'From The Ordnance Department': The NRA Model of 1911

by
posted on May 4, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
nra1911.jpg

"Life members of the National Rifle Association and individual members of its affiliated rifle clubs may purchase from the Ordnance Department the new Army Model .45 Colt Automatic Pistol. Owing to the necessity of first equipping the regular troops in the National Guard only one hundred of the pistols are available at this time. ... [T]hose who desire to secure one of the new pistols may do so by forwarding their application, as provided by law, through the governor of the state and a remittance of $13.50.”

Those words are from the Aug. 8, 1912, Arms & The Man. Qualified NRA Life members were allowed to purchase M1911s directly from the Director of Civilian Marksmanship, although the price rose to $16.04. These guns bore full military markings, but they had “N.R.A.” stamped on their frames to show they were not stolen government property.

This gun, No. 107419, was made by Springfield Armory in late 1914 and purchased by NRA Life member James O. Adams. It is on display at NRA’s National Firearms Museum in Fairfax, Va., and you can learn more by going to nramuseum.org.

In the years leading up to the United States' entry into World War I, NRA members were eligible to purchase a number of arms through the ordnance department. Model of 1903 Springfield rifles were available and were stamped "N.R.A." as well to avoid confusion with government-issue rifles.

Surplus stocks of military arms were also available for purchase through the ordnance department, including Krag-Jorgensen rifles and Trapdoor Springfields. Civilian shooters could also purchase ammunition, spare parts and accessories at the time, too.

Latest

Leo Surplus Guns Horman
Leo Surplus Guns Horman

LEO Trade-Ins: The Sleeper Surplus Market

Although much of the budget-priced military surplus market has dried up, there are still affordable options among the long guns and handguns retired from law enforcement service.

Henry Repeating Arms Expands Spirit of the Corps Rifle Series

After much demand, Henry Repeating Arms is back with two attention-getting lever guns in honor of the U.S. Marine Corps and its 250 years safeguarding the globe.

Rifleman Review: Heritage Mfg. Roscoe

In recent years, Heritage Mfg. has expanded its centerfire offerings, and the Roscoe is one of the latest new models, a retro-styled revolver chambered for .38 Special that's capable of dedicated defensive use.

Chiappa Expands Rhino Revolver Lineup

Chiappa Firearms is updating its unique line of Rhino revolvers with several new models, giving consumers an all-new 10 mm Auto chambering, as well as complete stainless-steel construction.

Review: TandemKross Manticore X

In 2024, TandemKross (TK), best known for its high-quality competition upgrades for rimfire platforms, launched the first ever lower-receiver assembly designed for the rimfire Ruger 10/22 platform.

Rifleman Q&A: Surreptitious L.C. Smith

American Rifleman staff recently received the following question about markings on a possible L.C. Smith shotgun. Read what we learned:

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.