M15 pistol

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

M15 General Officer's Pistol
M15 pistol
Type	Semi-automatic pistol
Place of origin	United States
Service history
In service	1972-present
Used by	United States
Production history
Designer	Rock Island Arsenal
Specifications
Weight	1.03 kg (2.27 lb) empty
Length	200 mm (7.90 in)
Barrel length	108 mm (4.25 in)

Cartridge	.45 ACP
Action	Short recoil
Rate of fire	Semi-automatic
Feed system	7-round single column, detachable box magazine

The M15 General Officers is a .45 ACP pistol developed by the U.S. Army's Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) from stock M1911 pistols. Adopted in 1972, the M15 replaced Colt Model 1903 and Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless pistols with a weapon with greater stopping power and effectiveness. It was issued to US Army personnel of General Officer rank as a personal weapon. Models were hand-built at the RIA and had a brass plate inset into the left grip that was inscribed with the officer's name.

It is similar to the Colt Commander, but has internal differences.

This model is commonly referred to as the "Officer". There is some disagreement in sources over its formal designation, possibly either Pistol, General Officers', Caliber .45, M15 or Pistol, Cal. .45, Semi-automatic, M1911A1, General Officer's.

[edit] Operational traits

Functionally, this pistol operates the same as a basic M1911A1. The shorter barrel is reported to have a greater muzzle blast yet, even with the abbreviated barrel, the pistol maintains a muzzle velocity of 245 m/s (800 ft/s).

The pistol's sights are larger than the standard M1911A1's including a taller front sight. Magazines remain interchangeable between the two models.

A lanyard may be attached to the weapon's butt.