Colt Awarded Contract from U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines are getting some brand new sidearms.

The Marine Corps awarded Colt Defense a five-year contract worth $22.5 million to supply the military with the company's M1911A1 Rail Gun, now designated by the Corps as the M45 Close Quarter Battle Pistol.

The Marine Corps Times reported that the company could supply up to 4,000 pistols, which will be delivered to the military by 2017.

"This is a truly gratifying contract award," Gerry Dinkel, CEO and president of Colt Defense, told the Hartford (Conn.) Courant. "To have the 1911 selected again for U. S. Forces 101 years after its initial introduction is just an incredible testament to the timeless design and effectiveness of the Colt 1911. Colt Defense looks forward to another great partnership with the Marine Corps as we renew industry production of the military 1911."

The Colt Rail Gun features Colt's 80 firing system, which adds a firing pin safety block to prevent discharge if the gun is dropped. The Rail Gun also features more stainless parts, which should prove more adaptable to harsher environments.