I saw something online about commemorative USNA 1911 pistols. I can't confirm if this is an 'official' commemorative issue or if people just do it on their own. Does anybody know? I would love to eventually get all 4 years worth for my plebe-to-be representing his years at Annapolis and get a display case for them. It would be a great gift for him in 2023.
Commemorative USNA Pistols?
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Seems bizarre to me - even though I have several 1911s - and I think they are great.
They shoot the Sig M11-A1 (P228) at USNA, but I did see that there is an outfit selling an "officially licensed" Class Pistol Display case (to fit a 5" 1911), which is pretty expensive on it's own ($360).
To be "officially licensed", I just think that you have to buy the rights to use the logo. I could be wrong, though. I hope that I am!
At any rate, they are marketed as a "Class of 2018 Pistol" and "Class of 2019 Pistol", and so on. Getting all 4 may require a second mortgage, however!
Here is the Class of 2018 example (which is a 5" 01991 70-series):
They shoot the Sig M11-A1 (P228) at USNA, but I did see that there is an outfit selling an "officially licensed" Class Pistol Display case (to fit a 5" 1911), which is pretty expensive on it's own ($360).
To be "officially licensed", I just think that you have to buy the rights to use the logo. I could be wrong, though. I hope that I am!
At any rate, they are marketed as a "Class of 2018 Pistol" and "Class of 2019 Pistol", and so on. Getting all 4 may require a second mortgage, however!
Here is the Class of 2018 example (which is a 5" 01991 70-series):
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MidwestDad
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Can't speak to Navy but the USMA pistol team helps Colt custom shop design 1911s for graduating class every year. These are restricted to graduates only but they can order one extra. This is not a 3rd party commemorative but legit direct sanctioned USMA activity.
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Do you mean the USNA range because it is what the Navy uses?
Old Navy BGO
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First, I have seen references to USMA classes commissioning a "class pistol." I've never heard of it at USNA.
If such a "class pistol" exists, there is absolutely no need to to buy all 4 representing the years at USNA. The four years together by the Bay is represented by the the year of graduation. A 2023 grad isn't going to care less about 2020-2021.
Finally , do heed the comments about licensing and intellectual property rights. The USNA seal is trademarked, and I would expect that individual class crests are as well.
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Getting all 4 may require a second mortgage, however!
If such a "class pistol" exists, there is absolutely no need to to buy all 4 representing the years at USNA. The four years together by the Bay is represented by the the year of graduation. A 2023 grad isn't going to care less about 2020-2021.
Finally , do heed the comments about licensing and intellectual property rights. The USNA seal is trademarked, and I would expect that individual class crests are as well.
Just the range in general throughout his lifetime. It's something we have done together, and I'm sure he will continue enjoying it after I'm gone. I would specifically get the P228 because of the Navy connection.
That's the exact reason I was asking if there was anything official. If not, I would just do a generic "USNA" with the year and possibly his name.
I'm not sure if people intentionally disregard trademarks, or if they are oblivious, but it is still theft. I see it quite often with shirts. This is why we always purchase our shirts through the Midshipmen Store.
To THParent.... Thanks for the post - I surprised that the USNA would not shoot the Sig M17, given that it is the new US Military pistol. I have a 226 and love it, might have to look at getting a this 228. My son and I are big shooters and he is a USNA candidate. Anxiously awaiting the opportunity for an appointment.
You are sure about the P228?
"They shoot the Sig M11-A1 (P228) at USNA, "
You are sure about the P228?
"They shoot the Sig M11-A1 (P228) at USNA, "
Roadking
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I gifted the USMA Class of 2017 pistol to my DS as a graduation gift. The program was sponsored by the USMA Pistol Team and one of the Officers in charge had a dealers license in order to distribute the pistols. After he received your order you would go to a local gun shop and do the paperwork, including fingerprints and state purchase permit. The pistol was then shipped to the local dealer for pick up. The pistol was a Colt 1911 .45 and DS chose gun metal blue with gold engraving, spectacular weapon for display purposes. The gun was also available in stainless steel, also a revolver was available which I regret not also purchasing. I’ve tried to upload a photo to this post but I keep getting a message that it is too large a file to load, if anyone can tell me how to do it I will be happy to try again. I think the main thing to get a USNA Class Pistol would be finding someone at Annapolis with a dealer license willing to undertake this huge task, I’m not sure but I would bet approximately 500 pistols are purchased each class year.
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This may not be the right forum for nitpicking SigSauer marketing...but the Sig M11-A1 is the civilian version of the handgun issued to Aircrew. The actual issue handgun is the M11, and is a P228 derivative. The M11-A1 is commercial version, and I believe that it is based upon the P229.
I would expect that M17 (P320) will eventually make its way into the Navy inventory...but doubt USNA is high on the priortity list.
If I have an opportunity to purchase 4 pistols and not get yelled at by my wife, there is a need!
Roadking
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I carry the Sig Emperor Scorpion 1911 everyday, excellent weapon.
Old Navy BGO
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I understand .... just hope your wife doesn't sell them for what you said you paid for them when you die.
CornhuskersAnonymous
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As far as USNA class pistols, my roommate and I started the grassroots effort to make our class pistols after we found out that USMA did them every year. The finished product was great. I still have the contact info for the man who helped us out if anyone would like to pass it on to their current Midshipman. Would recommend starting it either second semester 2nd class year or first thing after reform firstie year.
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Ty-rva said:
I occurs to me that I never answered either one of these.
Yes, the "Navy version" is the M11, which is a 13-shot version of the P228 (not the P229) and in use at USNA. The civilian model is the M11-A1, which is based on the 15-shot P229. The differences with the military and civilian contract guns are that the M11 has a stamped metal, multi piece slide, whereas the M11-A1 has a one piece forged slide. The stamped slide construction technique has proved completely serviceable for 40 years. When first used on early P220s however - it scared the critics (they said that they seemed cheap, like an AK-47) - but most of those guns are still working perfectly, today. The P228 pistol is no longer in the commercial line; it has been replaced by the P229 in 9 mm. Even the terminology of P228 is no longer used. So I had it backward, just like @Old Navy BGO . We're a pair, you and me!
The M11-A1 also has a slightly larger mag well. Both have short reset triggers. Sig Sauer stopped making the stamped slides when .40 S&W hit the market and was all the rage. They found that those slides didn't hold up to the added punishment from the new cartridge. The slides are fine with 9mm however.
One thing (of many things) that the M11-A1 has over the "Mil-Spec" M11 is that the fit and finish are better in the civilian version. . Of course they are pricey, too. I write "Mil-Spec" in quotes because to me, that just translates to "loosey goosey", but that also means that they will cycle ANY ammo (brass case, steel case, aluminum case, round nose, truncated solid, unjacketed, jacketed, hollow point, etc.) reliably and efficiently. This is good for the target end-user (Naval Aviators) because everyone knows that they don't know how to shoot (or at least deal with clearing a jammed pistol), anyway.
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