[Pistolworld]

DOD DROPS BERETTA M9 9MM PISTOL
Monday, January 30, 2006 - FreeMarketNews.com

After two decades of use, the U.S. Department of Defense is getting rid of its Beretta M9 9mm pistol, and going back to the 11.4mm (.45 caliber) weapon. There have been constant complaints about the lesser (compared to the .45) hitting power of the 9mm. And in the last few years, SOCOM (Special Operations Command) and the marines have officially adopted .45 caliber pistols as “official alternatives” to the M9 Beretta. But now SOCOM has been given the task of finding a design that will be suitable as the JCP (Joint Combat Pistol). Various designs are being evaluated, but all must be .45 caliber and have a eight round magazine (at least), and high capacity mags holding up to 15.

 

[semiauto]

Finally the Department of Defense is going to make up for one of the worst decisions in US Military history. Long live the 1911

 

[plowboy1989]

I to like the 1911 but I wouldn't want to put my life on the line with a single action pistol that holds 7 rounds. When the DOD cholse the M9 it was for 15 rounds. This change only comes now when there are tons of double action pistols out there that can hold up to 15 rounds in .45. just my opinion

 

[mapanggulo]

I read somewhere (I'll see if I can find the link to it) that the M-9 wont totally disappear, but will be the secondary sidearm instead. The reason if I remember is that there are some that are required to carry a side arm during their duties, but can not effectively handle a .45. Though I think with proper training most of these individuals (with a few exceptions) could over come this.

 

[Paul F.]

to like the 1911 but I wouldn't want to put my life on the line with a single action pistol that holds 7 rounds.

A great many of us have and do... in fact, millions! Remember, a bit of accuracy as opposed to firepower will stand you in good stead. Now, that said... SOCOM has been ordered to look at .45's with fat mags! :wink:

 

[plowboy1989]

Paul, I didn't mean that as a knock on the 1911 and I know millions would put their life on the line with them. Up till last summer I was the proud owner of a 70 series Gold Cup and a stainless 80 series Gold Cup so I'm not putting down anyones gun. I just could NOT ever see myself takeing that gun out during a SHTF senerio. I want rounds in the mag personally. And by the way. I have several pistols that shoot just as nice or better than those gold cups. If that wasn't the case I'd still have them.

 

[Paul F.]

No knock intended, but, today, it seems as if the majority have given up on deadly accuracy for firepower... hence fully automatic weapons in every troops hands and big capacity pistols. That's my only point.

 

[semiauto]

It has always been my opinion that accuracy should be held higher than capacity but sadly this is not the case. It's like the Spray & Prey mentality of the Vietnam era where no one knows how to shoot, they just pull the trigger and hope to get lucky and hit something. The 1911 holds 7+1 and was used by the military for over 80 years and if you can't hit your target with 8 shots than you shouldn't be shooting at it!

 

[El Padrino]

While i was in the service i loved my m9 but there is not way to stop evolution.
Has anybody heard what firearms(brand names and models) have been submitted for review by the DOD?

 

[Fuelburns2]

I'll do some looking and see if I can find anything.

Does this mean that M9 milsurp pistols are going to be offered to the public or are they just going to be put in storage?

 

[clayshooter25/25]

At least they are going back to the .45!

 

[phideaux_2003]

I'd be looking for Sig, Ruger, Smith and Wesson, Colt, and Browning to be the top runners. I've got my money on Sig, just because it is, price wise, certainly comparable to the M9, and design wise, it's actually simpler. Even I can take them apart and clean them. They are undeniably reliable and deadly accurate. The 220, which is the most reasonable model they would put forward, holds 8 rounds comfortably and is easily produced.

I'm betting on a Sig being the new DoD sidearm.

Nick

 

[Fuelburns2]

I read somewhere that the Glocks are out of the running because of licensing issues. I'm not sure if its true but I'd have to bet on Sig too. I don't suppose the SA XD40 would be considered?

 

[Paul F.]

I would not count Springfield out, Bryan. As reported in one of the mags, their newest .45 was in direct anticipation of this move by DOD. :wink:

 

[Fuelburns2]

I was thinking I'd like to see an American company get the next contract. This should be interesting.

 

[El Padrino]

I agree with the previous three post. Sig would be one of the obvious choices, due to reliability, durability and reputation, but I would also like to see an American company get the contract. The thing is, as we all know, the lowest bidder generally get the contract when bidding with the Pentagon.

 

[semiauto]

I to would love to see an American company get the contract and if they're looking for a .45ACP cartridge I think the Springfield XD will be a strong competitor

 

[jumpinjarhead]

What is the background etc. for the current hold on the RFP for a new service pistol?

 

[Pistolero]

I read somewhere that the Glocks are out of the running because of licensing issues. I'm not sure if its true but I'd have to bet on Sig too. I don't suppose the SA XD40 would be considered?

It's not a licensing issue as much as it is a requirement that the firearm be made in the U.S.A. That is why Beretta opened up their plant in the U.S.A.

Glock is now producing handguns in the U.S.A. and preparing to expand their production facility in Georgia, in preparation for possibly getting the military contract.

 

[Topmaul]

The whole Department of Homeland Security is packing SigSauer pistols now. What is wrong with the M-9? or is the problem the 9mm? Or is the problem that people believe if they shoot some one that person should be dead instently?

My agency uses the Sig and I perfer the Beretta, something about that double action only thing. Screw that!

Beretta makes other hand guns every bit as good as anything on the market.