Posted on 12/05/2014 7:48:00 AM PST by shove_it
For almost 30 years, the Beretta has been the sidearm of choice for the U.S. Army — but now the Pentagon wants a new pistol, and has put out the word to gun manufacturers: Let the bidding begin.
An Army spokesman said to CNNMoney that officials will be requesting a proposal for a new standard-issue sidearm in January. Smith & Wesson and General Dynamics have already put their names in the ring, and announced the entrance of the M&P to the competition.
Beretta is planning to fight for the contract, too, CNNMoney reported.
A U.S. Army contract is not only a financial windfall, but a boon to the maker’s reputation. Guns chosen by the military frequently hit cult status and are often portrayed in Hollywood action flicks, from James Bond dramas to more modern-day, fast-action thrillers.
The Beretta M9 has been used by the Army since 1985 — and was actually the “lethal weapon” in the 1987 hit, “Lethal Weapon.”
[...]
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
How about an M1911A1?
HK45
I absolutely love mine.
“How about an M1911A1?”
Nah. That newfangled thing will never last.
The Brits just replaced the Hi Power with the Glock for their service pistol. I would be pretty surprised if we did not go with some type of polymer pistol.
That’s what I was thinking, too.
The M1911A1 was the sidearm recommended by US military armorers everywhere many moons ago and sounds good today (until a .46 caliber model comes available).
Desert Eagle 50AE. Heavy, cumbersome, and difficult to shoot, but it'll look great in the war movies.
This is retribution for moving their ops to 2A friendly TN.
But in close combat you could effectively beat someone to death with it. So it's got that going for it.
Someone pointed out the other day, just how often is a combat infantryman called on the use a handgun? I think the best quality combat rifle is the more important decision to get right.
I don’t see much wrong with a 1911, particularly with some of the improvements in manufacturing processes since the introduction of the M9. I have an M9, and I like it, however I have done custom trigger, hammer and slide work on it. Someone alone the line needs to do that type of work to make a really fine tuned weapon. e.g., the best 1911’s are custom fitted. But, I tweak all of my weapons that allow it - polymers excluded. That side of things makes me question the use of polymer based platforms.
With all that said, the most important thing to consider is increasing knock down power. Hence, the 1911 foots the bill. Put a rail and good sights on the 1911 and you have the basis for a very versatile weapon system.
No ONE is fighting with a sidearm. The Army does not need a new pistol. Although I dislike greatly the M9, it will serve perfectly to ride around on the hip of a Soldier. We have been at war for 14 years. Having been deployed almost half that time; I know of NOT ONE Case of anyone using a pistol in Combat. Marines and Solders fight with Service Rifles. This is nothing more than a waste of money.
I challenge anyone to show me where the M9 has failed anytime in Combat. Special Operations units already have a new side arm. Nobody goes outside the wire without a Long Gun, unless they have a Personal Security Detachment covering them.
I agree with those who think it may be a polymer so to reduce weight. I also am guessing that it may be a 40 caliber as a compromise between the 9mm and the 45acp. And will continue to be a double/single action. I believe the Glock the Brits are using is a double/double but not sure. I have the Beretta 92F and a couple of 1911A-1’s. I prefer the 1911’s but I’m old and carried one through my three years in the Army. However, my wife likes the 92F. Must say, i like it too and have to give it due credit for reliability. I’ve never had a single malfunction with it.
I thought the handguns were just for commissioned officers.
All Nazi Officers used to carry a Lugar. Still looks like a pretty good sidearm.
phased plasma rifle in the 40 watt range
Mr. GG2 made the comment that he thinks there are a gazillion 1911’s kicking around in the armories and why not just retro fit them and use the ones we got.
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