12/14/2017 Soldiers in the U.S. Army might soon be issued a new sidearm for personal protection.
Caterine DeCicco
https://www.westernjournalism.com/us-armys-newest-pistol/ According to the New York Post, the new pistol may “see more action” than its predecessor due to a design which may good for offensive purposes, particularly in close-quarters combat.
The Army has reportedly started to field the Sig Sauer XM17 and the more compact XM18, replacing the current Beretta M9, which first introduced in 1986.
The new handgun will be dispersed to all Army units over the next decade, the Post reported.
The Sig Sauer XM17 and XM18 are military variants of P320, which is available to civilians. The XM18 is compact enough for concealed carry.
“This is another 101st first,” said MG Andrew P. Poppas, 101st ABN DIV (AASLT) commander, as #ScreamingEagles became first @USArmy unit to field the service’s new pistol, the M17 or Modular Handgun System, Nov. 28.
Twenty-five @101Bastogne #Soldiers were among first to fire it. pic.twitter.com/cbTruhbqaN — 101st Airborne Div. (@101stAASLTDIV) November 29, 2017
The P320 has been used by military and law enforcement alike and is noted for its short-pull trigger reset. It is built to fit a wide range of hands.
Changes were made to the military model in order to fit Army magazine standards. Soldiers will reportedly be able to use standard and extended capacity magazines.
Reports say feedback has thus far been positive, as the weapon is said to have reliable performance on the range. Moreover, the gun is easy to shoot with little to no trigger resistance.
According to Tactical Life, the task of finding a replacement for the historic M9 was an arduous process that cost $17 million.
The P320 reportedly beat out eight other pistols that were also considered.
The contenders included the Beretta M9A3, the Beretta APX, the CZ P-09 MHS, the FN 509, the Glock 19, the Smith & Wesson M&P9, the Sphinx SDP Compact and the STI-Detonics STX.
Of major importance to the Army was the pistol’s ability to fit a vast array of soldiers.
The original request for proposal for the replacement pistol stated; “The offeror shall provide in the operator manual a detailed description of the ergonomic aspects of their pistol. This manual shall clearly detail the steps required to make adjustments to trigger reach, pistol grip or any other adjustable components to fit the range of users expected to utilize the Modular Handgun System.”
“Configurability will be evaluated based on ease of reconfiguration, ergonomic accommodation and effectiveness for the 5th to 95th percentile warfighter. The manual should also depict reconfiguration options and instructions to adjust controls from right- to left-handed use at the operator level.”
The Post reported that the new pistols will be made available to younger soldiers, and the Army also has plans to issue the gun to squad and team leaders.
The Army has already begun distribution of the pistol. The 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky was the first group to receive the new sidearm.