What Caliber Will The Army Choose For The XM17 Modular Handgun System?
By Bob Owens
While many people tracking the progress of the U.S. Army’s Modular Handgun System (MHS) contract are focused primarily on the various handguns themselves, it’s important to remember that we’re not just looking at a new handgun, but also potentially new handgun calibers.
Companies competing for the contract may submit existing calibers, or opt to create and submit new handgun calibers. The MHS Wikipedia page notes the demanding criteria that the pistol and cartridge combination must meet.
In January 2013, the Army released a Request for Information (RFI) to assess available handgun technologies and U.S. small arms industrial production capacity for the Modular Handgun System. The announcement seeks information “on potential improvements in handgun performance in the areas of accuracy and dispersion out to 50 meters, terminal performance, modularity, reliability, and durability in all environments.” The handgun should have a 90 percent or more chance of hitting in a 4-inch circle out to 50 meters consistently throughout the weapon’s lifetime. Ergonomic design should minimize recoil energies and control shot dispersion. Features include, but are not limited to, compatibility with accessory items to include tactical lights, lasers, and sound suppressors. Full ambidextrous controls are required and there is …read more
Source:: Bearing Arms
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