Army: Your new handgun will be a Sig Sauer
By: Meghann Myers, January 19, 2017 (Photo Credit: Stephen Standifird/Army)
Half a decade into its search for a new handgun, the Army has chosen Sig Sauer's version of the Modular Handgun System, according to a Thursday announcement from the Army.

The new sidearm will replace the M9 Beretta, the Army's pistol of choice for more than 30 years.

"I am tremendously proud of the Modular Handgun System team," said Army acquisition executive Steffanie Easter in the release. "By maximizing full and open competition across our industry partners, we have optimized private sector advancements in handguns, ammunition and magazines and the end result will ensure a decidedly superior weapon system for our warfighters."

The Army first announced the competition for the MHS back in 2011, but multiple delays left the most recent solicitation deadline at February of 2016.


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Sig Sauer beat out Smith & Wesson, Beretta and Glock for the contract worth up to $580 million, which includes firearms, accessories and ammunition.

The Army did not immediately provide any additional information Thursday evening, including specifics on the weapon or the caliber of the round.

"As MHS moves forward into operational testing, the due diligence taken by all of the stakeholders will ensure a program that remains on-budget and on-schedule," Easter said.

After operational testing, the new pistol should be fielded this year, according to the release.

While the Beretta M9 has been the Army's pistol since 1985, the military uses other handguns, including Sig Sauers, particularly in special operations. Green Berets regularly use Glock 9mm pistols, and last year Marine Special Operations allowed use of the 9mm Glock 19. Navy SEALs generally use the Sig Sauer P226 and, on occasion, Heckler & Koch's .45-caliber HK45C.

The P320 is a very good choice.

There are a lot of very good handguns out there. the military should be served well with this one.

Glad to see it is not a Glock or similar Tactical Tupperware. Sorry to see that it is not in a serious caliber.

The P320 can grow from 9mm to .40 S&W to .357 SIG to .45 ACP.

Nor "Made in America" I'd guess? Or will it be?

Yes, most of the SIG handguns are made in the US. The P320 is made here.

That's good then. Here in UK we have destroyed our military small arms industry.

Mrs Thatcher did it in fact when she sold off Royal Enfield.

Any and every weapon our Army will need in the future will be foreign made.

An Army should defend the nation with the weapons it buys but also by how it buys those weapons.

quote:

Originally posted by Kevin Rohrer:
Glad to see it is not a Glock or similar Tactical Tupperware. Sorry to see that it is not in a serious caliber.

It IS tupperware

https://www.shootingillustrate...-sauer-p320-pistol/#

quote:

Originally posted by Opus1:
The P320 can grow from 9mm to .40 S&W to .357 SIG to .45 ACP.

No 45 currently

https://www.sigsauer.com/edu/meet-the-p320/

quote:

It IS tupperware

Better suited for the long run easier to cheaper to repair and replace. These are tools not heir looms.

Yes. And if people aren't aware, the "frame" is an insert in the polymer grip which can be changed from grip to grip if one becomes damaged. Or you can have a compact grip and slide and a full size without buying two pistols or even all the slide/grip/caliber/magazine combinations available and still only one pistol as far as government is concerned.