier wear, rust, pitting, cracked grips, and may require some work to fully restore. CMP says all pistols are inspected and test-fired before shipment.
SEE ALSO: CMP Surplus 1911 Pistols: Yes, They’re Real & Here’s How to Buy One
The sold-out Range Grades were especially interesting because they included modified “shooter” guns with upgraded parts like beavertails, adjustable sights, match hammers, and custom safeties from names like Wilson Combat, Ed Brown, and Bar-Sto.
And before somebody asks: no, you still can’t just click “add to cart” like you’re ordering socks off Amazon.
Buyers still need proof of U.S. citizenship, CMP-affiliated club membership, marksmanship participation, ID documents, notarized paperwork, and an FFL for shipment. CMP also runs its own background checks before transfer.
Still, for military collectors and 1911 fans, the bigger news here is simple: The government-surplus 1911 pipeline isn’t dead yet. And now you can legally justify buying two more. Learn more HERE.
*** Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica! ***
is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
– Licensed Bowhunter, Hunter, and Trapper – Experienced in ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.
– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
– Field-Tested Gear Reviewer – Hands-on experience with firearms, optics, and hunting tech.
The reason they doubled the purchase amount is because they are over priced junk. There – I said it. That’s what a lot people are thinking anyway. And yes, I’ve bought guns from the CMP before.
A Service Grade CMP 1911 obtained in 2019,
the second year of their initial lottery system,
is proudly displayed on my gun wall
along with a DCM M1 Garand and CMP M1 Carbine.
To qualify for a DCM M1 Garand required among other things
shooting in two high-power DCM rifle matches.
The limit then was one in a lifetime.
My grandfathers, my father and I served in the Army
during the period the M1911A1 was the service sidearm.
My father carried an M1 Carbine as an advisor in Vietnam in 1961.
For you youngsters out there,
the Director of Civilian Marksmanship (DCM) was under the Army.
When Bill Clinton was Commander in Chief
he was having surplus M1 Garand receivers sawed in half
and scrapped the venerable rifles as fast as possible.
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP)
was created by Congress in 1996 to secure surplus firearms,
remove them from Clinton’s control,
and stop him from destroying them.
There are better more accurate firearms available for less money but,
on this our 250th anniversary of the American Revolution,
our military heritage is priceless.