read:http://www.chron.com/news/nation-world/article/Report-Smith-Wesson-finds-partner-for-US-6871507.php
U.S. gunmaker Smith & Wesson is hoping one of its handguns becomes the go-to sidearm for American military men and women.
Army-Technology.com reports the company has entered into a "strategic partnership" with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems in their effort to construct America's next-generation military handgun. The idea is that General Dynamics will help provide the manufacturing model needed to supply the military with pistols.
The competition, also called the U.S. Army's XM17 Modular Handgun System Program, is intended to find a replacement for the Beretta M9. The pistol replaced the old M1911 in the '80s, but it has been the subject of criticism for many years. Operators pointed out the pistol did not have enough stopping power and there were concerns regarding its durability.
Though Beretta offered the M9A3 as a replacement for the weapon, the Army opted to simply start a new competition. A number of gun manufacturers, both foreign and national, have submitted entries.
At the moment, Smith & Wesson has already submitted a variant of its M&P Polymer Pistol for the competition. The weapon is already in use by multiple U.S. federal departments and local law enforcement agencies. This particular version is reported to have a reinforced polymer chassis and ambidextrous controls.
U.S. gunmaker Smith & Wesson is hoping one of its handguns becomes the go-to sidearm for American military men and women.
Army-Technology.com reports the company has entered into a "strategic partnership" with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems in their effort to construct America's next-generation military handgun. The idea is that General Dynamics will help provide the manufacturing model needed to supply the military with pistols.
The competition, also called the U.S. Army's XM17 Modular Handgun System Program, is intended to find a replacement for the Beretta M9. The pistol replaced the old M1911 in the '80s, but it has been the subject of criticism for many years. Operators pointed out the pistol did not have enough stopping power and there were concerns regarding its durability.
Though Beretta offered the M9A3 as a replacement for the weapon, the Army opted to simply start a new competition. A number of gun manufacturers, both foreign and national, have submitted entries.
At the moment, Smith & Wesson has already submitted a variant of its M&P Polymer Pistol for the competition. The weapon is already in use by multiple U.S. federal departments and local law enforcement agencies. This particular version is reported to have a reinforced polymer chassis and ambidextrous controls.
