M15 pistol
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| M15 General Officer's Pistol | |
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| Type | Semiautomatic Pistol |
| Place of origin | Rock Island Arsenal |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1972 to Current |
| Used by | US Military |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 1.03 kg (2.27 lb) empty |
| Length | 200 mm (7.90 in) |
| Barrel length | 108 mm (4.25 in) |
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| Cartridge | .45 ACP Ball M1911 |
| Action | Short recoil, SA |
| Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
| Feed system | 7-round single column, detachable box magazine |
M15 General Officers is a .45 ACP pistol adopted in 1972 developed by the U.S. Army's Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) from stock M1911 pistols. It 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 an abbreviated barrel, 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.
[edit] See also
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