Fox News reports that the U.S. Marines have placed a $22.5 million order with Colt Defense for sidearms. The pistol maker will supply as many as 12,000 of the 200,000 U.S. Marines with semi-automatic, tan-colored M45 Close Quarter Battle Pistols, and they will include spare parts and logistical support.” Gerry Dinkel, CEO and president of Colt Defense, couldn’t be happier. “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. This is truly a gratifying contract award.” Not to mention a real bummer for our pal Karl Lippard, who competed for the Marine Corps contract with a gun of his own design for which he claimed 1000-yard accuracy. I guess the fix was in. Or not.