The recent announcement by the Civilian Marksmanship Program that they MAY obtain surplus Model of 1911 pistols for sale to the public has sparked a tremendous amount of interest by collectors and shooters alike.  If you have ordered rifles from the CMP in the past, you may think you're an "old hat" at this sort of thing, but think again.  The CMP plans to sell the M1911 pistols through a very different mechanism than their rifle sales.  So, if you're an old hat or brand new to purchasing firearms from the CMP, read on.

But first let me answer one of the most common questions.  Yes, being a member of the LSA satisfies the requirement to be a member of a CMP-affiliated club.

The CMP now has a dedicated page on their website for information on M1911 sales.  Here is a synopsis of some decisions that have already been made if the CMP were to ever receive them from the United States Army.

1. It's not a done deal! Although it appears to be highly likely, the US Government has NOT finalized the approval through congress, so the CMP does not currently have the M1911 pistols in their warehouses and definitely does not have permission to sale surplus M1911 pistols to the public.
2. There will be a whole new system. The CMP plays by different rules than a standard Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder.  A standard FFL dealer could not directly send a rifle to your home mailing address, but the CMP can mail that M1 Garand directly to you.  However, the CMP will not be able to send a M1911 to your home address, because it is a pistol.
   • The CMP will have an all-new M1911 order form, M1911 purchasing instructions, a M1911 page on their web site, a dedicated M1911 FFL fax number and email address for the FFL holder to send their FFL with customer's name attached.
   • The customer will have to send in a complete new order packet with all new qualifying criteria included. Everyone will be a new customer, everyone starts with no advantage or disadvantage. "CMP 1911" is an FFL-governed operation and is a separate entity from CMP and has to have its own record keeping operation with no ties to the old CMP records. So, if you've order from the CMP in the past, your CMP Customer Number will do you no good.  You'll soon have both a CMP Customer Number and a CMP 1911 Customer Number.
3. You will have to re-qualify (or qualify if new to this) to purchase firearms. Potential purchasers will have to provide to the CMP a new set of documents exhibiting: 1) proof of U.S. Citizenship, 2) proof of membership in a CMP-affiliated club, 3) proof of participation in a marksmanship activity, 4) a new form 2A with notary, 5) a signed copy of the 01, or 02, or 07 Federal Firearms License through which the M1911 will be transferred to you. From the volume of phone calls and emails I've received since this announcement, "proof of participation in a marksmanship activity" has many people baffled.  Here are some things that might help you understand this requirement.
   • You must provide proof of participation in a marksmanship related activity or otherwise show familiarity with the safe handling of firearms and range procedures.
   • Your marksmanship related activity does not have to be with a M1911 pistol; it can be with small bore rifles, high power rifles, pistols, air guns or shotguns.
   • Proof of marksmanship participation can be provided by documenting any of the following:
     • Current or past military or law enforcement service.
     • Participation in a rifle, pistol, air gun or shotgun competition (provide copy of results bulletin).
     • Completion of a marksmanship clinic that included live fire training (provide a copy of the certificate of completion or a statement from the instructor).
     • Distinguished, Instructor, or Coach status.
     • Concealed Carry License.
     • Firearms Owner Identification Card that includes live fire training.
     • FFL or C&R license.
     • Completion of a Hunter Safety Course that included live fire training.
     • Certification from range or club official or law enforcement officer witnessing shooting activity. A form for use in completing and certifying your r ange firing can be downloaded from the CMP web site here.
     • No proof of marksmanship required if over age 60.
4. They don't know what they'll be selling! Since the US Army has not transferred the M1911 pistols to the CMP, they have not graded them yet.  Decisions concerning the grade and pricing of the M1911 pistols will not be made until inspection has occurred of a substantial quantity that will take an estimated 150 days post receipt. The CMP will price at fair market value in accordance with CMP's enabling legislation.
5. If you want every variant of the M1911, it will take a while. Qualified CMP customers will only be allowed to purchase one 1911 per calendar year.
6. Your Curio and Relics FFL (Type 03 FFL) is no stinking good here. M1911 pistols purchased from the CMP cannot be transferred to 03 FFL license. The BATFE and the United States Army prefer that TWO NICS checks be performed on each customer: one by the CMP, and one by an FFL dealer during the final transfer.
7. Why two NICS checks? First Reason:  The first NICS check makes sure the customer can legally possess the M1911 pistol prior to shipping it to the local 01, or 02, or 07 FFL dealer.  The CMP, Congress, and the United States Army do not want the M1911 to have to be shipped back to CMP 1911 if the purchaser is not legal to possess.  The more in transit the pistol is, the more likely it could be lost or stolen.  The second NICS check is performed by the local 01, or 02, or 07 FFL in accordance with their standard transfer procedures. Second Reason:  CMP’s enabling legislation mandated by Congress specifies that the purchaser “successfully pass a thorough and complete background check,” i.e. NICS.  CMP cannot turn any firearm over to the purchaser until it receives a “proceed” from NICS. The local FFL can turn the pistol over after 72 business hours have elapsed if they have not heard back from NICS.  Turning the pistol over after 72 hours and not getting a “proceed” does not satisfy CMP’s enabling legislation mandated by Congress.  This leaves CMP no choice but to have a NICS check done and get a “proceed” to satisfy its enabling legislation, before shipping to the local 01, or 02, or 07 FFL.

Once the CMP gets permission from Congress to sale the surplus M1911 pistols, they will post this information on their web site.  As soon as the LSA learns this date, we'll let our members know.  Until that time, keep your fingers crossed!