2026 Q3 Restomod: 50 CQFP Doublestack 1911’s
Custom Serial Numbers M45A2-01 to M45A2-50
No matter what kind of “1911 guy” you are, there has always been a bit of allure surrounding Colt’s M45A1 Close Quarter Battle Pistol. A foundational element of the M1911’s mythology remains its long-standing service with the United States Armed Forces. Even after NATO strong-handed the U.S. into the small-bore M9, the .45 Automatic remained popular with units such as Delta, MARSOC, and other special mission units throughout the military. Americans just did not want to give up their big-bore Excalibur, and I don’t blame them.
After several generations of the MEUSOC M1911s built by Marine Armorers, the Corps would look to America’s most famous gun brand for factory-built replacements. Interestingly enough, at this time Colt’s Manufacturing had a Devil Dog at the helm: Lt. Gen. William M. Keys.
Keys, a staunch supporter of the Corps and the .45 ACP cartridge, became a driving force for the development and adoption of the M45A1. Despite any controversy that factoid may garner from the peanut gallery, the USMC formally adopted the M45A1 CQBP in 2013. This pistol incorporated many of the Marine’s wish-list items for a fighting gun, such as a lanyard loop, corrosion resistant finish, front cocking serrations, night sights, dual recoil spring system, G10 grips, and, of course, a (chunky) light rail.
To the retired General, the M45A1 would be regarded as, “a highly enhanced version of an already excellent combat weapon”. I have to say, that is the most incredible description of the modern M1911 I have ever heard. In my travels, I have been lucky to come across several Marine Raiders who fielded the M45A1, to which all of them happily shared their love for the big, tan .45 auto pistol.
Our gun is a faithfully inspired rendition of the M45A1, born of the same mission, but defiant, building a superior swan song, a gun that might’ve just kept polymer and 9mm out of the hands of our forces for another generation, if given the chance. Thus – we at Alchemy Custom Weaponry are proud to present the Close Quarters Fighting Pistol (CQFP), a double stack, fighting man’s .45ACP.
We’ve taken what the M45A1 was and brought things to the next level and generation of expectations with this one.
The Bronze PVD coating draws on the flat dark earth colorway of the original but improves it dramatically. One of the many issues that plagued the M45A1 was its finish. The first run from Colt’s was coated in a desert tan cerakote which did not apply well, and quickly flaked and wore during heavy use in modern polymer duty holsters. These pistols would be returned to Colt’s, who decommissioned them for sale on the civilian market. Later production pistols would be coated in PVD like our CQFP, which took on a much more bronze coloration. Our gun bridges the gap, with a bronze PVD coating on the frame and slide and an FDE-infused polymer grip module.
Our slide has the correct front and rear cocking serrations, and is unique among our RestoMods by being offered with multiple sight options. Like the original M45A1, our gun is optioned standard with a tritium front sight, and while the original would have used a two dot tritium rear, we’ve opted for a Novak tritium bar rear sight – easier rapid sight acquisition in the night for our fighting .45 ACP. But, if you want to bring this into the 21st Century, you can with our RMR/SRO cut and backup tall irons. We’ve also matched the original flared ejection port, which will, over time, look incredible as it takes abuse from the reconquista it was built to win.
Prototype show, production units will have custom serial numbers, also this should be the only photo in existance of a clean CQFP
Prototype show, production units will have custom serial numbers
On the small parts, the gun has the properly styled delta hammer, and a black solid aluminium trigger. We’ve also opted for an oversized magazine release for those inclined to shoot with gloves on, which can easily be threaded off and removed for access to a standard release (for those without soft hands).
Like all Alchemy Custom Weaponry RestoMods, we’ve taken great pains to bring the markings of the original pistol back to life. On the left side of the slide, we’ve recreated the familiar markings with the three stars marking, complimented by ACW of course. All US government markings are faithfully recreated, including an ACW government model marking on the frame. The frame is also finished with a custom Colt’s inspired CAGE (Commercial And Governmental Entity) code, that when scanned gains access to an epic Easter Egg that will ignite the soul of any real red-blooded American.
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$5,295
Only 50 CQFP 1911s will be produced and they will be shipped to your ffl in Q3 2026. To order your CQFP 1911, select your sight options below and place your order. We will contact you after your pistol is finished and passes QC for final payment and FFL information. Sales tax will be added for orders shipped to PA , IN or NC.
NOT available in CA or MA OR States with 10 round Magazine Capacity Restrictions
12 in stock
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