Rock Island Arsenal M15 GO251 General Officer Pistol, General Donald J. Brown, Uniform and Grouping
Our Assessment: While Colt 1903 and 1908 models were used as General Officer pistols from 1944 until 1972, both models were discontinued by Colt in the 1940s and the Army's inventory eventually ran out. Rock Island Arsenal tested some commercial models, including the Walther P38 and Smith & Wesson 39, but eventually decided to produce their own GO pistol by customizing 1911A1 model pistols. Gunsmiths at the Arsenal were already very familiar with this sort of work after producing many National Match competition pistols. The result of their work was the M15. First introduced in 1972, the M15 has a 3/4" shorter slide, a single locking lug for the barrel, National Match sights, National Match trigger, proprietary guide-rod assembly, recoil spring plug and bushing, and the barrel is nickel plated. The frame was modified with National Match style checkering on the front strap, six horizontal serrations on the mainspring housing and Herrett's grips customized with a name plate and Rock Island Arsenal escutcheon. Only 1,004 were produced before the model was discontinued due to cost concerns.This example, GO 251, was issued to Major General Donald Brown. Brown served as an enlisted soldier in the European Theater during WWII, receiving a commission and Company command in 1949. He was issued this M15 in August of 1974 and took command of the 84th Division, U.S. Army Reserve in 1976. The pistol is in Fine-plus condition and is accompanied by a US Army Major General's uniform and a variety of accessories for display. This pistol will make a wonderful addition to a collection of military firearms, especially with its rich history. Please see our photos and good luck!
Make: Rock Island Arsenal
Model: M15, General Officer's Pistol
Serial Number: GO 251
Year of Manufacture: 1974
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Barrel Length: 4 1/4"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a National Match-style square notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut. Rock Island Arsenal started with standard Herrett's stocks, but the left was inlet for a metal plate (should the General wish to have their name marked on the gun, this example is un-marked) and the right was inlet for a Rock Island Arsenal escutcheon. The front strap was also checkered by Rock Island Arsenal in the National Match style for additional grip. The top of the right panel was relieved by Rock Island Arsenal so that it would not obscure the serial marking. The grips have minor handling wear with a few small marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Nickel trigger and barrel.
Finish Originality: Original to assembly by Rock Island Arsenal
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a small tool mark near the muzzle. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor marks with a scratch on the left of the frame below the slide stop. There is some erosion under the finish on the top-front of the slide and the bottom of the dust cover. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It has both a manual and grip safety and the trigger pull is crisp. The slide has no play to the frame, but moves smoothly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 7-round magazine, leather-wrapped baton inscribed "DJB" with Combat Infantry and Parachutist pins, a copy of from DA 444 stating that this pistol was in Major General Donald J. Brown's possession as of January 2, 1980, an assortment of belts and holster including a GO belt, custom display case for the pistol, cleaning accessories, and a US Army Major General's uniform with ribbon rack, Combat Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge and Army Presidential Unit Citation Military Ribbon.
CA LEGAL: NO CALIFORNIA SALES
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