What pistols do the U.S military use?

What Pistols Do the U.S Military Use?

The United States military has a long history of using pistols for various purposes, from law enforcement and self-defense to combat and special operations. Over the years, the U.S military has issued various pistols to its personnel, each designed for specific roles and requirements. In this article, we will explore the different types of pistols used by the U.S military and highlight their features and capabilities.

Current Issues

As of 2023, the U.S military primarily uses the following pistols:

• M9 Beretta: A 9x19mm Parabellum caliber semi-automatic pistol used by the U.S Army and Marine Corps.
• MHS (Modular Handgun System): A 9x19mm Parabellum caliber modular pistol used by the U.S Army, designed to replace the M9.
• P320: A 9x19mm Parabellum caliber modular pistol used by the U.S Air Force and U.S Navy, designed to replace the M9.

Pistols by Branch

Each branch of the U.S military has its own set of pistols, which are used for specific purposes:

U.S Army

• M9 Beretta: Issued to individual soldiers for personal defense and issued to vehicle crews and security personnel for defense of vehicles and personnel.
• MHS (Modular Handgun System): Issued to combat troops, infantry, and special operations units for general-purpose use.
• M45 CQB: A compact variant of the M9 Beretta used by special forces and operators.

U.S Marine Corps

• M9 Beretta: Issued to individual Marines for personal defense and issued to vehicle crews and security personnel for defense of vehicles and personnel.
• MHS (Modular Handgun System): Issued to infantry and special operations units for general-purpose use.

U.S Air Force

• P320: Issued to security forces and ground personnel for self-defense and law enforcement purposes.
• M9 Beretta: Issued to security forces and ground personnel as a backup pistol.

U.S Navy

• P320: Issued to SEALs, SWCC (Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen), and other special operations units for general-purpose use.
• M9 Beretta: Issued to naval security forces and ground personnel as a backup pistol.

Pistols by Generation

The U.S military has issued pistols across different generations, each with its own characteristics and features:

1st Generation: Pistols like the M1911 (used from 1911 to the 1980s) and Colt Detective Special (used from the 1950s to the 1980s) were bulky, reliable, and effective but had limited magazine capacity and few modern features.

2nd Generation: Pistols like the M19 (used from the 1970s to the 1980s) and Beretta 92 (used from the 1980s to the 2000s) were improved versions of earlier pistols, with more reliable designs and increased magazine capacity.

3rd Generation: Pistols like the M9 Beretta (used from the 1980s to the 2010s) and USP (used from the 1990s to the 2010s) were more modern, with improved ergonomics, reliability, and magazine capacity.

4th Generation: Pistols like the MHS (Modular Handgun System) (used from the 2010s to present) and P320 (used from the 2010s to present) are highly modular, with interchangeable grips, triggers, and magazines, offering increased versatility and customization.

Key Features and Comparisons

Here are some key features and comparisons of the U.S military’s current issued pistols:

• M9 Beretta:

  • Weight: 34.9 oz (990 g)
  • Length: 7.95 in (20.2 cm)
  • Height: 5.59 in (14.2 cm)
  • Barrel length: 4.9 in (12.4 cm)
  • Magazine capacity: 15 rounds
  • Action: Semi-automatic

• MHS (Modular Handgun System):

  • Weight: 24.5 oz (693 g)
  • Length: 6.69 in (16.9 cm)
  • Height: 4.81 in (12.2 cm)
  • Barrel length: 4.25 in (10.8 cm)
  • Magazine capacity: 17 rounds
  • Action: Semi-automatic

• P320:

  • Weight: 25.8 oz (730 g)
  • Length: 6.81 in (17.3 cm)
  • Height: 5.35 in (13.6 cm)
  • Barrel length: 4.25 in (10.8 cm)
  • Magazine capacity: 17 rounds
  • Action: Semi-automatic

Here is a summary of the key features of each pistol:

In conclusion, the U.S military has a range of pistols available for various purposes, from law enforcement and self-defense to combat and special operations. The M9 Beretta, MHS, and P320 are currently issued to U.S military personnel, each with its own unique features and characteristics. By understanding the capabilities and limitations of each pistol, soldiers can make informed decisions about their use in various scenarios.