My Cart

Rock Island Arsenal M15 Pistol – Serial GO

Categories: Collectibles
Caliber: .45 ACP
Model: M15
NOT FOR EXPORT

The U.S. Rock Island Arsenal M15 General Officer Pistol, “Serial No. GO,” is a rare prototype crafted in the 1970s as a custom variation of the Colt Combat Commander. Featured in Edward Scott Meadows’ book, this historic firearm retains 98% of its original blue finish and is in excellent mechanical condition.

Description

There’s rare, and then there’s “Serial No. GO” rare.

This isn’t just another Rock Island Arsenal M15—it’s the prototype. The first one. The exact pistol the Army brass looked at when shaping the future of General Officer sidearms in the 1970s. Before the line of M15s with serials like “GO 1,” “GO 2,” and beyond, there was simply this: Serial No. GO.

So what’s the story? In the mid-1970s, the Army faced a shortage of Colt 1903 and 1908 pocket pistols traditionally issued to generals. Rock Island Arsenal stepped in, building a new pistol using tried-and-true 1911 and 1911A1 components. The result was a scaled-down .45 ACP sidearm—something close in spirit to the Colt Combat Commander but distinct in its mission and design. It wasn’t just about filling a gap; it was about creating a pistol worthy of a general.

This prototype, featured on page 121 of Edward Scott Meadows’ U.S. Military Automatic Pistols 1945-2012, is more than a footnote. It’s cataloged as a “General Officer prototype with third type slide and serial number markings.” The slide reads “General Officer Model / RIA,” a small inscription that carries a weighty legacy.

Let’s talk features.

  • The pistol wears sharply checkered walnut grips, with a blank inscription panel on the left and the iconic Rock Island “crossed cannons” emblem on the right.
  • You’ll find serrated high-rise blade front sights paired with a square notch rear.
  • A chrome-plated barrel, serrated spring plug, and spring-loaded recoil guide round out the mechanics.
  • It’s chambered in .45 ACP and sports a 4¼-inch barrel.
  • The original blued magazine? Still here—unmarked and clean.

Condition-wise, it’s a stunner. About 98% of its original blue finish remains, with only light wear from handling and cycling. The grips are crisp, and everything functions exactly as it should. This isn’t a piece that sat forgotten in a footlocker—it was cared for. And it shows.

Whether you’re a serious collector, a military historian, or someone who simply appreciates exceptional craftsmanship, this M15 tells a story worth owning. It’s not just a gun—it’s the starting point of a legacy carried by generals across decades.

Handguns

Brand Rock Island Arsenal
Model M15
Serial Number GO
Action Single-Action
Caliber .45 ACP
Capacity 8 Rounds
Finish Blued
Grips Walnut
Barrel Length 4.25 Inches

Question about this item?​

Share...

Authenticity Guarantee.

All items are guaranteed to be 100% authentic and covered by our authenticity guarantee.

Have Questions?

Speak with one of our client advisors.

Call | SMS | Email

Shop Our Featured Items

Tyler Gun Works Colt Government Series 70 Serial GV031127
Engraved
Available
Tyler Gun Works Colt Government Series 70 –...
Log in to view pricing.
Korth Combat 357 Mag Serial 32107
Available
Korth Ratzeburg Combat .357 Mag – Serial 321...
Log in to view pricing.
ray viramontez colt govt left side
Engraved
Available
Ray Viramontez Master Engraved Colt Government Mod...
Log in to view pricing.
SIG Sauer P226 X-5 Blue Moon SN-U893651
Available
SIG Sauer P226 X5 Blue Moon – Serial U893651
Log in to view pricing.
2006 Colt SAA Royal Blue Serial S44839A
Engraved
Available
2006 Colt SAA 4 3/4″ Royal Blue – FACT...
Log in to view pricing.
Colt Officer MK IV Series 80 Robert Valade Serial SF13209E
Engraved
Out Of Stock
Colt Officer MK IV Series 80 – Robert Valade...
Log in to view pricing.

Similar Products

Smith & Wesson 625 Prototype I.P.S.C Serial# X465
Prototype
Available
Smith & Wesson 625 Prototype I.P.S.C –...
Log in to view pricing.
Colt Prototype Cowboy SAA Serial X30369
Prototype
Available
Colt Prototype Cowboy SAA Serial X30369
Log in to view pricing.
Colt Single-Action Army Silver-Plated
Engraved
Out Of Stock
Colt Single-Action Army Silver Plated Engraved!
Log in to view pricing.
Colt Single Action Army
Engraved
Available
Colt Single Action Army Factory Engraved – S...
Log in to view pricing.
HK P7 PSP Prototype Rare Collector Gun
Prototype
Available
Heckler & Koch P7 PSP Prototype – Seria...
Log in to view pricing.
Colt ACE 1911 Prototype Serial SM15
Available
Colt ACE 1911 – Serial SM15
Log in to view pricing.

Your Recently Viewed

Products not found.

Sign In

Register

Not a member? Register and get started today.