The best way to follow the progress is cmp 1911 forum. There were appx. 19,000 applicants in the first round and I was 16,2xx. They use a random number system. It took 2 years before my number came up so it is not for impatient people. However, I thought the guns around my timeframe were better than some earlier guns. CMP opens up a crate and sells what’s inside before moving to another crate. I wanted a gun with some character and asked for a Rack grade gun preferably a Colt. I received a Colt slide on a Ithaca frame, both from 1942-43 and you can tell it was used. I requested info from the DOD and was provided history of the gun from 1975 which is the furthest they go back. It was first recorded at a joint base in NJ in 1975 then went to Anniston for rebuild,then sent to the European Theater( Germany) for a few years,came back to the US and spent about 15 years in AL National Guard, then eventually sent to CMP. I wish I knew the first 30 years of history.
I believe the current administration in Washington could put a stop to this. The DOD only allows up to 10,000 pistols a year to be transferred so CMP should have 2021 allotment already.
I believe the prices are OK for what they are and you may never be able to buy a handgun from the government again. I think it took a bit of work to make this program happen but the government also spends a lot of money keeping these old guns that will never again see service. This program allows people who appreciate them purchase them but it is a gamble as to what you will receive.
