FORT BENNING, Ga. --- The Directorate of Combat Developments and
Soldier Battle Lab began an experiment Jan. 24 analyzing the
current-issue M-9 handgun and possible alternative weapons.
I want to make it clear, this is not a selection of a new pistol,
said Charley Pavlick, project officer with DCDs Small Arms
Division. We are responding to concerns we have from (Soldiers
deployed for Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom) that
report a lack of confidence in the M-9 for several reasons. This is
an analysis of different features and characteristics that are
available with other weapons platforms.
Some of the concerns with the M-9 include many stoppages,
uncomfortable function control and the low lethality of the 9mm
ball round, Pavlick said.
The Army hasnt made an official decision to make a move from the
M-9 to a new sidearm, Pavlick said. DCD will rewrite the draft
requirements documents after the experiment is complete, and then
officials will make a decision.
Army officials decided to switch from a .45-caliber sidearm to the
9mm in 1954, but that change wasnt fully implemented until 1984,
Pavlick said. It was only when the supply of rebuilt .45s began
running out that the Army finally started the 9mm Personal Defense
Weapon program.
The decision to switch was strictly logistical, he said. The
United States was trying to move toward NATO joint operability, and
we were fighting the Cold War. Target effect wasnt a factor in
that decision. Now it is.
The performance of better sights, larger calibers and
double-action-only firing mechanisms are what DCD analysts will be
taking a look at.
The test firers for the experiment are representative of the force,
Pavlick said. Soldiers of varying rank, military-occupation
specialty and gender are included.
The testing started this week with a baseline qualification to
assess the basic marksmanship of the firers with the M-9 and
familiarization fires with alternative weapons.
Staff Sgt. Michael Morten is one of the test firers. He fired the
.45-caliber version of the Smith and Wesson 99.
You can really feel the difference, he said of the Smith and
Wesson. It fits better in my hand. The sights are easier. I
thought it would have more kick being a .45, but the recoil is the
same as the 9mm. I thought it was excellent.
Specs
Caliber: .40 S&W
Capacity: 10+1
Barrel Length: 4 1/8"
Front Sight: Interchangeable White Dot Post
Rear Sight: Windage Adjustable 2-Dot
Firing System: Striker
Grip: Integral with 3 Interchangeable Backstraps
Trigger: N/A
Hammer: N/A
External Safety: N/A
Frame: Full Size
Finish: Black Frame, Melonite Barrel and Slide
Overall length: 7 1/4"
Material: Polymer Frame, Stainless Steel Barrel and Slide
Weight Empty: 25.2 ounces
* Interchangeable Backstraps to Accommodate Various Handsizes
* Melonite Finish Barrel & Slide for Low Maintenance and
Durability
* Loaded Chamber Indicator to Help with Safe Gun Handling
* Short Double Action Only
* Ambidextrous Magazine Release
* Equipment Rail for Mounting Lasers & Lights
* Interchangeable Front Sights and Windage Adjustable Rear
Sight
