What handguns do the U.S military use?

What Handguns Does the U.S. Military Use?

The U.S. military is one of the most highly trained and equipped fighting forces in the world, with a variety of weapons and equipment at their disposal. When it comes to handguns, the military uses a range of models and designs to fulfill different roles and meet specific needs. In this article, we will explore the handguns used by the U.S. military and discuss their characteristics, features, and uses.

M9 Beretta Pistol

The M9 Beretta Pistol is a semi-automatic handgun that was adopted by the U.S. military in the 1980s. The M9 was designed by Beretta of Italy and is based on the earlier Beretta Model 92. The pistol is known for its durability, reliability, and accuracy, making it a popular choice for military and law enforcement use. The M9 is used by the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, among other branches and units.

Characteristics:

• Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum
• Barrel length: 4.9 inches (125 mm)
• Overall length: 8.5 inches (216 mm)
• Weight: 30.3 oz (861 grams)
• Magazine capacity: 15 rounds

XM17 Modular Handgun System (MHS)

The XM17 Modular Handgun System (MHS) is a semi-automatic handgun that was adopted by the U.S. military in 2017. The MHS is designed to be modular, allowing the user to customize the weapon to fit their specific needs. The pistol is produced by both Sig Sauer and Glock, with both companies receiving contracts to provide the weapons.

Characteristics:

• Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum
• Barrel length: 4.7 inches (120 mm)
• Overall length: 8.1 inches (206 mm)
• Weight: 27.6 oz (782 grams)
• Magazine capacity: 17 rounds

Advantages and Disadvantages:

• Advantages:

  • Modular design allows for customization
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  • Compact and lightweight design
  • High capacity magazine

• Disadvantages:

  • Expensive production cost
  • Weight distribution can be uneven due to modular design

U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) Handgun

The U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) uses the Glock 19 as its standard issue handgun. The Glock 19 is a compact and lightweight pistol designed for use by special forces operators.

Characteristics:

• Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum
• Barrel length: 3.5 inches (89 mm)
• Overall length: 6.2 inches (159 mm)
• Weight: 17.8 oz (506 grams)
• Magazine capacity: 15 rounds

Advantages and Disadvantages:

• Advantages:

  • Compact and lightweight design
  • High magazine capacity
  • Proven track record in special operations use

• Disadvantages:

  • Limited scope adjustment options
  • No manual safety

Special Forces Handguns

The U.S. military’s Special Forces, such as Delta Force and the Navy’s SEALs, use a variety of handguns depending on their specific mission requirements. Some common handguns used by special forces include the Glock 17, the Sig Sauer P226, and the Heckler & Koch USP.

Advantages and Disadvantages:

• Advantages:

  • High-capacity magazines
  • Accurate and reliable fire
  • Customizable for specific missions

• Disadvantages:

  • Often have limited civilian availability
  • Require specialized training and maintenance

Conclusion

The U.S. military uses a range of handguns to meet different needs and fulfill various roles. From the compact and lightweight Glock 19 used by the Air Force Special Operations Command to the modular MHS used by the rest of the military, each handgun has its own strengths and weaknesses. Understanding the characteristics, features, and uses of these handguns is essential for civilians and military personnel alike, and provides a glimpse into the capabilities and requirements of the world’s most highly trained fighting force.

Table 1: Comparison of U.S. Military Handguns

Note: The above table only includes the handguns discussed in this article and may not be an exhaustive list of all handguns used by the U.S. military.