Four makes were deemed technically unacceptable, and two others removed themselves from the competition, leaving the Sig Sauer P226 and Beretta 92. Instead, the Army ordered a formal request for test samples to arms makers. 45 ACP in inventory and suggested converting the existing 1911 pistols to fire the NATO-standard 9mm cartridge as a less expensive alternative to adopting a new weapon. A 1982 comptroller general’s report listed 417,448 Model 1911s in. The Beretta 92’s initial production run lasted from 1976 to 1983 with 52,000 total units.ĭuring this time, the Department of Defense was maintaining a rapidly aging inventory of over two-dozen models of pistols and revolvers. ![]() 380 ACP Model 84 featured a double-stack magazine similar to the Browning Hi-Power and a direct, in-line feeding system that eliminated the need for a feed ramp. The company’s M1922 featured an open slide, and the M1951 used an alloy frame and articulating locking block instead of a Browning-style tipping barrel. The Beretta 92 was designed in the early 1970s, evolving from several older models. While it supports the MHS, the House, “remains concerned over the continued delay in releasing the official request for proposals (RFPs).” Army Contracting Command has since released an official MHS RFP in August 2015, listing a program value of up to $580 million. The House committee encouraged modernizing the current inventory of small arms through new procurement and product improvement programs. Concerning the Modular Handgun System, the House budget contained $5.4 million to procure 7,106 MHS-approved pistols. The House of Representatives released H.R.1735 in May 2015. Shortly after, reports circulated that the Army had rejected the Beretta M9A3, seemingly out of hand. In an attempt to appease the MHS specifications while meeting the House’s suggestions, Beretta created its M9A3 pistol upgrade, which takes into account Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) under the existing contract while providing what is likely the most cost-effective solution. But even a project created to evaluate existing designs featured a three-year engineering, manufacturing, and development phase. The House Armed Services Committee pushed to cancel the MHS and upgrade the M9 instead as a less expensive option capitalizing on existing components and know-how. The M9 has passed five consecutive LATs (Lot Acceptance Tests) with an average MRBS of 25,000-that is 10 times the MHS requirement! The MHS also sought to select an already-available commercial replacement and released a Request For Information calling for a pistol with 2,000 mean rounds between stoppages (MRBS), 10,000 mean rounds between failures and a 35,000-round service life. The Army and Air Force, with input from a Marine Corps committee, then decided to collaborate on a similar project, creating the Modular Handgun System (MHS) program. Several years and millions of dollars later yielded no change. ![]() The idea was to quickly and inexpensively pick a suitable, off-the-shelf M9 replacement. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Joint Combat Pistol (JCP) program. ![]() Over a decade ago was the Future Handgun System (FHS), which merged with the U.S. military’s version of the 9mm Beretta 92FS, has been in continuous service with the military since 1985.įor several years there has been plenty of programmed concern in picking its replacement. The pistol also features a threaded barrel, a Picatinny rail for accessories and replaceable sights (pictured). Beretta designed the M9A3 with a thinner Vertec-style grip with polymer grip panels, and a wraparound grip is included for those with larger hands.
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