A $580 million fixed-price contract for the so-called Modular Handgun System including handgun, accessories, and ammunition to replace the current M9 standard service pistol of the US Army has been awarded to Sig Sauer, a Swiss firearms manufacturer, the Pentagon said in a statement.
The announcement comes following the US Army’s search for a new handgun. The Beretta M9, the current sidearm, officially entered service with the US military in 1990, beating out many contenders. However, reliability issues, design flaws, and concerns over low stopping power began emerging with time.
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In September 2015, the military held a competition called the Modular Handgun System (MHS) to seek an appropriate replacement to the M9.
One of the major goals of the MHS was to find a pistol chambered for a more potent round than the current 9mm.
The US military had previously replaced the legendary .45 caliber Colt 1911 pistol with the M9 and began using the 9mm NATO standard round at that time.
The new pistol was required to be more effective, accurate, and reliable than the M9. The MHS also sought a non-caliber specific weapon with modular features to allow for the adaption of different fire control devices, pistol grips, and alternate magazine options.
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Mr. Cohen’s company beat out Smith & Wesson, Beretta and Glock in a competition that began in 2011. The weapons will be produced at Sig Sauer facilities New Hampshire.
Army Times noted that Green Berets often use Glock 9mm pistols, while Navy SEALs tend to favor Sig Sauer’s P226 and Heckler & Koch’s .45-caliber HK45C.
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