Any chance the US military will switch to HK45s?

[Edward Nigma]

I understand that the HK45 was designed to meet the US military's needs. Does anyone know if there any chance any branch will be switching to these from Berettas?

[F22_RaptoR]

Not likely, the contract that the HK45 was made for was calcelled many months ago.

[paratroop23]

It would have been nice to have one issued!!! I just got done drooling all over one at a local shop! I held a P30 for the very first time today too. I LOVE the way the P30 and the HK45 feel!!

[sfguard]

Right now I don't see the pentagon spending the money to replace a existing weapon. Especially when it is just a pistol, and not a primary fighting weapon.

[Moonshiner]

I think the window of opportunity for new firearms aquisition has closed for this war. Have to wait for the next one before big spending gets approved for new firearms aquisition on a large scale.
:330:

[BytorJr]

With the amount of $$ spent since '03, I seriously doubt the USA have a new rifle or pistol in the armed forces for at least the next 10 years. Critical research $$ is now missing, and to further that they keep shrinking the number of F-22's and F-35's the US is going to buy. Also, it's hard to believe, but the B-2 is now 20 years old!! I don't see any $$ going towards new infantry "small arms" for better or for worse.

[softmentor]

one more argument for thinking the USP and P2000 may still be around for a while.

[EmanP]

Well, there's always a chance.

[Marine1911]

Well, there's always a chance.


Yeah but it is about the same as the chances of us pulling out of iraq tomorrow.

[BytorJr]

It's about time for leadership to get a REAL plan to get out of Iraq (and that doesn't mean just pull out and leave a vacuum). We need to build back the US military to where everybody knows not to mess with us or it truly will be HE11 to pay and most importantly get morale back up. Quit P-footing around and let's take care of business like we did in WWII. We're using up all our top stuff and have no $$ to replace it. As much as it'd be cool to see a new rifle and handgun, personally I think we need to be spending $$ on research and acquisition of new infrastructure. The left wing wants to give those precious dollars to "social" programs, not defense of the USA. Go read the GAO report...it's SCARY!!! We cannot rest on our laurels militarily or financially.

[F22_RaptoR]

It's about time for leadership to get a REAL plan to get out of Iraq (and that doesn't mean just pull out and leave a vacuum). We need to build back the US military to where everybody knows not to mess with us or it truly will be HE11 to pay and most importantly get morale back up. Quit P-footing around and let's take care of business like we did in WWII. We're using up all our top stuff and have no $$ to replace it. As much as it'd be cool to see a new rifle and handgun, personally I think we need to be spending $$ on research and acquisition of new infrastructure. The left wing wants to give those precious dollars to "social" programs, not defense of the USA. Go read the GAO report...it's SCARY!!! We cannot rest on our laurels militarily or financially.

No chance of that happening these days. Even with a tough conservative in office, with a republican house, theres WAY to much political correctness to just go in like WWII and get **** done.

[BytorJr]

Tis true...:( :(.

I just wish folks up there would drop the party line and do what's best. Fat chance. Even Ronald Reagan managed to at least work somewhat successfully with Tip O'Neil!! Talk about 2 different viewpoints.

[PaveLow]

Last issue of "Jane´s Weekly" - USAF goes for new pistols.
Calibers .40 and .45 / HK and others was in the talk.

[jepn30]

I Quit P-footing around and let's take care of business like we did in WWII... The left wing wants to give those precious dollars to "social" programs, not defense of the USA.

Funny how you use the term "p-footing," isn't saying that essentially "***** footing" around the very term. And how can we take care of things like we did in WW II. We can't put are foot down like we did in WW II, because this conflict isn't like WW II. We have no clearly defined National entity that opposes us with direct military action (Iran makes noise - and elements within the country likely supply Iraqi militants).

And the current administration has no problem paying huge contracts out instead of using money to provide better equipment to our men and women - what the hell is that?

[SauceNJ]

Politics? On HKPro? Careful kids - could get messy. As for changing the M9, not gonna happen for a while.

[Captain America]

Not likely, the contract that the HK45 was made for was calcelled many months ago.


Remember, at one time the contract on the B1-B Bomber was cancelled too!

Anything is possible. The military wants a 45 ACP and eventually they will
get what they want?

[dtheman]

Call me stupid, but last time I checked we didn't just jump into WW2. We only supplied the Brits and Chinese with both materials and pilots until the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. After that I wouldn't call it "jumping in and kicking ass", there was a lot of time and care put into the planning and overall process (something lacking with the Iraq War).

[quikz]

I would say, the chances are FAT.

[Tspeis]

Last issue of "Jane´s Weekly" - USAF goes for new pistols.
Calibers .40 and .45 / HK and others was in the talk.


What other manufacturers were named besides HK?

[jepn30]

Call me stupid, but last time I checked we didn't just jump into WW2. We only supplied the Brits and Chinese with both materials and pilots until the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. After that I wouldn't call it "jumping in and kicking ass", there was a lot of time and care put into the planning and overall process (something lacking with the Iraq War).

Very true.

[USMCMP5A3]

I think it was the NRA web sight, but don't quote me. Had an article that said the Army and Navy collectivly just ordered 10,000 more M9's. That would lead me to believe that there are no plans for a short term replacement for the M9.

But given that several special force groups that are touting .45 caliber sidearms...... only the future will tell.

[Captain America]

The US government works in strange and mysterious ways. Those bought
and paid for M9s would look real good in a warehouse somewhere gathering dust.

At the same time we would be spending millions more for a new military
sidearm.

Government warehouses are full of the same stuff we are buying brand new
everyday.

I've seen stuff that would bring tears to your eyes.

[GARY1911A1]

Since the Military just ordered some more Beretta 92s' it doesn't look like it will happen soon. More HK45s' for us though.

[Tecumseh]

Funny how you use the term "p-footing," isn't saying that essentially "***** footing" around the very term. And how can we take care of things like we did in WW II. We can't put are foot down like we did in WW II, because this conflict isn't like WW II. We have no clearly defined National entity that opposes us with direct military action (Iran makes noise - and elements within the country likely supply Iraqi militants).

And the current administration has no problem paying huge contracts out instead of using money to provide better equipment to our men and women - what the hell is that?

+1

We are fighting transnational groups that will simply move countries if we take over the one they are in. We cannot refight WW II again or use its tactics.

I have to ask BytorJr are you currently in the armed forces? Is so wonderful, if not then please do not say WE need to etc. because you and I are not there. Its the military that is there.

And please explain these social programs. I would like more information and citations please.

Call 1-800-GoArmy if you need some information on how you can join that proverbial WE that you mentioned.

[NonConformist]

Eventually they will switch back to .45 caliber handguns.

Wether or not HK gets the nod I dont know. I do know the comp was worded to exclude any 1911s, cant have the .mil looking bad when they go back to the very gun they gave up

[Tecumseh]

They could go looking at a gun similar to a 1911. Perhaps a SAO USP?

[Tactical Shooter]

No. No chance. Why would the military buy a quality firearm for troops?

[dtheman]

+1

We are fighting transnational groups that will simply move countries if we take over the one they are in. We cannot refight WW II again or use its tactics.

I have to ask BytorJr are you currently in the armed forces? Is so wonderful, if not then please do not say WE need to etc. because you and I are not there. Its the military that is there.

And please explain these social programs. I would like more information and citations please.

Call 1-800-GoArmy if you need some information on how you can join that proverbial WE that you mentioned.

+1 It's usually those who know nothing of war that do all the war mongering. It also seems that he is out of touch with the reality of the current situation.

[Mouseboy]

The US government works in strange and mysterious ways. Those bought
and paid for M9s would look real good in a warehouse somewhere gathering dust.

At the same time we would be spending millions more for a new military
sidearm.

Government warehouses are full of the same stuff we are buying brand new
everyday.

I've seen stuff that would bring tears to your eyes.

+1K

Actually, IMO the Beretta 92 series is a good fit for the US .mil right now.

[Cadillac Johnson]

No. No chance. Why would the military buy a quality firearm for troops?

Funny you say that as Beretta and Sig were the only two pistols that made it through the trials... Not sure what that says for HK.. Despite your personal preference, Beretta does make a quality pistol.

As far as the US Military switching anytime soon... I doubt it.

I know there's a number of guns that are, or will be available that were made specifically for the trials. I think it was one of the smaller branches was looking for a new sidearm, and then everyone else jumped on and all the manufacturers started getting together an entry. Then those said branches of the military pulled out, and now were seeing those pistols being released for civilian use.

I know the HK45 and Sig P220 Combat were a couple of the entries, not sure on the others.

[ED_P]

Despite your personal preference, Beretta does make a quality pistol.


I have to agree- the Beretta M92 gets attacked far more than deserved.

Though there "may" have been some shady dealings to insure Beretta beat SIG, I wonder if the SIG would have performed worse in the sand, having a much longer continuous rail to slide contact area. And the magazine problems experienced with the Beretta would have happened with SIG mags as well.

Despite oddities I see with the M92 design, like the working mechanisms on the outside of the gun that move while firing, and the slide mounted safety, I find it a very comfortable gun to shoot, and don't think it was really a bad choice in the end.

[Edward Nigma]

Thanks for the info everyone.

[Marine1911]

As much as I would love a new HK at work I would settle for a NEW m9, or at least one that is not all loose because it has 50000+ rounds through it. I swear all I ever get is an old and busted one.

[ydaho]

I like the M9, very accurate, ultra reliable, and comfy. I have put 3000 through mine with no problems, plus 18 rnd flush fitting mags.

The M9 gets a bad rap sometimes and most of the BS comes from people who have not shot them.

How often do regular infantry guys use their pistols anyway? Isn't most of thier shooting done with thier rifles? I couldn't see the military spending a bunch of money on a new sidearm when it is something we really don't use much anyway.

16 rounds of 9mm 124 grn will pack 76.8 grains of bullseye powder; while 9 rounds of 45 230 grn will pack 49.5 grains of bullseye. The destructive power of any round comes from the potential energy stored in the powder. With a 9mm handgun, our troops can carry more destructive power. That is the way I see it anyway.

One more thing, my m9 remains the all time favorite of all of the females I have introduced to handguns. They like how easy it is for them to shoot; low recoil, comfy grip, and accurate. I think the military had that in mind when it choose and continues to chose the beretta and the 9mm cartridge itself.