Damage profile of Elite 5.7x28mm Protector II (50gr Winchester Ballistic Silvertip) vs Federal .45ACP 230gr Hydrashok.
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?
Sig Sauer
Your post reminds me of the Johnny Cash song “one piece at a time”.
I like anything 1911 like or similar.
The feel
Glocks are blocky
No doubt reliable but I find no safety troublesome for grunts
For my taste besides 1911 or derivatives
Steyr GB
Sig 230/232
FN ...of course
P7 or P9 Heckler and Koch....finger pointers
Only advantage to 9mm is weight or ammo
But it’s not your primary so?
What about the new hyper 20 cal they are developing to shoot rifle or pistol
5.7x28
It damn well should be made here
I meant shotgun. Although Marines are considered riflemen, at the (then called) Force Battalion training (Embassy Guards) it was primarily physical conditioning, physical combat, pistol, and shotgun.
We didnt win 2 WW with it. It was one in a larger cast of tools brought to bear on the enemy. In its day the 1911 was state of the art, not any more and there are FAR better platforms. I understand the nostalgia of it but its a poor way of choosing a tool used in life/death situations. Glad you like yours and thats its served you well. The world has moved on tho.
It gets along quite nicely with my Bersa, my Glock and my Sig.
However, it is the only one that provides me with .45 inches of security. I like the .40 S&W of the Glock, and I guess the 9MM of the Sig is acceptable, if I go up against some average European from the early 1900s. The .380 will cramp an adversary so that I can kick him to death.
All in all, I prefer the .45 ACP, but then, I am a nostalgic throw-back to a more primitive age, totally lacking in sophistication and nuance.
It seems all youre really interested in is caliber. If thats truly the case there are far better platforms...as Ive been saying.
‘...totally lacking in sophistication and nuance.’
So, welcome to class. Its not too late to add to your learning if youre willing to be teachable. You might even find something better.
I am awed by your nuanced and sophisticated arrogance!
I believe we have completed our exchanges. Have a nice life.
And by the way, I prefer the 7.62 Nato over the Mattie Mattel Special.
Oh come on now...I didnt peg you for a quiter. Persent your facts Im all ears.
Perhaps Im not the one w/ the ego problem. Youre faced with facts that kill your sacred cow. Bury it and get on with life. Youll be happier..as will everyone around you.
The 7.62x51 is a good cartridge as is the 5.56x45. Nothing wrong with either based on mission. The Mattel comment gives me pause tho. Thats a platform not cartridge. So are we talking cartirdge or platform here?
Even the single-stack Glocks feel blocky to me. The HK USPs too, but not the P7/9. Most full-size Sigs fit me fine. The compact 232 is a natural pointer like the PPK, but with better reliability.
Feel is real important. If it doesn’t feel like a natural extension, it doesn’t get shot nearly as much as it should. At least from my experience.
We also affectionately referred to Force Battalion training as “Gunslinger School”
Semper Paratus
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