What Pistol Does the Military Use?
The military uses various types of pistols, depending on the branch, specialization, and mission requirements. While some military personnel, such as special operations and snipers, may prefer and use specialized pistols, the primary pistols issued to most service members are the M9 and M17/M18 pistols.
M9 Pistol
The M9 is a 9mm pistol developed by Beretta Italy in the 1970s. It is still widely used by the United States military, particularly among frontline troops and support personnel. The M9 features a semi-automatic firing mode and has a magazine capacity of 15 rounds.
| Specification | M9 Pistol |
|---|---|
| Calibre | 9x19mm Parabellum |
| Magazine capacity | 15 rounds |
| Trigger mechanism | Single-action |
M17/M18 Pistol
In 2020, the US Military replaced the M9 pistol with the M17/M18 Modular Handgun System. The M17 and M18 are 9x19mm pistols produced by SIG Sauer and were selected as the US Army’s new service pistol in 2017. The M17 is for designated marksmen, snipers, and intelligence operations, while the M18 is for standard military issue.
| Specification | M17/M18 Pistol |
|---|---|
| Calibre | 9x19mm Parabellum |
| Magazine capacity | 17 rounds (M17), 21 rounds (M18) |
| Trigger mechanism | Single-action with removable safety |
Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps Pistols
Other branches of the military, such as the US Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, issue various pistols to their service members. The Air Force primarily uses the M11 Pistol, while the Navy issues the M9, M9A1, or the M45 Glock pistol. The Marine Corps has issued the M45 and M45A CQB pistols.
| Service Branch | Primary Pistol | Magazine capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Air Force | M11 Pistol | 14-17 rounds |
| Navy | M9 Pistol, M9A1 Pistol, M45 Pistol | 15-22 rounds |
| Marine Corps | M45 Pistol, M45A CQB Pistol | 15-23 rounds |
Ranger Pistol
The 75th Ranger Regiment and some other special operations forces within the US Army utilize the Heckler & Koch MK23 pistol. It’s a.45 GAP, gas-operated system designed for suppressed and/or loud fire.
| Specification | MK23 Pistol |
|---|---|
| Calibre | .45 GAP |
| Magazine capacity | 13-17 rounds |
| Trigger mechanism | Single-action, decocker |
Civilian-Purchased Pistols
In some cases, civilian-purchased pistols have found their way into military units. These can range from 1911 A1 models to Glock variants and others. While most soldiers rely on their service-issue pistol, some unit personnel or individual officers prefer a different pistol due to their own personal preferences.
Why Pistols Over Revolvers?
Handguns were initially chosen as secondary weapons due to logistical simplicity. Pistols were more reliable, easier to store and maintain, and quicker to reload than revolvers. Today, the versatility, concealability, and handling characteristics of pistols justify their continued use in combat zones.
In summary,
The military utilizes the M9, M17/M18, Air Force’s M11 Pistol, Navy’s M9 and M45, Marine Corps’ M45 CQB Pistol, and special ops-specific MK23 pistol depending on branch, specialization, and mission requirements. For everyday soldiers, the standard M9 and M17/M18 pistols serve as reliable backup weapons, while individual operators or special forces command preference over standard-issue firepower for tactical purposes. Understanding what pistol the military uses underscores the significance of weapons customization, training, and adapting to diverse situations – emphasizing the importance of handgun handling, marksmanship, and combat proficiency among troops.
