Army Shooting to Replace Beretta M9

7
Army Shooting to Replace Beretta M9
The Beretta M9, in service since 1985, might soon be replaced as the U.S. Army's service pistol.
The Beretta M9, in service since 1985, might soon be replaced as the U.S. Army's service pistol.
The Beretta M9, in service since 1985, might soon be replaced as the U.S. Army's service pistol.

It’s official, the U.S. Army is in the market for a new handgun.

The military branch formally signaled it is hunting for the replacement to the Beretta M9 in June when it issued a Request for Information, initiating the search for a new sidearm. Though this is not the first indication the army and other service branches were moving in the direction of replacing the 9x19mm pistol.

According to National Defense Magazine, the Air Force initiated a joint project with the Army in 2008, known as the Modular Handgun System. The project investigated potential replacements for the M9 that were currently available on the market. And the undertaking kicked the door wide open for the new sidearm, not limiting competing models on calibers or features.

In fact, an RFI filed in January by the Army was extremely vague in exactly what the service branches were searching for in a handgun. The only hard information on the project, according to Defense Media Network, were the standards by which the handguns would be evaluated.

The article stated, the Army would assess competing handguns at ranges from 0 to 50 meters and in ballistic gelatin 0- to 14-inches thick. The accuracy standard for competitors, a 90-percent or better probability of a hit on a 4-inch circle at 50 meters from a test fixture. The potential replacement also must have a rating of 2,000 mean rounds between stoppages and 10,000 mean rounds between failure.

According to The Washington Times, the Army plans on evaluating .45ACP, .357 SIG and .40 S&W in the selection process. There is also talk of looking into features such as night sights and Picatinny Rails.

Spurring the drive for a new service pistol has been consistent complaints about the M9 by soldiers. Servicemen have repeatedly express a lack of confidence in the handgun, this has included complaints by soldiers who served in Afghanistan about the 9mm NATO round being underpowered.

There is also a push to make a more resilient handgun. The M9 has been criticized for breaking too easily. And there has been discussion of extending the lifetime of the new pistol past its predecessor. The M9 is reported to have a 17,000-round service life. The Army would like the new handgun to last 25,000 to 35,000 rounds.

The winner of the new government contract has the potential to reap a windfall with the Army planning on purchasing 400,000 new pistols, according to Military.com. Presently, there are some 200,000 M9s in service.

The move to replace the Army’s service pistol has drawn criticism from some corners. It has been pointed out by some that the project comes in the midst of defense-spending cuts. It also comes on the heels of the Army’s fruitless campaign to replace the M4 Carbine.

The M9 has been a somewhat controversial firearm since the Army adopted it in 1985. The handgun rubbed many the wrong way since it displaced the M1911A1, which was the service branch’s sidearm of choice since 1911.

44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300

Next Step: Get your FREE Printable Target Pack

Enhance your shooting precision with our 62 MOA Targets, perfect for rifles and handguns. Crafted in collaboration with Storm Tactical for accuracy and versatility.

Subscribe to the Gun Digest email newsletter and get your downloadable target pack sent straight to your inbox. Stay updated with the latest firearms info in the industry.

7 COMMENTS

  1. The first step is for the Army to decide what the purpose of the new handgun is to be. The M9 was adopted at a time when the primary uses of a pistol were still for rank or (short of a blade) last-ditch personal defense. Our involvement in the Middle East conflicts have shown that a handgun may be the weapon of choice in some urban operations.

  2. They ought to be looking for a 10mm. It’s hands down the best pistol caliber. Maybe something like a SIG P227 in 10mm, that would be cool. Either way, the M9 is absolutely atrocious and should’ve been replaced years ago.

  3. Either the SIG P220 or P227 would be easy and excellent choices. 45 Caliber, metal frames, night sights, accurate and the ultimate in reliability. There is a reason that several specialty units use SIG pistols. They work, and work well!

  4. Beretta is still filling their latest contract for M9’s, my guess is that this transition will not happen anytime soon. Especially given DoD cuts, sequestration and out-of-control federal debt…

  5. > The military really should look into the Springfield XD 5″ or the XDM 5.25″ tactical .45acp
    > 13 +1 rounds
    > rugged and reliable w/ few parts
    > Extremely accurate
    I love my Colts and have my choice of seven different Colt model’s to use as a duty weapon and picked my Springfield XD.

  6. My favorite gun is the 1911 and my favorite cartridge is the .45 ACP.
    The only downfall is the weight, lack of rounds and especially the number of parts.

    1911
    Weight: 38 oz / Rounds: 8+1 / Parts: 48

    Glock (21 for this example)
    Weight: 30 oz / Rounds: 13+1 / Parts: 34

    I’m not saying they should adopt Glocks (heavens no). I just hope we get some really innovative and practical designs for me to later buy. Maybe something in 10mm.

  7. GOOD NEWS, EVERYONE! The USMC has already done the hard work, now just drive to the Colt factory and load up some M45A1!

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.