Posted on 10/20/2016 7:47:19 AM PDT by Elderberry
As you may know, the US Armed Forces is on the hunt for the next official Joint Combat Pistol for the entire US Military. Yes, it’s kind of a big deal…
In the 1980s, the Beretta M9A1 was chosen to replace the iconic M1911A1.
Many veterans and 1911 fans never forgave the Department of Defense for what they considered a huge blunder. Not to mention, they gave an Italian firearms company the most coveted sidearms contract on the planet…
Fast forward to 2016, where a fresh clash of the titans is underway to decide which semi-automatic pistol will follow the M9 in the history of US military firearms. The new contract competition, called the MHS (Modular Handgun System), calls for a few specifics in terms of accuracy and accessories, though there are plenty of popular models that fill these criteria.
Once again, the list of manufacturers competing for the contract isn’t exactly chock full of cornfed American companies.
Is your favorite pistol on the list? Take a tour through the 7 Finalists to find out…
GLOCK 19, 22 or 23?
It’s been said many times but bears repeating, the Austrian-made Glock revolutionized the handgun forever with its polymer design.
Early detractors made fun of it for looking like a “block” of plastic, but most have since been won over by the Glock’s simple, light-weight, and nearly indestructible design. And judging by how many look-alikes have flooded onto the market, many shooters have come around how the Glock’s appearance too.
Thus far, all reports regarding the Modular Handgun System contract report Glock being solidly in the running, but there’s wide disagreement on which particular model is being considered. Perhaps Glock’s strategy is to let the USAF dictate the caliber.
The Glock 19, is a compact model that is easy to carry, fun to shoot, and yet versatile enough to serve pretty much any pistol shooting application out there. The Glock 22 is available in a .40 caliber, which may suit those in the DoD who prefer a heavier round. Many federal organizations, such as the FBI, carry the mid-sized versions of this platform.
Expert after expert will tell you that, if you’re only going to own one pistol, this is the one to get.
Smith and Wesson M&P
Smith & Wesson is a legendary name in firearms history, and the M&P lineup does the name proud at a price point that most shooters can afford.
With a state of the art polymer frame, slim profile, and an empty weight of just 24oz., there’s a lot more to like about the M&P than just the price. In fact, lots of experienced shooters say this model belongs right along side Glock, and Sig Sauer when it comes to performance, reliability, and design.
Certainly, the 17-round magazine gives you plenty of firepower. The M&P is heavier than the Glock 17 by about 3 ounces, which is not significant enough to make a difference with most shooters.
This gun is possibly the best balance of value and performance you’ll find in a new, straight out of the box handgun. Plus, S&W handguns are still American made, which is somewhat of a rarity.
SPRINGFIELD XD
The Springfield XD series has quickly become a fan favorite among pistol enthusiasts, approaching even the Glock in popularity.
The XD is another polymer frame gun, much like the Glock, with ambidextrous magazine releases, a grip safety, and a trigger action safety. The sharp 3 dot sights are easy to get comfortable with and even the shorter models are highly accurate.
When you put the XD and a Glock side by side, the comparisons just can’t be avoided. The XD is a bit narrower than the Glock, and the controls and safety are slightly larger than those on the Glock. The .40 XD model comes equipped with two 13 round magazines, so you’ve got plenty of firepower for the range.
For any of you who might be rooting for team USA here, the truth is that the XD series is 100% a Croation import from stem to stern, manufactured by HS2000. It is never less a great weapon.
Beretta APX
If you haven’t noticed, basically every gun on this list is strikingly similar. The Beretta APX clearly follows suit. In fact, the APX has been designed from the ground up to win Beretta’s US-based manufacturing the coveted MHS contract.
After years of its status as stalwart, driving firearm trends, Beretta seems to be diving straight into a very hot (and crowded) me-too territory.
On the flip side, the APX is a very top notch polymer handgun, with engineering and reliability that sure to be best-in-class. Plus, you get the comfort and status of seeing the word Beretta on the side of it.
The APX is a striker fired handgun, with a loaded chamber indicator. It has a built-in rail system for mounting lights and other accessories. There are also a number of handy safety mechanisms to prevent the gun from discharging when dropped, or during hasty cleanings where a shooter has neglected to empty the chamber.
CZ P-09
This is a fairly new offering from Czech arms maker CZ, and stands out on this as one of the only hammer fire gun thus far. Thus it can be fired single to double with the hammer cocked. It also has a smooth double action pull on the first shot.
The P-09 also has a de-cocking mechanism that allows you to toggle back to double action with a round in the chamber.
Perhaps the standout feature of this gun is the ammo capacity, an impressive 19+1 rounds. Sheesh, you’d better be able to hit you target with that many shots.
FN Five-SeveN
This gun is a real outlier, not only in the MHS contract bake-off, but for modern handguns in general.
If you haven’t noticed yet from the image above, it shoots some really funky looking handgun ammo. In fact, you might think it’s NOT handgun ammo at all… Wrong.
The 5.7x28mm round was designed by FN Herstal to replace the ubiquitous 9mm, to be used in a should fired weapon and a handheld. Thus this 20 caliber round was born. After testing, the results were clear: The 5.7 was a vastly more efficient cartridge.
Yet, due to a convergence of factors (controversy, bureaucracy, etc.) the round has been slow to overtake the 9mm. This innovative firearm is used by the US Secret Service, as well as 40 other nations around the world.
But what are the chances of it being adopted by the Department of Defense? It’s hard to say, but it certainly feels like a long shot.
Still, the FN Five-seveN (that’s how it is trademarked) is a very interesting gun, and battle-tested. The military and police versions fire ammo that can penetrate body armor including kevlar. Plus, the magazine capacity is 20 rounds.
Sig Sauer P320
For the Sig fans out there, there’s this sweet little number. Like all the other guns on this list except the CZ, and unlike most everything else in the Sig lineup, the P320 is striker fired.
Aside from this being a super accurate and well-made polymer semi-auto, the fact that it’s a striker fired Sig Sauer might just be P320 most noteworthy feature.
If you like other Sigs AND you like Glock-style handguns, you’ll probably love the P320.
This striker fired Sig has a very similar feel to the Glock. The traditional higher bore axis that Sig shooters are used to isn’t as much a factor with the P320. Still, the slide grip is a bit narrower than its competitors.
What the P320 brings to the table is Sig Sauer’s exceptional quality and reliability. It’s also a modular system, allowing you to move the trigger assembly from frame to frame, allowing you to test out the compact, full size, etc.
Which gun should the US Army choose?
Why? Are they easier to hit with a plastic gun?
No thank you.
I compete with an old Kimber and, until recently, an Ultra Carry was my EDC. Just bought an M&P Shield because it’s lighter, smaller and shoots well. God forbid I ever have to use it, I’m surrendering a $400.00 appliance, not a $1,000.00 piece I care about.
A matter of taste. Prefer the XDS to the M&P shield. I just shoot it better. I also like the short clip for CC. Extra mags are the long ones.
LOL, I was referring to the transgendered in the ranks using those weapons.
XDM or M&P.
While the Glocks are just as reliable their factory triggers are about the worst I’ve ever used. Not to mention their beefy & bulky grips.
Both excellent guns, but the XDS is manufactured in Croatia, and the Shield is made in the US.
What really pissed me off is, as soon as I bought the Shield, they came out with it in .45. Only a tiny bit bigger. I may have another 4473 in my future.
Which brings us back to the original discussion, the best side arm (and caliber,) for the US Military. Using JHP's, the reason for the the .45 over the 9mm is greatly diminished. But the Military does not use JHP's, so I would recommend we go back to the .45 to produce a nice large wound cavity.
I don’t think so. I understand the frame isn’t strong enough for a 45. I believe there are some in 10mm though.
A warrant for your arrest is out... Recalling disallowed matters ! Your specific charge: Yesterday..../sarc
Initial beretta model 92’s had frame mounted safeties as well. Hell, the taurus model 92 is built on former beretta tooling in a factory formerly owned by beretta. Beretta changed the safety / decocker design after it sold the factory to taurus. The taurus is not a copy.
CC
The company that made the largest donation to the Clinton Foundation will win the contract.
Well, amazing we won two world wars with such a piece of crap.
I used one for 32 years in the Army and have my own Model 70 without any problems.
Oh, yeah. After seven shots, I have to reload.
I have two AF models, one with a rail and one without. Great shooters.
I’ve owned both a taurus and beretta 92. Functionally and practically I could see no difference, both put the bullet on paper so long as I did My part. I currently own 2 tauruses (taurii?) a revolver and a semiauto. They tag team back and forth as My EDC depending on my clothing choices. People rag on Taurus to me all the time. My first question to them is if they’ve ever carried or shot one. The answer is always “no”. So much for informed opinion.
CC
My Colt 1911 Gov’t 70 with 230 ball never hiccups. Plus unlike the others you mentioned, it fits my hand perfectly. Comfortable pistols are shot a lot more.
The FiveseveN is basically a rifle cartridge shot out of a pistol, and has virtually no recoil so follow-up shots are on target. The good ammo while small in caliber crates cavitation on par with .45 ACP. In addition, the 20 round magazines hold nearly 3 times that of the 1911, at a fraction of the weight.
If money were no object this would be the choice hands down. Keep in mind that this gun is used to protect the Queen of England, and the bullpup version, the P90, is used by the Secret Service to Protect the President of the United States. Speaks volumes about this gun and this cartridge.
Forgot to add, I have a PS90 (the semiauto version of the Secret Service) on order, but have been waiting for months.
I want to get a CZ PCR next year (I am over my gun budget for this year)
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