Army gun in the USA. Part of 2
In 2015, the US armed forces announced the long-awaited for manufacturers of small arms weapons competition for the selection of a new army gun XM17, the program MHS (Modular Handgun System - Modular Weapon System).
How necessary was the new US Army pistol, in the end, the Beretta M-92FS (in the U.S. Armed Forces designated as M.9) is not such an outdated weapon? The main reason for this program is the same as in case of replacing the Colt M1911 A1 with the Beretta M.9. During those 15-20 years that Beretta M.9 pistols have served, many of their elements could seriously wear out, of course, provided they do not lie in stock waiting for a world war, but are actively exploited, at least for training purposes.
Of course, some elements, such as the barrel, springs, pins, and others, can be replaced, but the complexity of diagnostics and repair, with the replacement of worn parts, can be quite high and financially burdensome. Another option is to purchase additional batches of M.9 pistols also inefficient, since experience accumulates during the operation, the requirements for the army pistol change, manufacturers offer new design solutions.
Requirements for a new army pistol began to be developed from the 2008 year and include a modular design, with the possibility of replacing pistol elements for shooters with different sizes of hands. The controls should be bilateral, with the possibility of convenient use by both right-handers and left-handers. The gun must be equipped with guides for mounting rifle accessories and various types of sights. Gun cover should not be slippery and glare.
Pistols should provide sufficient shooting accuracy to hit an 4-inch target (10 cm) from 50 meters in 90 percent of cases throughout the life of the weapon. Each offer had to include two pistols - one full-sized, the second compact, or one pistol, satisfying the requirements for both the full-sized and the compact model.
According to the requirements of reliability and durability, the proposed pistols must provide at least 2000 shots without delays, at least 10 000 shots before the appearance of faults, and ensure the life of the barrel to 35 000 shots.
In the user manual for the new army pistol, all steps necessary to operate the pistol and modify its ergonomic component should be described in detail. The design of the gun should exclude the possibility of complete disassembly by unprepared users (read soldiers). Complete disassembly should be done by a specialist gunsmith with special tools.
An interesting point, despite the fact that the US Army uses the standard NATO cartridge 9x19, there was no strict caliber / cartridge requirement for the pistol under the MHS program. Due to complaints from the military about the insufficient lethality of the 9x19 cartridge when using pistols of this caliber in combat zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan, manufacturers could offer weapons of other calibers, such as .40 S&W .45 ACP, .357 SIG, FN 5,7, 28 × XNUMX mm.
In addition, the possibility of using expansive and fragmented bullets in a new army pistol was considered. The Hague Convention 1899, prohibiting their use in hostilities, the United States did not sign, although to date, and complied with. It is believed that the use of expansive and fragmented bullets in the cartridge 9х19 will increase its stopping and damaging effect without switching to another caliber.
As with previous attempts to replace an army pistol in 1978-1988, obstacles have arisen. The Armed Services Committee of the US House of Representatives demanded that the MHS program be canceled and the Beretta M. 9 pistol instead be upgraded. Company Beretta, wanting to remain guaranteed to be the main supplier of army army pistols
The United States, even before the announcement of the official launch of the MHS program, introduced in December 2014, an upgraded gun Beretta M9A3, partially meeting the requirements of the US Armed Forces for the new gun.
The gun Beretta M9A3 is a further development of the model Beretta M. 9 / M-92FS. It is equipped with guides under the barrel, interchangeable front sight, handle less coverage. In the muzzle of the barrel there is a thread with a removable protective sleeve, designed to install a quick-release muffler.
Tactical and technical characteristics of the gun Beretta M9A3:
Caliber: 9x19 mm;
Magazine capacity: 15 cartridges;
Barrel length: 125 mm;
Overall length: 216 mm;
Weapon height: 137 mm;
Mass without cartridges: 961 g.
However, the proposal from Beretta was rejected, the US House of Representatives approved the cost of the new gun, and in August 2015, the US military officially announced the start of the MHS program, indicating the program cost in the amount of 580 million dollars.
The tests of the pistols were planned to be held before the end of 2017, and starting from 2018, the winner was supposed to deliver US Army 280 000 standard M17 pistols for the army, replacing Beretta M.9, 212 000 M17 pistols for other services and 7 000XXXXXXXXX18 XNUMX pistols for other services and XNUMX XNUMXXXXXXXXXXNUMX XNUMX MXNUMX pistols for other services and XNUMX XNUMXXXXXXXXNUMX XNUMX MXNUMX pistols for other services and XNUMX XNUMXXXXXXXXNUMX XNUMX MXNUMX pistols
A total of pistols from eight weapon companies were selected for testing.
Beretta submitted a new APX pistol to the competition. The Czech company Ceska zbrojovka participated with a compact pistol CZ P-07 and a full-size CZ P-09 in caliber 9x19 and .40 S&W. The American branch of FN America LLC of the Belgian company Fabrique Nationale presented the FN 509 pistol specially designed for the requirements of the MHS program.
Sphinx presented the SDP pistol for the competition. Austrian Glock Participated with Glock 19 MHS pistols chambered for 9x19 and Glock 23 MHS chambered for .40 S & W. SIG Sauer presented the P320 MHS in full-size and compact versions. American companies participated - Smith & Wesson with an M&P M2.0 pistol, STI-Detonics and an STX pistol.
According to some reports, pistols from Heckler & Koch, Springfield Armory, Taurus and Walther were also considered as applicants, but they did not officially take part in the competition.
Since the Beretta M9A3 pistol did not have a compact version, and in a number of parameters it did not fit the requirements of the MHS competition, Beretta participated with the new APX pistol. Presumably this gun was developed specifically for the requirements of the MHS program, including the modular design. Under the requirements of the program MHS Veretta APX is equipped with a non-automatic fuse, whereas for civilian use there is a version with an automatic fuse just like Glock pistols.
The Beretta APX pistol uses automation with a short barrel stroke and its locking by biased breech. The bolt is made of stainless steel, the frame of the pistol is made of a shock-resistant polymer, the trigger is shock, with a pre-trigger of the trigger and the shutter, when the trigger is pressed.
Presumably, one of the factors that played against the Beretta APX pistol was the lack of mass production of these pistols at the start of the MHS program and their sale to any power structures.
Tactical and technical characteristics of the gun Beretta APX:
Caliber: 9x19 mm;
Magazine capacity: 17 cartridges;
Barrel length: 085 mm;
Overall length: 192 mm;
Weapon height: 142 mm;
Mass without cartridges: 760 g.
The CZ P-07 and P-09 pistols submitted to the competition by Ceska zbrojovka are based on the design of the CZ-75 pistol, which is well-known to athletes involved in practical shooting. Pistols are based on a polymer chassis with a steel shutter and have a new (with respect to the CZ-75) trigger double-action USM Omega with a smoother trigger. Automation is based on the use of recoil in the short course of the barrel, locking is carried out using the declining breech breech. The controls and the shape of the gun are optimized for working with gloves.
According to user feedback, the gun is convenient and accurate. Apparently, the US Army was not satisfied with the modularity of the CZ P-07 and P-09 pistols, which consists only in the possibility of replacing the rear part of the handle, which is probably why Ceska zbrojovka refused to formally participate in the competition.
Performance characteristics of the pistol CZ P-09:
Caliber: 9x19 mm;
Magazine capacity: 19 cartridges;
Barrel length: 112 mm;
Overall length: 210 mm;
Mass without cartridges: 862 g.
FN America LLC entered the MHS competition with a single FN 509 pistol, which was offered both as a full-size and as a compact version. Polymer pistol frame. Automatic pistol works under the scheme of using recoil of a rolling barrel during its short course, locking with the help of a declining barrel, clutch of the upper protrusion of its breech with an enlarged window for ejection of spent cartridges. USM drumnikov, with a pre-cocked drummer.
As with the CZ P-07 and P-09 pistols, the FN 509 pistol does not implement modularity.
Tactical and technical characteristics of the gun FN 509:
Caliber: 9x19 mm;
Magazine capacity: 17 cartridges;
Barrel length: 102 mm;
Overall length: 188 mm;
Weapon height: 141 mm;
Mass without cartridges: 762 g.
According to the Swiss Sphinx SDP pistol, the data differs; according to one data, both the full-size version and the Compact variant were involved, according to other data only the Compact variant, which, however, is not so important. Sphinx pistols are derived from the CZ 75 pistol, and the SDP model is no exception, respectively, its design is similar to that of the progenitor, with minor modifications. The modularity of this gun is absent, and the price is probably higher than the competitors (the price for high quality workmanship), respectively, the probability of winning this sample from the very beginning was minimal.
Tactical and technical characteristics of the gun Sphinx SDP Compact:
Caliber: 9x19 mm;
Magazine capacity: 15 cartridges;
Barrel length: 95 mm;
Overall length: 190 mm;
Weapon height: 140 mm;
Mass without cartridges: 780 g.
For the sake of the MHS competition, the Austrian company Glock made unbelievable sacrifices by releasing versions of their pistols with a non-automatic safety device (previously, this was done only according to the requirements of the “native” Austrian army). Due to the fuse, the thickness of the guns increased by 2 mm.
Initially, it was assumed that the competition would involve Glock 17 / Glock 19 pistols in caliber 9x19 and Glock 22 / Glock 23 in caliber .40S & W. However, the Austrians surprised everyone by presenting, so to speak, "hybrid" versions of these models - Glock 19 MHS and Glock 23 MHS. So Glock 19 MHS corresponds in height to Glock 17, and in length of the barrel and body of Glock 19. Accordingly, for Glock 23 MHS these are the dimensions of Glock 22 and Glock 23. The front faces of the bolts of both pistols are made in a beveled form, like the shutters of subcompacts - Glock 26 Glock 27. Pistols have a protective non-glare coating.
Glock MHS pistol magazines are not compatible with civilian models due to the protective protrusion on the handle. For each pistol, a magazine of standard capacity - 17 rounds 9x19 or 15 rounds .40S & W, and an increased capacity - 19 rounds 9x19 or 22 rounds .40S & W, with a lid protruding beyond the handle were fired. The neck of the magazine is widened for quick installation of the new magazine, there is a removable swivel at the back. Otherwise, for the most part it's the same "good old" Glock.
Again, the main reason for the rejection of Glock MHS pistols is non-compliance with the modularity requirements of the weapon. Looking ahead, the company Glock filed a protest, believing that the capabilities of its pistols were undervalued compared to the winning competitor, but the protest was rejected.
Tactical and technical characteristics of the gun Glock 19 MHS:
Caliber: 9x19 mm;
Magazine capacity: 17 or 19 cartridges;
Barrel length: 102 mm;
Overall length: 185 mm;
Weapon height: 138 mm;
Mass without cartridges: 708 g.
The American company Smith & Wesson participated with the M&P 2.0 (Military and Police) model. The frame of the pistol is made of Zytel polymer with steel inserts, the automation is based on the use of recoil energy with a short barrel stroke, the barrel is locked according to the Browning scheme. The barrel, breech and other metal parts are made of stainless steel, firing trigger, double-acting only. The pistol grip is modular and has a removable rear part.
Despite the fact that the S&W M&P pistol is actively used by the power structures of the United States and other countries of the world, its design is also not modular in accordance with the requirements of the MHS program. Consequently, Smith & Wesson voluntarily withdrew from the competition.
The performance characteristics of the S&W M&P 2.0 pistol:
Caliber: 9x19 mm;
Magazine capacity: 17 cartridges;
Barrel length: 108 mm;
Overall length: 188 mm;
Weapon height: 140 mm;
Mass without cartridges: 734 g.
S&W M&P pistol operation diagram
The second American company STI participated in the STX pistol. The chassis of the STX pistol is made of aluminum alloy brand 7075 with a polymer coating. The shutter is made of steel. The frame of the gun supports four different lengths of the barrel and bolt, there are two frame sizes for people with different sizes of hands.
The STI STX pistol was withdrawn from the MHS competition without explanation.
Tactical and technical characteristics of the gun STI STX:
Caliber: 9x19 mm;
Magazine capacity: 17 cartridges;
Overall length: 178 (201) mm; *
Mass without cartridges: 652 (1020) g. *
* - different sources show different sizes and weights of the STI STX pistol, perhaps the data are for weapons with different barrel lengths and shutter-casing.
STI STX Pistol Presentation
Well, finally we come to the winner. The US 19 in January 2017 announced that the SIG Sauer P320 pistol in full-size and compact versions became the winner of the MHS competition. SIG Sauer will be awarded a contract worth 580,217 million dollars. In the US Army, the gun will receive the M17 designation for the full-size version and the M18 for the compact version.
Performance characteristics of the gun SIG Sauer М17:
Caliber: 9x19 mm;
Magazine capacity: 17 cartridges;
Barrel length: 119 mm;
Overall length: 203 mm;
Weapon height: 134 mm;
Weapon thickness: 35,5 mm
Mass without cartridges: 833 g.
The original SIG Sauer P320 has the maximum modularity of all the samples presented. The trigger can be inserted into frames of various sizes (full-size, compact, subcompact), with shutter-casings of various lengths and barrels of different lengths and calibers - 9 × 19, .357SIG, .40 S&W and .45 ACP.
The replaceable frame of the М17, М18 pistols is polymer, but includes a removable metal base with USM parts and guides for the shutter, therefore, the movement of the bolt-casing and the barrel does not lead to wear of the polymer frame. The number of the weapon is stamped on a metal base; a slot is made in the frame so that this number can be seen.
The pistols use automatic equipment with a moving barrel and a short stroke, with locking of the breech breech. USM shock, with a preliminary partial cocking. Full assembly and disassembly of the guns M17, M18 require special tools, as stipulated in the terms of the program MHS.
The guns М17 and М18 are equipped with double-sided manual fuses and slide-stop levers on the frame. Shop latch, can be installed on the left or right side. Rear sight mounted on a special removable platform, on the bolt-casing of the gun. Instead of a platform, compact collimator sights can be installed entirely, including numbers and compatible with night vision devices. Pistols can be equipped with elongated threaded barrels for installing a silencer.
The length of the arms and the magazines used for the M17 and M18 pistols are the same. The troops pistols are supplied assembled, equipped with two additional interchangeable plastic frames with handles of sizes L, M and S, that is, large, medium and small.
In January, 2017 reported that a Connecticut police officer was injured by an accidental shot when his P320 fell to the ground. This problem also extended to the P320 pistols sold in the civilian market, however, according to SIG Sauer, this problem was eliminated in the M17 and M18 pistols, and the present moment should also be solved in the "civilian" samples.
There were information about some other problems of SIG Sauer М17, М18 pistols, such as accidental shots, ejection of non-firing cartridges (double ejection - when the unused ammunition with the all-metal shells flew out along with the cartridge case) . According to one data, the listed problems were treated in the initial phase of testing and eliminated in mass-supplied weapons, according to other data, these problems were revealed by military personnel from combat units that had already received new pistols.
On the other hand, given the number of handguns sold by SIG Sauer, the problems are unlikely to be massive, and we should look for their root causes. In the end, no one has yet succeeded in creating a structure that the other cannot break.
Video of unpacking and shooting by US military personnel with SIG Sauer M17 pistols
What conclusions can be drawn?
Compared to the first competition for the choice of an army pistol, which lasted almost ten years, the MHS competition was held in less than two years, almost without scandals, except for the complaint of Glock. However, who knows what will happen in six months or a year, if the problems continue, it is quite possible that the results will be canceled and they will start to choose again ...
There is a feeling that some companies participated in the MHS competition for a tick. It seems that there is a competition, as well as participants, but there is no competition as such, either they themselves have withdrawn, or are rejected for unknown reasons. In Russia, the topic of “fake” tender is well known when the conditions of a technical task (TOR) are tailored to match only one supplier. It is likely that in the stronghold of democracy they have also long been familiar with this scheme. In the end, Glock did not choose, is it a conspiracy?
On the other hand, one cannot exclude the possibility that the participating companies and the customer (US armed forces) sign an agreement on the confidentiality of test results for the competition so that the revealed shortcomings of one type of weapon or other do not reduce sales to other departments and private buyers.
In contrast to the competition for the 1978-1988 army pistol, all manufacturers offered models of classic design. No removal of powder gases, no rotating barrels, no automatic fire or other exotics.
In any case, the TK for a new model of weapons is a set of compromises between the desired characteristics and the capabilities of suppliers. A company that can make a limited batch of a constructively perfect pistol may not be able to expand its large-scale production. The desire to change the caliber to a more efficient one stumbles upon warehouses littered with cartridges of the caliber in use.
In view of the above, the US armed forces received a worthy pistol (set) capable of satisfying their needs for this type of weapon in the coming decades.
PS As part of the MHS program, a transition to another caliber was considered, perhaps quite formally, due to the alleged low efficiency of the 9x19 cartridge, while the US FBI, which had previously switched to the .40S & W caliber, is again returning to the 9x19 cartridge. But we'll talk about this in another article.
How necessary was the new US Army pistol, in the end, the Beretta M-92FS (in the U.S. Armed Forces designated as M.9) is not such an outdated weapon? The main reason for this program is the same as in case of replacing the Colt M1911 A1 with the Beretta M.9. During those 15-20 years that Beretta M.9 pistols have served, many of their elements could seriously wear out, of course, provided they do not lie in stock waiting for a world war, but are actively exploited, at least for training purposes.
Of course, some elements, such as the barrel, springs, pins, and others, can be replaced, but the complexity of diagnostics and repair, with the replacement of worn parts, can be quite high and financially burdensome. Another option is to purchase additional batches of M.9 pistols also inefficient, since experience accumulates during the operation, the requirements for the army pistol change, manufacturers offer new design solutions.
Requirements for a new army pistol began to be developed from the 2008 year and include a modular design, with the possibility of replacing pistol elements for shooters with different sizes of hands. The controls should be bilateral, with the possibility of convenient use by both right-handers and left-handers. The gun must be equipped with guides for mounting rifle accessories and various types of sights. Gun cover should not be slippery and glare.
Pistols should provide sufficient shooting accuracy to hit an 4-inch target (10 cm) from 50 meters in 90 percent of cases throughout the life of the weapon. Each offer had to include two pistols - one full-sized, the second compact, or one pistol, satisfying the requirements for both the full-sized and the compact model.
According to the requirements of reliability and durability, the proposed pistols must provide at least 2000 shots without delays, at least 10 000 shots before the appearance of faults, and ensure the life of the barrel to 35 000 shots.
In the user manual for the new army pistol, all steps necessary to operate the pistol and modify its ergonomic component should be described in detail. The design of the gun should exclude the possibility of complete disassembly by unprepared users (read soldiers). Complete disassembly should be done by a specialist gunsmith with special tools.
An interesting point, despite the fact that the US Army uses the standard NATO cartridge 9x19, there was no strict caliber / cartridge requirement for the pistol under the MHS program. Due to complaints from the military about the insufficient lethality of the 9x19 cartridge when using pistols of this caliber in combat zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan, manufacturers could offer weapons of other calibers, such as .40 S&W .45 ACP, .357 SIG, FN 5,7, 28 × XNUMX mm.
In addition, the possibility of using expansive and fragmented bullets in a new army pistol was considered. The Hague Convention 1899, prohibiting their use in hostilities, the United States did not sign, although to date, and complied with. It is believed that the use of expansive and fragmented bullets in the cartridge 9х19 will increase its stopping and damaging effect without switching to another caliber.
As with previous attempts to replace an army pistol in 1978-1988, obstacles have arisen. The Armed Services Committee of the US House of Representatives demanded that the MHS program be canceled and the Beretta M. 9 pistol instead be upgraded. Company Beretta, wanting to remain guaranteed to be the main supplier of army army pistols
The United States, even before the announcement of the official launch of the MHS program, introduced in December 2014, an upgraded gun Beretta M9A3, partially meeting the requirements of the US Armed Forces for the new gun.
The gun Beretta M9A3 is a further development of the model Beretta M. 9 / M-92FS. It is equipped with guides under the barrel, interchangeable front sight, handle less coverage. In the muzzle of the barrel there is a thread with a removable protective sleeve, designed to install a quick-release muffler.
Gun Beretta M9A3
Tactical and technical characteristics of the gun Beretta M9A3:
Caliber: 9x19 mm;
Magazine capacity: 15 cartridges;
Barrel length: 125 mm;
Overall length: 216 mm;
Weapon height: 137 mm;
Mass without cartridges: 961 g.
However, the proposal from Beretta was rejected, the US House of Representatives approved the cost of the new gun, and in August 2015, the US military officially announced the start of the MHS program, indicating the program cost in the amount of 580 million dollars.
The tests of the pistols were planned to be held before the end of 2017, and starting from 2018, the winner was supposed to deliver US Army 280 000 standard M17 pistols for the army, replacing Beretta M.9, 212 000 M17 pistols for other services and 7 000XXXXXXXXX18 XNUMX pistols for other services and XNUMX XNUMXXXXXXXXXXNUMX XNUMX MXNUMX pistols for other services and XNUMX XNUMXXXXXXXXNUMX XNUMX MXNUMX pistols for other services and XNUMX XNUMXXXXXXXXNUMX XNUMX MXNUMX pistols
A total of pistols from eight weapon companies were selected for testing.
Beretta submitted a new APX pistol to the competition. The Czech company Ceska zbrojovka participated with a compact pistol CZ P-07 and a full-size CZ P-09 in caliber 9x19 and .40 S&W. The American branch of FN America LLC of the Belgian company Fabrique Nationale presented the FN 509 pistol specially designed for the requirements of the MHS program.
Sphinx presented the SDP pistol for the competition. Austrian Glock Participated with Glock 19 MHS pistols chambered for 9x19 and Glock 23 MHS chambered for .40 S & W. SIG Sauer presented the P320 MHS in full-size and compact versions. American companies participated - Smith & Wesson with an M&P M2.0 pistol, STI-Detonics and an STX pistol.
According to some reports, pistols from Heckler & Koch, Springfield Armory, Taurus and Walther were also considered as applicants, but they did not officially take part in the competition.
Since the Beretta M9A3 pistol did not have a compact version, and in a number of parameters it did not fit the requirements of the MHS competition, Beretta participated with the new APX pistol. Presumably this gun was developed specifically for the requirements of the MHS program, including the modular design. Under the requirements of the program MHS Veretta APX is equipped with a non-automatic fuse, whereas for civilian use there is a version with an automatic fuse just like Glock pistols.
The Beretta APX pistol uses automation with a short barrel stroke and its locking by biased breech. The bolt is made of stainless steel, the frame of the pistol is made of a shock-resistant polymer, the trigger is shock, with a pre-trigger of the trigger and the shutter, when the trigger is pressed.
Presumably, one of the factors that played against the Beretta APX pistol was the lack of mass production of these pistols at the start of the MHS program and their sale to any power structures.
Pistol Beretta APX
Tactical and technical characteristics of the gun Beretta APX:
Caliber: 9x19 mm;
Magazine capacity: 17 cartridges;
Barrel length: 085 mm;
Overall length: 192 mm;
Weapon height: 142 mm;
Mass without cartridges: 760 g.
The CZ P-07 and P-09 pistols submitted to the competition by Ceska zbrojovka are based on the design of the CZ-75 pistol, which is well-known to athletes involved in practical shooting. Pistols are based on a polymer chassis with a steel shutter and have a new (with respect to the CZ-75) trigger double-action USM Omega with a smoother trigger. Automation is based on the use of recoil in the short course of the barrel, locking is carried out using the declining breech breech. The controls and the shape of the gun are optimized for working with gloves.
According to user feedback, the gun is convenient and accurate. Apparently, the US Army was not satisfied with the modularity of the CZ P-07 and P-09 pistols, which consists only in the possibility of replacing the rear part of the handle, which is probably why Ceska zbrojovka refused to formally participate in the competition.
CZ P-09 Pistol
Performance characteristics of the pistol CZ P-09:
Caliber: 9x19 mm;
Magazine capacity: 19 cartridges;
Barrel length: 112 mm;
Overall length: 210 mm;
Mass without cartridges: 862 g.
FN America LLC entered the MHS competition with a single FN 509 pistol, which was offered both as a full-size and as a compact version. Polymer pistol frame. Automatic pistol works under the scheme of using recoil of a rolling barrel during its short course, locking with the help of a declining barrel, clutch of the upper protrusion of its breech with an enlarged window for ejection of spent cartridges. USM drumnikov, with a pre-cocked drummer.
As with the CZ P-07 and P-09 pistols, the FN 509 pistol does not implement modularity.
FN 509 Pistol
FN 509 pistol with silencer, collimator sight, rifle flashlight and extended magazine
Tactical and technical characteristics of the gun FN 509:
Caliber: 9x19 mm;
Magazine capacity: 17 cartridges;
Barrel length: 102 mm;
Overall length: 188 mm;
Weapon height: 141 mm;
Mass without cartridges: 762 g.
According to the Swiss Sphinx SDP pistol, the data differs; according to one data, both the full-size version and the Compact variant were involved, according to other data only the Compact variant, which, however, is not so important. Sphinx pistols are derived from the CZ 75 pistol, and the SDP model is no exception, respectively, its design is similar to that of the progenitor, with minor modifications. The modularity of this gun is absent, and the price is probably higher than the competitors (the price for high quality workmanship), respectively, the probability of winning this sample from the very beginning was minimal.
Sphinx SDP Compact Pistol
Tactical and technical characteristics of the gun Sphinx SDP Compact:
Caliber: 9x19 mm;
Magazine capacity: 15 cartridges;
Barrel length: 95 mm;
Overall length: 190 mm;
Weapon height: 140 mm;
Mass without cartridges: 780 g.
For the sake of the MHS competition, the Austrian company Glock made unbelievable sacrifices by releasing versions of their pistols with a non-automatic safety device (previously, this was done only according to the requirements of the “native” Austrian army). Due to the fuse, the thickness of the guns increased by 2 mm.
Initially, it was assumed that the competition would involve Glock 17 / Glock 19 pistols in caliber 9x19 and Glock 22 / Glock 23 in caliber .40S & W. However, the Austrians surprised everyone by presenting, so to speak, "hybrid" versions of these models - Glock 19 MHS and Glock 23 MHS. So Glock 19 MHS corresponds in height to Glock 17, and in length of the barrel and body of Glock 19. Accordingly, for Glock 23 MHS these are the dimensions of Glock 22 and Glock 23. The front faces of the bolts of both pistols are made in a beveled form, like the shutters of subcompacts - Glock 26 Glock 27. Pistols have a protective non-glare coating.
Glock MHS pistol magazines are not compatible with civilian models due to the protective protrusion on the handle. For each pistol, a magazine of standard capacity - 17 rounds 9x19 or 15 rounds .40S & W, and an increased capacity - 19 rounds 9x19 or 22 rounds .40S & W, with a lid protruding beyond the handle were fired. The neck of the magazine is widened for quick installation of the new magazine, there is a removable swivel at the back. Otherwise, for the most part it's the same "good old" Glock.
Again, the main reason for the rejection of Glock MHS pistols is non-compliance with the modularity requirements of the weapon. Looking ahead, the company Glock filed a protest, believing that the capabilities of its pistols were undervalued compared to the winning competitor, but the protest was rejected.
Pistol Glock 19 MHS
Tactical and technical characteristics of the gun Glock 19 MHS:
Caliber: 9x19 mm;
Magazine capacity: 17 or 19 cartridges;
Barrel length: 102 mm;
Overall length: 185 mm;
Weapon height: 138 mm;
Mass without cartridges: 708 g.
The American company Smith & Wesson participated with the M&P 2.0 (Military and Police) model. The frame of the pistol is made of Zytel polymer with steel inserts, the automation is based on the use of recoil energy with a short barrel stroke, the barrel is locked according to the Browning scheme. The barrel, breech and other metal parts are made of stainless steel, firing trigger, double-acting only. The pistol grip is modular and has a removable rear part.
Despite the fact that the S&W M&P pistol is actively used by the power structures of the United States and other countries of the world, its design is also not modular in accordance with the requirements of the MHS program. Consequently, Smith & Wesson voluntarily withdrew from the competition.
S&W M&P 2.0 pistol
The performance characteristics of the S&W M&P 2.0 pistol:
Caliber: 9x19 mm;
Magazine capacity: 17 cartridges;
Barrel length: 108 mm;
Overall length: 188 mm;
Weapon height: 140 mm;
Mass without cartridges: 734 g.
S&W M&P pistol operation diagram
The second American company STI participated in the STX pistol. The chassis of the STX pistol is made of aluminum alloy brand 7075 with a polymer coating. The shutter is made of steel. The frame of the gun supports four different lengths of the barrel and bolt, there are two frame sizes for people with different sizes of hands.
The STI STX pistol was withdrawn from the MHS competition without explanation.
Pistol STI STX
Tactical and technical characteristics of the gun STI STX:
Caliber: 9x19 mm;
Magazine capacity: 17 cartridges;
Overall length: 178 (201) mm; *
Mass without cartridges: 652 (1020) g. *
* - different sources show different sizes and weights of the STI STX pistol, perhaps the data are for weapons with different barrel lengths and shutter-casing.
STI STX Pistol Presentation
Well, finally we come to the winner. The US 19 in January 2017 announced that the SIG Sauer P320 pistol in full-size and compact versions became the winner of the MHS competition. SIG Sauer will be awarded a contract worth 580,217 million dollars. In the US Army, the gun will receive the M17 designation for the full-size version and the M18 for the compact version.
Pistols SIG Sauer M17 and M18
Performance characteristics of the gun SIG Sauer М17:
Caliber: 9x19 mm;
Magazine capacity: 17 cartridges;
Barrel length: 119 mm;
Overall length: 203 mm;
Weapon height: 134 mm;
Weapon thickness: 35,5 mm
Mass without cartridges: 833 g.
The original SIG Sauer P320 has the maximum modularity of all the samples presented. The trigger can be inserted into frames of various sizes (full-size, compact, subcompact), with shutter-casings of various lengths and barrels of different lengths and calibers - 9 × 19, .357SIG, .40 S&W and .45 ACP.
Frames, closures, covers, trunks modular set SIG Sauer P320
The replaceable frame of the М17, М18 pistols is polymer, but includes a removable metal base with USM parts and guides for the shutter, therefore, the movement of the bolt-casing and the barrel does not lead to wear of the polymer frame. The number of the weapon is stamped on a metal base; a slot is made in the frame so that this number can be seen.
Metal base pistols M17, M18
The pistols use automatic equipment with a moving barrel and a short stroke, with locking of the breech breech. USM shock, with a preliminary partial cocking. Full assembly and disassembly of the guns M17, M18 require special tools, as stipulated in the terms of the program MHS.
The guns М17 and М18 are equipped with double-sided manual fuses and slide-stop levers on the frame. Shop latch, can be installed on the left or right side. Rear sight mounted on a special removable platform, on the bolt-casing of the gun. Instead of a platform, compact collimator sights can be installed entirely, including numbers and compatible with night vision devices. Pistols can be equipped with elongated threaded barrels for installing a silencer.
Collimator sight on the SIG Sauer M17 pistol bolt mounted instead of the entire site
The length of the arms and the magazines used for the M17 and M18 pistols are the same. The troops pistols are supplied assembled, equipped with two additional interchangeable plastic frames with handles of sizes L, M and S, that is, large, medium and small.
SIG Sauer M17 and M18 pistols delivery set
In January, 2017 reported that a Connecticut police officer was injured by an accidental shot when his P320 fell to the ground. This problem also extended to the P320 pistols sold in the civilian market, however, according to SIG Sauer, this problem was eliminated in the M17 and M18 pistols, and the present moment should also be solved in the "civilian" samples.
There were information about some other problems of SIG Sauer М17, М18 pistols, such as accidental shots, ejection of non-firing cartridges (double ejection - when the unused ammunition with the all-metal shells flew out along with the cartridge case) . According to one data, the listed problems were treated in the initial phase of testing and eliminated in mass-supplied weapons, according to other data, these problems were revealed by military personnel from combat units that had already received new pistols.
On the other hand, given the number of handguns sold by SIG Sauer, the problems are unlikely to be massive, and we should look for their root causes. In the end, no one has yet succeeded in creating a structure that the other cannot break.
Video of unpacking and shooting by US military personnel with SIG Sauer M17 pistols
What conclusions can be drawn?
Compared to the first competition for the choice of an army pistol, which lasted almost ten years, the MHS competition was held in less than two years, almost without scandals, except for the complaint of Glock. However, who knows what will happen in six months or a year, if the problems continue, it is quite possible that the results will be canceled and they will start to choose again ...
There is a feeling that some companies participated in the MHS competition for a tick. It seems that there is a competition, as well as participants, but there is no competition as such, either they themselves have withdrawn, or are rejected for unknown reasons. In Russia, the topic of “fake” tender is well known when the conditions of a technical task (TOR) are tailored to match only one supplier. It is likely that in the stronghold of democracy they have also long been familiar with this scheme. In the end, Glock did not choose, is it a conspiracy?
On the other hand, one cannot exclude the possibility that the participating companies and the customer (US armed forces) sign an agreement on the confidentiality of test results for the competition so that the revealed shortcomings of one type of weapon or other do not reduce sales to other departments and private buyers.
In contrast to the competition for the 1978-1988 army pistol, all manufacturers offered models of classic design. No removal of powder gases, no rotating barrels, no automatic fire or other exotics.
In any case, the TK for a new model of weapons is a set of compromises between the desired characteristics and the capabilities of suppliers. A company that can make a limited batch of a constructively perfect pistol may not be able to expand its large-scale production. The desire to change the caliber to a more efficient one stumbles upon warehouses littered with cartridges of the caliber in use.
In view of the above, the US armed forces received a worthy pistol (set) capable of satisfying their needs for this type of weapon in the coming decades.
PS As part of the MHS program, a transition to another caliber was considered, perhaps quite formally, due to the alleged low efficiency of the 9x19 cartridge, while the US FBI, which had previously switched to the .40S & W caliber, is again returning to the 9x19 cartridge. But we'll talk about this in another article.
Information