The USMC Colt M45A1 Should Have Been This

Product Reviewed

AccuracyX M45A2 — a modern “retro” clone of the Colt M45A1 (USMC 1911), updated as a double-stack design.

Key Points / Features Mentioned

• Double-stack magazine design based on the M45A1 platform.
• Caliber options:
  • .45 ACP (clone-correct desire)
  • 9mm (more practical choice)
• Grip options:
  • Includes a polymer grip (intended to save weight and match what would be issued today)
  • Alternative grip materials mentioned: aluminum or metal
• Rail included, like the original M45A1.
• Finish options:
  • One variant described as Cerakote
  • Another variant described as battle-worn / limited edition aesthetic
  • Contrasted with the Marine Corps’ original Cerakote rather than a Decobond anodized look
• Lanyard loop / retention system possible (rear/holster retention idea) to prevent losing the gun if dropped.
• Thumb clips from White Wolf Concepts mentioned as a nice accessory/feel upgrade.
• High-end build process:
  • Manufacturer described as high-end
  • Claims that every part is hand-fitted, including slide-to-frame fitment
• 2011-style internals:
  • Built “like a 2011,” including a large guide rod (contrasted with traditional bushing-style 1911s)

Pros (What the Reviewer Liked)

• Higher capacity than the original M45A1
  • The reviewer strongly preferred more rounds and disliked the “low mag cap” feeling.
  • Mentions a comparison idea like .45 13+1 vs 7/8+1 (original limitation), making the double-stack concept feel especially appealing.
• Shootability surprise / reduced felt recoil vs expectations
  • Even in .45, the gun “shoots like 9mm / spicy 9mm.”
  • Claims it recoils less than the compared gun (even if it “feels heavier”).
  • Notes the muzzle stays flatter than expected, particularly compared with the M45A1.
• Premium feel and accuracy claims
  • “Buttery smooth” slide-to-frame fit.
  • Mentions proof/fire testing documentation included to support accuracy credibility.
• Timeless classic look, updated for modern use
  • Praises the aesthetics (rail, retro styling) and the nostalgia-modern balance.
• Limited edition bundle (Edition #11 of 11)
  • Comes with a massive box containing many themed items.
  • Notable collectibles are included (see Included Extras).

Cons / Criticisms Mentioned

Original Colt M45A1 (criticized heavily)

• Tons of malfunctions
• Frames cracked and slides cracked
• Heavier
• Troops reportedly preferred 9mm and higher-capacity double-stack options

AccuracyX M45A2 (no explicit dealbreakers stated)

• No direct, specific “dealbreaker” cons are listed for the AccuracyX product.
• The overall implication is that it remains a restomod concept whose core value is modernization, capacity, and shootability.

Comparisons Made

• Colt M45A1 vs AccuracyX M45A2
  • Original: single-stack, problematic history, heavy, low capacity
  • AccuracyX M45A2: double-stack, claimed smoother operation, and unexpectedly mild/reduced recoil feel
• .45 vs 9mm
  • Reviewer personally leans to .45 for the platform experience
  • Still calls 9mm more practical due to capacity and controllability
• Modern market comparison
  • Contrasts this with modern “space gun” styling that prioritizes flashy appearance over performance improvements

Included Extras (Limited Edition: “Special Edition Run of 11”)

The reviewer highlighted multiple items:

• Chesty Puller themed collectible / rare photograph
• Proof-fire test documentation (cardboard cutout/report claiming proof testing and accuracy)
• K-Bar with serial number matching the pistol’s “one of 11” edition/serial pairing
• An original WWII / Iwo Jima battle plan map, including:
  • landing zones, sectors, entrenchments, pillboxes, artillery details, Mount Suribachi, etc.
  • described as museum-sourced and collectible-worthy

User Experience (How It Feels / Plays)

• Framed as an elegant tool-gun: timeless rather than overly modern/styled.
• Shooting impression:
  • smooth mechanically (hand fit)
  • flatter muzzle rise than expected for .45
  • “shoots like 9mm / plus-P 9mm,” instead of being punishing .45

Verdict / Recommendation

Strong recommendation for fans of the Colt M45A1 aesthetic and/or 1911/2011 nostalgia who also want modern benefits—especially higher capacity and better real-world shooting feel (as claimed).

The video presents the AccuracyX M45A2 as a “perfected” retro-modern solution compared with the historically troubled original M45A1.

All Unique Points Mentioned (Condensed)

1. Original Colt M45A1 was criticized for malfunctions, cracking, and being heavy.
2. Original was single-stack with low capacity; troops preferred 9mm and double-stack options.
3. AccuracyX M45A2 is a double-stack clone of the M45A1.
4. Available in .45 ACP and 9mm.
5. Rail included.
6. Multiple finishes; limited edition battle-worn look; Cerakote option mentioned as more “correct.”
7. Polymer grip included; alternatives (aluminum/metal) available.
8. Lanyard/retention loops mentioned to prevent loss if dropped.
9. White Wolf Concepts thumb clips praised for feel and muzzle control.
10. High-end, hand-fitted build; “buttery smooth” slide-to-frame fit.
11. 2011-like construction with a large guide rod (claimed to affect recoil/muzzle rise).
12. Claimed recoil reduction: .45 feels like 9mm (spicy/+P-like) with a flatter muzzle.
13. Concept praised as a logical restomod: double-stack where it makes sense.
14. Preferred over modern “space-gun” styling that doesn’t add performance.
15. Limited edition of 11, with a large “massive box.”
16. Extras include: Chesty Puller item/photo, proof-fire test paperwork, K-Bar (serial #), and an Iwo Jima battle map.

Speakers / Viewpoints

• Single primary speaker (no clearly separated alternative viewpoints in the provided subtitles). Their view covers both:
  • historical critique of the original M45A1
  • modern evaluation of the AccuracyX M45A2 features, shooting feel, and limited edition contents