Posted: 9/6/2026 9:33:08 PM EDT
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I have searched throughout the forum using various terms and search conditions. I have also used Google, but other forums don't seem to provide a complete answer. So: 1.) Does anyone know where I need to send a FOIA request to obtain information regarding a CMP 1911 (unit assigned to, etc.)? 2.) Does anyone have a FOIA request format that you wouldn't mind sharing? Thanks in advance. |
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Originally Posted By Suppo: I have searched throughout the forum using various terms and search conditions. I have also used Google, but other forums don't seem to provide a complete answer. So: 1.) Does anyone know where I need to send a FOIA request to obtain information regarding a CMP 1911 (unit assigned to, etc.)? 2.) Does anyone have a FOIA request format that you wouldn't mind sharing? Thanks in advance. I sent this format letter to [email protected] : Dear Sir or Madam, I request any and all information in the Department of Defense (DOD) small arms/light weapons registry for US pistol M1911A1 serial number [insert serial number here]. I am willing to pay $25.00 for this information. Thank you in advance, [your name here] I'm not sure if that's still the method as that worked for me on my Remington Rand last year. |
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This is what is posted on the CMP forums for the FOIA requests: 2129 #1 FOIA Request Information 05-03-2025, 07:53 PM UPDATED - 8/6/2026 Here is the information needed for a FOIA request: See Photo below for example Email to: [email protected] Email Subject: New FOIA Request To improve the efficiency and accuracy of our FOIA process, we are standardizing submission procedures. Effective January 23, 2026, we will prioritize requests based on their submission format. To ensure the most efficient handling and to receive an expedited response, we strongly encourageall requesters to utilize the attached standardized email template for future submissions. Requests submitted using the correct template will receive priority processing. Submissions received in any other format will be subject to significant processing delays due to the need for manual review and data entry. This procedural change is being implemented to ensure we can continue to meet our statutory obligations to the public in an orderly and efficient manner. Here's the formatting they included: SUBMIT ONE WEAPON PER EMAIL REQUEST All fields with an asterisk are required to be filled in after the colon. Do not alter this format in any way Requesting information from the Department of Defense (DOD) Small Arms/Light Weapons Registry for the weapon identified below *Requestor First Name: *Requestor Last Name: *Requestor Email Address: *Weapon Make (i.e. Remington): *Weapon Model (i.e. M1911A1 pistol): *Weapon Serial Number: *Willing to pay up to (Input Dollar Amount after colon)for this information: ********NOTE********: All fields with an asterisk above are required or the request will be non-perfected and returned The items below are not required but allow us to contact you if there are any issues with this request: Street Address: City: State: Zip Code: Phone Number: -- No additional wording -- ** NOTE ** All fields with an asterisk above are required or the request will be non-perfected and returned. ** NOTE ** *** FOLLOW THE GUIDANCE BELOW FOR FUTURE SMALL ARMS/LIGHT WEAPONS FOIA REQUEST **** Duplicate requests will not be researched until the record reaches its retention (6 Years). 1. Do not alter or change the subject line of the request. 2. Do not remove the asterisk or alter the information on any line to the left of the colon. 3. All requested information must be filled in to the right of the colon on each line. 4. Ensure you place a dollar amount to the right of the colon in the last line or your request will be unperfected and returned for update slowing the response time. (Suggest $25) 5. One weapon per request. NOTE: Submit only a single Serial Number at a time. Wait for those results to be returned and then submit another serial number Allow 20 working days to receive your response. Research is conducted by one serial number per weapon. The DoD Small Arms/Light Weapons Registry history only goes back to 1975. Certain weapons (e.g. Rifles Model 1903s/03-A3, 1917s, M1898, Pistol Models M9, Shotguns, and pre-1975 Army inventory) are unlikely to have records |
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FOIA results can get interesting, especially on the “ range grade” guns that frequently reveal a special operations connection. The rest of the guns often show very uninteresting lives, usually long periods of assignment to units ( frequently guard or reserve units) You might stumble on interesting unit connections ( in the case of navy guns a particular ship assignment which of course would be very interesting to old sailors) If not aware, bear in mind the info on FOIA requests only goes back to the mid 70’s when they started computerizing military weapon inventory. If you have a colt, I have some data points on where initial shipment may have been ( most of these are similarly uninteresting with large blocks shipped to Springfield armory or depots) but every once in a while it will pop an interesting shipment to a unit or base |
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Interesting. I'll have to do this for mine and my dad's. Is this just for 1911s or for M1 rifles and carbines as well? Also, do the call you for payment? |
"Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands." - Col. Jeff Cooper
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Originally Posted By captain127: FOIA results can get interesting, especially on the “ range grade” guns that frequently reveal a special operations connection. The rest of the guns often show very uninteresting lives, usually long periods of assignment to units ( frequently guard or reserve units) You might stumble on interesting unit connections ( in the case of navy guns a particular ship assignment which of course would be very interesting to old sailors) If not aware, bear in mind the info on FOIA requests only goes back to the mid 70’s when they started computerizing military weapon inventory. If you have a colt, I have some data points on where initial shipment may have been ( most of these are similarly uninteresting with large blocks shipped to Springfield armory or depots) but every once in a while it will pop an interesting shipment to a unit or base Originally Posted By captain127: FOIA results can get interesting, especially on the “ range grade” guns that frequently reveal a special operations connection. The rest of the guns often show very uninteresting lives, usually long periods of assignment to units ( frequently guard or reserve units) You might stumble on interesting unit connections ( in the case of navy guns a particular ship assignment which of course would be very interesting to old sailors) If not aware, bear in mind the info on FOIA requests only goes back to the mid 70’s when they started computerizing military weapon inventory. If you have a colt, I have some data points on where initial shipment may have been ( most of these are similarly uninteresting with large blocks shipped to Springfield armory or depots) but every once in a while it will pop an interesting shipment to a unit or base In my case, my RR was claimed to be a Korean War bring-back. It's history was unavailable from the FOIA, leading credence to the claim as records have (for the most part) not survived and do not normally go back to Korea or beyond as you stated. Originally Posted By IcmThrawn: Interesting. I'll have to do this for mine and my dad's. Is this just for 1911s or for M1 rifles and carbines as well? Also, do the call you for payment? I believe this works for M1s and other weapons, as well. The thing is it needed to be in the system from the Vietnam timeframe and beyond for reliable information. |
Why is the sky blue?
What makes the green grass grow?
What makes the green grass grow?
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Originally Posted By captain127: FOIA results can get interesting, especially on the “ range grade” guns that frequently reveal a special operations connection. The rest of the guns often show very uninteresting lives, usually long periods of assignment to units ( frequently guard or reserve units) You might stumble on interesting unit connections ( in the case of navy guns a particular ship assignment which of course would be very interesting to old sailors) If not aware, bear in mind the info on FOIA requests only goes back to the mid 70’s when they started computerizing military weapon inventory. If you have a colt, I have some data points on where initial shipment may have been ( most of these are similarly uninteresting with large blocks shipped to Springfield armory or depots) but every once in a while it will pop an interesting shipment to a unit or base Could you take a quick look at a 1945 Colt 2335610? TIA |
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Probably NOT going to work for M1’s as most were out of issued units and in long term storage years before computerized records started. It will be VERY interesting when the CMP releases the M14’s - would love to pick one up and find out it was one of the rifles my unit was issued in Iraq |