Most of you probably know the US Armed Forces (USAF) has been considering replacing the aging M9 Beretta. Just for fun, I just thought I would open a discussion amongst us gun enthusiasts to toss around opinions on viable replacement weapons. Much debate has been had over caliber as well as platform, but what the heck...let us discuss it! And with that, we're off!
The British Armed Forces just purchased 25,000 Glock 17 Gen4 pistols to replace the BHP. My guess is that they will continue to issue the Sig P226 to special units as that is a mission specific issued weapon rather than their standard issue defense pistol.
Traditional thinking here in the US is that we will never issue a pistol without an external safety; however, I beg to differ. The Sig P226 has no external safety yet it wasn't chosen due only to a cost issue. I think training will resolve any new technology, but in today's economic climate, as was the case when choosing the M9, I think we can all agree that money will be the driving factor behind any replacement pistol. With that in mind, what are some legitimate considerations? Factors should be reliability, durability, safety, ease of use (simple to use and maintain) and finally, cost. What weapons fit this bill? My list would include the following:
9MM:
Glock 17 Gen4: Proven weapon in many arenas, recently chosen as replacement for BHP by BAF.
Sig-Sauer P226: Currently used by special operators, proven weapon, easy transition.
S&W M&P 9: Very nice weapon gaining popularity in the LE community. Made in USA!
FN: Offered in DA/SA or striker fire, very nice weapon also gaining popularity in the LE community. Made in USA!
H&K USP Tactical: Also a proven weapon, however, very expensive.
.45:
Colt M1911A1: The USMC just awarded a contract to Colt for 4,000. Legendary weapon, very expensive though. But this would be an excellent choice to replace the M9 if they decide to go with .45.
Sig P220: The original Sig. Proven. Offered in DA/SA or SAO.
S&W M&P 45: Outstanding weapon! Great design, gaining popularity with LEC.
FN: Same reasons above. Strictly for consideration.
H&K USP Tac: Great gun! The MK23 is just too freaking big to issue as a standard sidearm. I honestly do not know why in the world this weapon was ever chosen to be used at all. Might as well get a Desert Eagle .50!
Glock 21 does not get the knod from me here b/c it is a big weapon which is too big for many to grip comfortably.
My top choices are the G17 for 9MM and the M1911A1 in .45.
The British Armed Forces just purchased 25,000 Glock 17 Gen4 pistols to replace the BHP. My guess is that they will continue to issue the Sig P226 to special units as that is a mission specific issued weapon rather than their standard issue defense pistol.
Traditional thinking here in the US is that we will never issue a pistol without an external safety; however, I beg to differ. The Sig P226 has no external safety yet it wasn't chosen due only to a cost issue. I think training will resolve any new technology, but in today's economic climate, as was the case when choosing the M9, I think we can all agree that money will be the driving factor behind any replacement pistol. With that in mind, what are some legitimate considerations? Factors should be reliability, durability, safety, ease of use (simple to use and maintain) and finally, cost. What weapons fit this bill? My list would include the following:
9MM:
Glock 17 Gen4: Proven weapon in many arenas, recently chosen as replacement for BHP by BAF.
Sig-Sauer P226: Currently used by special operators, proven weapon, easy transition.
S&W M&P 9: Very nice weapon gaining popularity in the LE community. Made in USA!
FN: Offered in DA/SA or striker fire, very nice weapon also gaining popularity in the LE community. Made in USA!
H&K USP Tactical: Also a proven weapon, however, very expensive.
.45:
Colt M1911A1: The USMC just awarded a contract to Colt for 4,000. Legendary weapon, very expensive though. But this would be an excellent choice to replace the M9 if they decide to go with .45.
Sig P220: The original Sig. Proven. Offered in DA/SA or SAO.
S&W M&P 45: Outstanding weapon! Great design, gaining popularity with LEC.
FN: Same reasons above. Strictly for consideration.
H&K USP Tac: Great gun! The MK23 is just too freaking big to issue as a standard sidearm. I honestly do not know why in the world this weapon was ever chosen to be used at all. Might as well get a Desert Eagle .50!
Glock 21 does not get the knod from me here b/c it is a big weapon which is too big for many to grip comfortably.
My top choices are the G17 for 9MM and the M1911A1 in .45.
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