Editing M1911 pistol (section)

=== M1911-A2 ===
Due to an increased demand for M1911 pistols among Army Special Operations units, who are known to field a variety of M1911 pistols, the [[U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit]] began looking to develop a new generation of M1911s and launched the M1911-A2 project in late 2004.<ref name="AMU">{{cite news |last=Garrett |first=Rob |title=Army Marksmanship Unit: The Pipeline for Spec Ops Weapons |periodical=Tactical Weapons Magazine |publisher=Harris Publications, Inc. |volume=1 |issue=1}}</ref> 

The goal was to produce a minimum of seven variants with various sights, internal and external extractors, flat and arched mainspring housings, integral and add-on magazine wells, a variety of finishes and other options, with the idea of providing the end-user a selection from which to select the features that best fit their missions.<ref name="AMU" /> 

The AMU performed a well-received demonstration of the first group of pistols to the Marine Corps at Quantico and various Special Operations units at Ft. Bragg and other locations.<ref name="AMU" /> The project provided a feasibility study with insight into future projects.<ref name="AMU" /> 

Models were loaned to various Special Operations units, the results of which are classified. An RFP was issued for a Joint Combat Pistol but it was ultimately canceled.<ref name="AMU" />

Ultimately, the M1911A2 project provided a testbed for improving existing M1911s. An improved M1911 variant becoming available in the future is a possibility.<ref name="AMU" />