Time for a new military sidearm

[vjf915 456]

I found this on another site, don't have the link directly for the article though.

 

by Major G. John David

From Guns & Patriots Posted 02/15/2011

http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=41786

 

Consider a new .45 caliber Service pistol.

 

The Marine Corps needs a new Service pistol, a new all-mission sidearm. For its day (designed between 1970 and 1975), the Beretta Model 92 or M9 9mm Service pistol was a unique and advanced weapon, but that day occurred close to 40 years ago. Today the field of potential Service pistols brims over with better alternatives for ballistics, feel, balance, overall characteristics, and cost. No better example exists than the new Springfield Armory XD, a .45 caliber modern tactical pistol. For all of the above reasons, as well as its power, magazine capacity, and general tactical potential, the Marine Corps should seriously consider moving to a Springfield XD-45 as a Service pistol.

 

It is difficult for one author to claim comprehensive enough knowledge to enunciate all of the needs of the Service for a pistol. Suffice it to say, however, that the general characteristics of the M9 should be improved if the Corps is to consider it. The M9 was adopted for its accuracy, magazine capacity, safety, and general applicability across the Service to all hand types and sizes. But while the M9 has proven to be adequate, it does have serious draw- backs based mostly on the age of the design. Not least of these is the 9mm cartridge and the momentum that it carries with it, or rather doesn't carry with it, into the target.

 

The old M1911 was archaic by the time it was replaced, but it lasted so long in part because of the magnificence of its bullet - the .45 automatic Colt pistol (ACP) - the advantages of which might best be summed up with the two words - "stopping power." This same quality was among the reasons for which Marine Corps security guards at embassies maintained the .357 magnum pistol for years after the M9 was fielded and for which Marine units requiring close quarters combat potential used Browning .45 pistols for some time. (There are still .357 revolvers at many embassies, though superseded, including the U.S. Embassy, Madrid.) While the basic .45 unmodified is not a penetrator round, it imparts such violent force on its target that it tends to stop or knock it down, something that most of us would consider exceedingly important in any environment, particularly counterinsurgency where the engagement is likely to be sudden, extreme, and of short duration.

 

The stopping power argument has detractors who mostly question how this feature is measured. One can examine bullet energy, velocity, and the like to attempt to quantify stopping power, but the momentum of the bullet identifies its true impact potential, just as the momentum of a linebacker pushes down his opponent. The momentum that the .45 carries with it into the target almost doubles that of the 9mm with a broader impact surface resulting in a much heavier hit, like taking on a National Football League back after playing high school tackle.

 

So if this stopping power were to be coupled with the accuracy and magazine capacity of the Beretta, the pistol would presumably be better for the Marine Corps. The Springfield XD- 45 has a 13-round stagger-stack magazine and arguably better accuracy for all hand types and likely levels of strength than does the M9. The reason for this has less to do with ballistics than with time. The autoloader pistol design has had four decades to advance; demand and the proving grounds of the global war on terror and the needs that this conflict has placed on military and government personnel (and contractors, for that matter) to carry and use pistols have been intense. The XD-45 is the inheritor of this knowledge, and its design reflects the consistent demands of field use. As a result it is among the most accurate, regularly available tactical pistols on the market, or as Springfield says, "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts."

 

The XD provides enhanced contours based on extended trials coupled with a striker-fired system of operation (no hammer) that resolved with a crisp pull the squishy trigger problems of earlier systems. It is a recoil operated, center fire pistol with a trigger safety on the face of the trigger blade, add tional grip handle safety, loaded chamber indicator, cocking indicator on the rear face of the slide like the Glock, and a wealth of modern safety features associated with the hammerless design. It has enhanced magazine release, and some models include rails for mounting anything from lights to optics. The grip is specially designed for allweather performance, including during excessive heat with sweaty hands with its layered grip panels, giving the shooter a high position for recoil control and ergonomically designed trigger well and slide grip to discourage slipping. (The slide is wider at the bottom so that fingers grip more as they slide downward.) There are so many enhanced features that it is difficult to recount them with brevity.

 

While the M9 was the bow wave of a new generation of pistols, it is now that generation's patriarch. In terms of ergonomics; the handle and especially the top aft portion of its grip (basically a circular arc) are clumsy and do not induce consistent hand position without practice. Many proponents sing the praises of the Glock line of pistols for their grip, ease of maintenance, and magazine capacity. But Glock has flaws of balance and potentially of durability; the composite materials mean that a full magazine weights the weapon toward the rear, in this author's experience and in discussions with other shooters, despite its naturally conforming aesthetic. Intergenerational pistols likewise heavily rely on 9mm for their bullet of choice, or at least as the design baseline of their weapons system.

 

Springfield, using an all metal framing, balances its XD- 45 perfectly (at least as well as the famously balanced 9mm parabellum Luger of World War II) with or without a full magazine while adopting the general, eminently adaptable feel of the Glock. The result is a bigger, more powerful round in a pistol that has all of the features but better balance. From its initial design release in 2002, Springfield has developed enough market to provide a full line of XD products with virtually any modern amenity desired, including tactical rails, several barrel lengths (standard 4- or 5-inch), and a number of calibers.

 

The relatively short usable life of the initial M9, at somewhere on the order of 22,000 to 35,000 rounds, makes it a poor choice for units that shoot constandy, like the Special Forces or Marine reconnaissance, for example, because the wear on the weapon will render it likely to malfunction or have a slide crack in a short period of time, even on the model 92F. Most of the more modern replacements, including the SIG SAUER, the Glock line, the Browning, and the Springfield, can better that performance. Moreover, most of them can show better maintenance and durability records overall. But none of them can do it for the price. The Springfield XD-45 sells commercially below the market value of any comparable tactical pistol in its class or of the same available calibers. Because commercial values vary, this fact can be confirmed locally (with ease in the vicinity of Quantico, VA).

 

There is no doubt that the adoption of a Service pistol involves a tremendous investment in time and study, but in today's world there is a wealth of available data on any given pistol option. The options that better the first generation of modern autoloaders are many and can be found carried by police departments, government agencies, and foreign allies. The XD provides the latest improvement, coupled with the proven track record of the .45 caliber bullet, and acclaim for this pistol has begun, including approbation from the National Rifle Association and competition shooters. No doubt the Marines who work weapons acquisitions are already well aware of the potential; the Corps should consider another soon-to-be-dominating .45.

 

While the M9 was the bow wave of a new generation of pistols, it is now that generations patriarch.

 

The Springfield XD-45 sells commercially below the market value of any comparable tactical pistol in its class or of the same available calibers.

 

I found it interesting to say the least. Not really the part about the XD-45, just that the military wants to move back towards .45ACP. I have shot an XD9, and personally did not like it. I have held several other XD's, and just didn't like the feel of them.....but that's me. What say you?

[Soju 153]

No link because it is directly from the Springfield-Armory website?

 

Sounds like the company trying to lobby themselves for a government contract, either that, or somebody is absolutely in love with the XD45.

 

BTW, because you aren't posting a link, you are actually stealing that information by not citing it...

[vjf915 456]

I looked a little more into it. I tried Guns and Patriots, but I was not about to sign up an account simply to get a link. I did however edit my post to include the name of the site, the date it was posted, and the author. I think that is sufficient enough.

[Ray Ray 3,566]

I love my XD 45 tactical, but a case can be made for any double stack 45 to win the contract.

BUT, the M9 is a great weapon and being as that the government just bought a whole bunch more she isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

[Maksim 1,504]

Complete forgot to post on this. I was on a smith & wesson conference call and was going to post... in any case, will add more info tomorrow when I am in the office and see my notes. Smith & Wesson is submitting their M&P 45, and great chances that it will be taken up.

 

From what I recall... YES, the government wants to move back to a 45 caliber for stopping power, as military/nato is FMJ rounds. I believe if I am not mistaken, the contract will be put up this summer for a 7 year deal.

 

But first will be the M14 contract.

[Soju 153]

I looked a little more into it. I tried Guns and Patriots, but I was not about to sign up an account simply to get a link. I did however edit my post to include the name of the site, the date it was posted, and the author. I think that is sufficient enough.

 

I was only half serious.

[Maksim 1,504]

But you were right. All posts need to have a reference and credits. Lots of forums shut down over copyright violations.

[JonF 79]

I wonder what the US Gov't would think about purchasing a Croatian made pistol. It may be a springfield, but it says 'made in Croatia' right on the side of XD's. This isn't meant to be defamatory, but i have heard about contract decisions in the past eventually hinging on the country of origin (be they truth or lore).

[Maksim 1,504]

I wonder what the US Gov't would think about purchasing a Croatian made pistol. It may be a springfield, but it says 'made in Croatia' right on the side of XD's. This isn't meant to be defamatory, but i have heard about contract decisions in the past eventually hinging on the country of origin (be they truth or lore).

 

That is what I am thinking...

 

What about the Beretta's? Werent they Made in Italy? or were they american made for the m9 contract?

 

So what wonder 45's are there now that are made in america?

 

Sig p220, Smith M&P 45, FN FNP 45.

 

Glocks are Austrian, XD's are Croatian.

 

Looks like a solid win for Smith & Wesson.

[bbk 188]

Might be the case; though there are military contracts for firearms that are stamped with names of foreign companies, but manufactured here in the States (like FNH with the M249s off the top of my head). So, I wouldn't say that its completely unreasonable to think that a weapons manufacturer wouldn't consider that possibility.

[67gtonut 847]

Looks like just an ad for Springfield......

[Ray Ray 3,566]

The deal was that if Beretta wins the contract, they would build the M9 pistols in the United States.

[Shocker 151]

Any company can contract with an American subsidiary to sell weapons. The AT4 is a Swedish rocket, for example, licensed to ATK for US production.

[djg0770 481]

Waiting for all the Glock Fanboys to jump all over this...

 

[NJ609 22]

So is NATO .45 FMJ more powerful like +P or they don't use that because with FMJ it would over penetrate? Because .45 ACP +P is a pretty bad a** round...

 

Although in a war zone I'm not sure why you'd care about over penetrating considering the rifle rounds they use....

[Tactical Monkey 51]

I my XD45 Tactical

[DevsAdvocate 112]

I say it comes down to the M&P45 and the Glock21. Both are equal in construction and reliability.

[lunker 274]

Until Glocks come with an external safety, the government will not be considering them. The military has its bureaucrats too.

[axeman_g 128]

Springfield will have to move production to the US, make a model change id for the military model then Keep selling the civie ones made in Croatia.

 

I personally think it will come down to XD, Mp45 and FN45. I hate to say it but the best gun there is the FN45, with one serious flaw. It is a huge handgun. IF FN could size the frame down just a touch... they would be the winner.

 

And made in SC already.

 

I still think they should go 10mm!

[Ray Ray 3,566]

FNP45 is expensive! Glock doesn't have an external safety, XD's aren't made in the US, M&P's capacity is too low, and Taurus is still considered second rate. My choice? Beretta M9

[Shane45 807]

Expensive to who? When you talk big green contract, the price points per unit would make all us civies puke compared to what we pay! Id put my money on HK. Not an indication of what I think is best, just what I think would win.

[JackDaWack 2,895]

Beretta won the contract last year, not sure how long or for what duration the m9a1 is contracted for but they started shipping early 2010. All beretta's sold under the contract are made in the US and it was the same for the original M9, and im not even sure if you can buy an italian made M9a1, not sure about the m9. Now, i will stand by beretta as a very good service pistol, however, if there looking for more stopping power they will need to upgrade. My thoughts behind this are, they will probably let the beretta contract run its course, and in the mean time they will be contracting companies to come up with a more powerful service pisto, and the winner will get the contract. Probably wont see production of the new service pistol for another year maybe longer. I don't think anyone can make claims as to who will get it, they usually pick a couple pistols to trial and let the companies make prototypes to mil specs, not sure if they want rails or wtv type of options accessories, they put them through some serous testing and then pick a winner for the contract.

[DevsAdvocate 112]

Until Glocks come with an external safety, the government will not be considering them. The military has its bureaucrats too.

 

That's simply a matter of requirements definition.

[njJoniGuy 2,131]

I my XD45 Tactical

If XD-45s were wives, I'd qualify to be an extremely observant Mormon

[axeman_g 128]

Shane... you might be right there becuase I did not know HK opened a facility in Columbus, Ga. As soon as you said that I thought, no way would HK win because they wont produce them here in USA. Well, once again, proven wrong by google.

 

HK for the win... Damit.

 

But hold on a minute. First they only hold 10rds.... the other all have greater mag capacity. They also run $1K each!

 

Ray the FNs are only $550 +/-. FN sells for much lower to the .mil. The S&Ws are about the same.

[vjf915 456]

Compliments of NJJim:

 

http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=41786

 

First post edited to contain the link.

[JackDaWack 2,895]

Hmmm.. maybe beretta will make a 92 style .45 to compete for the contract

[GRIZ 3,369]

The deal was that if Beretta wins the contract, they would build the M9 pistols in the United States.

 

This will always be the deal the US military cuts on a big contract. We want the manufacturing facility in the US for big number items. Also remember SIG won the first round of tests, DOD invalidated them for reasons to be discussed elsewhere and Beretta won the second round. Winning the trials isn't the only obstacle.

 

I agree the 45 is a better stopper than the 9 but the 9 is more user friendly to the average troop, it's the standard NATO pistol round, and the M9 ain't going anywhere, moreso with people being fed up with government spending. Those DOD components that need better stopping power already buy SIGs , Glocks, or whatever else they need in the numbers that need them.

[Maksim 1,504]

Here is the replay of the smith wesson conference call. they discuss the military contracts.

 

http://www.wsw.com/webcast/cowen2/swb/ This call is of a few days ago.

[Ray Ray 3,566]

Shane... you might be right there becuase I did not know HK opened a facility in Columbus, Ga. As soon as you said that I thought, no way would HK win because they wont produce them here in USA. Well, once again, proven wrong by google.

 

HK for the win... Damit.

 

But hold on a minute. First they only hold 10rds.... the other all have greater mag capacity. They also run $1K each!

 

Ray the FNs are only $550 +/-. FN sells for much lower to the .mil. The S&Ws are about the same.

 

FNP holds 15 rounds with the gigantic magazine

 

http://www.fnhusa.com/le/products/firearms/model.asp?fid=FNF020&gid=FNG001&mid=FNM0203