What Handgun Does the US Military Use?
The United States military has a long history of using various handguns, each designed for specific purposes and serving as an integral part of the military’s arsenal. In this article, we will explore the current handguns used by the US military, their characteristics, and the reasons behind their selection.
What Handgun Does the US Military Use?
The primary handgun used by the US military is the M9 Beretta. The M9 is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and is designed for use by all branches of the military. It is the standard-issue sidearm for the US military and has been in service since the 1980s.
Characteristics of the M9 Beretta
Here are some key characteristics of the M9 Beretta:
- Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Capacity: 15 rounds
- Weight: 34.3 ounces (975 grams)
- Length: 7.75 inches (196.8 mm)
- Barrel Length: 4.9 inches (124.5 mm)
Variants of the M9 Beretta
Over the years, the M9 Beretta has undergone several modifications and upgrades, resulting in several variants. Some of the notable variants include:
- M9A1: This variant features a new grip design, improved sights, and a Picatinny rail for attaching accessories.
- M9A3: This variant is similar to the M9A1 but has a shorter barrel and is designed for use by special operations forces.
- M9A4: This variant is designed for use by the US Navy SEALs and features a suppressor-ready barrel and improved sights.
Other Handguns Used by the US Military
While the M9 Beretta is the primary handgun used by the US military, other handguns are also used for specific purposes. Some of these handguns include:
- HK USP: The HK USP is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and is used by some special operations forces.
- Glock 19: The Glock 19 is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and is used by some military personnel for personal defense.
- SIG Sauer P226: The SIG Sauer P226 is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and is used by some special operations forces.
Reasons Behind the Selection of the M9 Beretta
The M9 Beretta was selected as the standard-issue handgun for the US military due to several factors. Some of the reasons include:
- Reliability: The M9 Beretta is known for its reliability and durability, making it an excellent choice for military use.
- Ease of use: The M9 Beretta is designed to be easy to use, with a simple and intuitive design that makes it easy for military personnel to operate.
- Caliber: The 9x19mm Parabellum caliber is widely used by military forces around the world, making it an excellent choice for the US military.
- Cost: The M9 Beretta is relatively inexpensive compared to other handguns, making it an excellent choice for military budgets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the M9 Beretta is the primary handgun used by the US military, and for good reason. Its reliability, ease of use, and caliber make it an excellent choice for military use. While other handguns are also used by the US military for specific purposes, the M9 Beretta remains the standard-issue handgun for all branches of the military.
Table: Characteristics of the M9 Beretta
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 9x19mm Parabellum |
| Action | Semi-automatic |
| Capacity | 15 rounds |
| Weight | 34.3 ounces (975 grams) |
| Length | 7.75 inches (196.8 mm) |
| Barrel Length | 4.9 inches (124.5 mm) |
Bullets:
- The M9 Beretta is the primary handgun used by the US military.
- The M9 Beretta is known for its reliability and durability.
- The M9 Beretta is designed to be easy to use, with a simple and intuitive design.
- The 9x19mm Parabellum caliber is widely used by military forces around the world.
- The M9 Beretta is relatively inexpensive compared to other handguns.
