USMC Property Kimber Interim CQB — MCSOCOM Detachment One 1911 (.45 ACP, 2003)
Archival record: Specifications and condition reflect the firearm as listed at the time of auction.
Final Auction Price: Auction Ends 02/15/26!
The Kimber Interim Close Quarters Battle pistol occupies a singular place in modern U.S. military small-arms history. Produced in extremely limited numbers for Marine Corps Special Operations Command Detachment One (DET 1), this pistol represents the only officially marked USMC 1911 outside of the World War I and World War II contract eras. Built to withstand the demands of modern special operations, the Interim CQB bridges legacy 1911 design with contemporary combat requirements.
Identification
MMA#: 260105DB003
Make: Kimber
Model: U.S.M.C. Property Interim CQB
Serial Number: DET1-350
Year of Manufacture: 2003
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single-action semi-automatic pistol with detachable magazine
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Sights / Optics
The front sight is a dovetailed blade with a tritium lamp. The rear sight is a Novak Lo-Mount square-notch sight with dual Trijicon tritium inserts, dovetailed and secured with a set screw. Tritium lamps are slightly dimmed but remain visible in low-light conditions.
Stock / Grip Configuration & Condition
The pistol is fitted with two-piece double-diamond checkered rubber grip panels. The grips show no significant wear or damage, with sharp checkering throughout. Overall grip condition: Excellent.
Finish & Overall Condition
Type of Finish: Black Phosphate
Finish Originality: Original
This pistol retains approximately 98% of its original finish. There is light edge wear and minor operational handling marks consistent with limited service use. Grip screw sockets remain strong and markings are clear. Overall condition: Excellent.
Bore & Mechanics
Bore Condition: Mostly bright with sharp rifling, scattered faint fouling, and minor tooling marks. Bore rated 8.5/10.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Slide-to-frame fit is snug, and the pistol is configured without a Series 80 firing pin safety. The trigger break is crisp. As with all previously owned firearms, professional inspection and routine cleaning are recommended prior to use.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories
Included is a Kimber hard case with matching label, one 8-round magazine, Marine Corps Special Operations Command Detachment One patch, U.S. Marine Corps TAD/Field Orders, factory paperwork including the manual, and an Operation Iraqi Freedom commemorative coin.
Our Assessment
In 2003, Marine Corps Special Operations Command Detachment One sought a combat-ready 1911 capable of far exceeding the durability limits of the existing MEU(SOC) pistols. While the MEU pistols were hand-built by Marine armorers, they required frequent overhauls and were impractical for sustained high-round-count training environments. DET 1 leveraged its broad purchase authority to seek a commercially manufactured alternative.
Kimber, fresh off its adoption by LAPD SWAT, was selected to produce a purpose-built CQB pistol meeting DET 1’s specifications. Requirements included a throated 5-inch barrel, standard recoil system, Novak tritium sights, beavertail grip safety, lanyard loop, no firing pin safety, U.S. Property markings, and a projected service life of 30,000 rounds. According to published research, only 347 Interim CQB pistols were produced, with approximately 110 delivered to the Marine Corps. Remaining pistols were later released to DET 1 personnel following the unit’s deactivation in 2006.
As noted by respected authorities including Larry Vickers and Ken Hackathorn, this is the only U.S. Marine Corps–marked 1911 produced outside the early 20th-century service contracts, making it one of the rarest U.S. military 1911 variants in existence. Retained in Excellent condition and accompanied by original documentation and unit-associated accessories, this pistol represents a cornerstone piece for advanced 1911, U.S. military, or modern special operations collections.
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