What Pistol Does the Army Use?
The United States Army is one of the most well-equipped and trained military forces in the world, and its choice of pistol is no exception. The Army has a long history of using various types of pistols, from revolvers to semi-automatics, and has standardized on a specific model for decades. In this article, we will explore the different types of pistols used by the Army, their characteristics, and the reasons why they were chosen.
What Pistol Does the Army Use?
The current standard-issue pistol for the United States Army is the M9 Beretta 92FS. The M9 is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, and it has been in service with the Army since the 1980s.
Characteristics of the M9 Beretta 92FS
The M9 Beretta 92FS is a reliable and durable pistol that has served the Army well for many years. Some of its key characteristics include:
• Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum
• Action: Semi-automatic
• Capacity: 15 rounds
• Weight: 39.4 ounces (1120 grams)
• Length: 8.5 inches (216 mm)
• Height: 5.5 inches (140 mm)
• Width: 1.5 inches (38 mm)
Why was the M9 Beretta 92FS Chosen?
The M9 Beretta 92FS was chosen as the standard-issue pistol for the Army due to its reliability, durability, and performance. Some of the reasons why it was chosen include:
• Reliability: The M9 is known for its reliability and has been tested extensively in a variety of environments and conditions.
• Durability: The M9 is built to withstand the rigors of military use, including extreme temperatures, dirt, and moisture.
• Performance: The M9 has a high magazine capacity and is accurate, making it effective for self-defense and combat.
Other Pistols Used by the Army
While the M9 Beretta 92FS is the standard-issue pistol for the Army, other pistols have been used by the Army in the past. Some of these include:
• M1911: The M1911 is a classic semi-automatic pistol that was used by the Army for many years. It is known for its reliability and accuracy.
• M16: The M16 is a semi-automatic rifle that is used by the Army, but it has also been used as a pistol in certain situations. It is known for its accuracy and reliability.
• HK USP: The HK USP is a semi-automatic pistol that was used by the Army in the past. It is known for its reliability and accuracy.
Replacement of the M9 Beretta 92FS
The M9 Beretta 92FS has been in service with the Army for many years, and its replacement is currently being phased in. The replacement is the M17 Modular Handgun System, which is a semi-automatic pistol that is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum.
Characteristics of the M17 Modular Handgun System
The M17 Modular Handgun System is a reliable and durable pistol that has been designed to replace the M9 Beretta 92FS. Some of its key characteristics include:
• Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum
• Action: Semi-automatic
• Capacity: 17 rounds
• Weight: 34.4 ounces (975 grams)
• Length: 7.9 inches (200 mm)
• Height: 5.7 inches (145 mm)
• Width: 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Advantages of the M17 Modular Handgun System
The M17 Modular Handgun System has several advantages over the M9 Beretta 92FS. Some of these include:
• Improved reliability: The M17 has been designed to be more reliable than the M9, with fewer moving parts and a more consistent ignition system.
• Improved durability: The M17 has been built to withstand the rigors of military use, including extreme temperatures, dirt, and moisture.
• Improved performance: The M17 has a higher magazine capacity than the M9, and its accuracy and reliability make it effective for self-defense and combat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the M9 Beretta 92FS has been the standard-issue pistol for the United States Army for many years. It is a reliable and durable pistol that has been used in a variety of environments and conditions. While it is being replaced by the M17 Modular Handgun System, the M9 will continue to serve the Army well for many years to come.
Table: Comparison of M9 Beretta 92FS and M17 Modular Handgun System
M9 Beretta 92FS | M17 Modular Handgun System | |
---|---|---|
Caliber | 9x19mm Parabellum | 9x19mm Parabellum |
Action | Semi-automatic | Semi-automatic |
Capacity | 15 rounds | 17 rounds |
Weight | 39.4 ounces (1120 grams) | 34.4 ounces (975 grams) |
Length | 8.5 inches (216 mm) | 7.9 inches (200 mm) |
Height | 5.5 inches (140 mm) | 5.7 inches (145 mm) |
Width | 1.5 inches (38 mm) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) |
Bullets:
• The M9 Beretta 92FS has been the standard-issue pistol for the United States Army for many years.
• The M9 is a reliable and durable pistol that has been used in a variety of environments and conditions.
• The M17 Modular Handgun System is the replacement for the M9 Beretta 92FS.
• The M17 has been designed to be more reliable, durable, and perform better than the M9.
• The M17 has a higher magazine capacity and is more accurate than the M9.