I would like to see...

[Richard]

I would like to see an honest comparison between the FNP-45, DA/SA, Glock 21, Para-Ordnance PXT LDA Light Rail, Springfield Armory XD 45acp, and Smith & Wesson M&P45. What do you think, who would be the winner in a defense contract? Regards, Richard

FNP-45, DA/SA:

Glock 21:

Para- Ordnance PXT LDA Light Rail:

Springfield Armory XD 45acp:


Smith & Wesson M&P45

 

[Firepower!]

Poll

Make a poll on this so we can vote and add our voice.

 

[ugaarguy]

What do you think, who would be the winner in a defense contract? Regards, Richard

Looking at previous RFIs/RFPs I think the FNP and M&P have a huge advantage with changeable backstraps. Various US Military organizations have expressed a strong desire to have a gun that can fit a wide variety of folks well. The G21 is a great gun, but even the SF version is huge compared to the M&P 45. The FNP-45 is a big gun, and it's tall, but it's still pretty thin in the grip.

Glocks, FNPs, and M&Ps are all pretty easy to detail strip with minimal tools. The XD requires some rather specialized tools to detail strip. I have no idea how the LDA mechanism affects detail stripping on the Para, or how it affects reliability for that matter. Minimal required maintenance, and ease of major maintenance at the lowest level are very important considerations.

I have my doubts that Para could get a factory in the US tooled up and turning out the production volume required for a military contract. I have the same doubt with the XD, though to a lesser extent. FN and S&W both have high volume capable manufacturing facilities already operating in the US. FN is already a well established small arms manufacturer for the US Military as well. Glock's US headquarters is pretty well established, and I don't think they'd any problem setting up production stateside for a military contract.

I think it would come down to the Glock, FN, and S&W offerings for the reasons above. I think the changeable backstrap designs and well established manufacturing plants already operating in the US would give the FN and S&W pistols an edge over the Glock though.

 

[BrokenArrow]

Beretta beat SIG, HK, S&W, and Walther for the M9 contract 23 yrs ago; look at how many grumble about that choice.

No matter who wins the next service pistol contract, plenty will still think something else is better. Some of them will still think it's the good ole 1911.

 

[TX1911fan]

I'm a huge 1911 fan (hence the name), but were I in combat, I'd prefer to have a high capacity .45 by my side. My preference is the XD 45, and with my small hands fitting the XD 45, I don't think most people would have a problem with it. However, I have to agree that the lack of interchangeable backstraps and no US manufacturing facility could cause a problem. I think the M&P is also a fine weapon, as long as the crappy trigger is fixed.

 

[S&W620]

HK and SIG don't even get a chance huh? But Para does????

Who would win? Without allowing those two manufacturers compete, it wouldn't be the troops.

 

[Thernlund]

If someone will send me one of each, I'll put them through a tourture test the likes of which has never been seen.


-T.

 

[ugaarguy]

HK and SIG don't even get a chance huh? But Para does????

Who would win? Without allowing those two manufacturers compete, it wouldn't be the troops.

I'm not a big HK fan because I don't believe their poly frame pistols are nearly twice the price tag better than competitive offerings from Glock, S&W, and FN. However, they are perhaps the nicest feeling, nicest looking, best fit, and best finished poly frame pistols I've handled. They're no doubt fine weapons, and I agree that they should be included in any potential military pistol trial. Like Glock I have no doubt that HK would be able to quickly and easily set up a US manufacturing facility if awarded a contract.

SIG-Sauer is also too well established to leave out. Like FN they also currently supply the US military with some weapons (albeit far less than FN does), and they also have a US manufacturing facility. Couple those factors with their inroads via the USCG under the DHS pistol contract they tied HK for, and SIG would be a major player if big army ever does resume pistol trials.