Military sidearm caliber?

[FAL]

Sorry if this has already been discussed at length, but I was under the impression that the common military side arm was a M9, but my grandfather told me that they had or where switching to a .45. Is this true, and if so, what pistol did they switch to?

I searched and did not find a direct answer so a quick answer would be great than you could go ahead and delete this thread if need be.

Thanks,
FAL

[fonz]

Im no authority by any means but as far as I know the M9 is and will be for awhile the basic sidearm of the armed forces. some special forces use 1911's and HK's and Sigs. This is just what I have read and seen in movies and other unreliable sources.

[Warners Surplus]

Sorry if this has already been discussed at length, but I was under the impression that the common military side arm was a M9, but my grandfather told me that they had or where switching to a .45. Is this true, and if so, what pistol did they switch to?

I searched and did not find a direct answer so a quick answer would be great than you could go ahead and delete this thread if need be.

Thanks,
FAL

Std. issue sidearm is the Beretta M9 9mm but some of the elite forces have gone back to the 45. The army was looking for a new sidearm and was thinking on the 45 but decided to "avoid" the issue at this time.


Rich W.

[robdog]

NATO standards dictate 9mm sidearm. I would like to see the US switch to Sig p226.

[Seventy4Blazer]

M9 is standard. 45acp is a NATO round still. as said before spec ops/sneaky sneaky people can unit purchase what they all agree on using gov dollars. all that is required is that it fire a NATO round and they all agree on it. (mag change ability)

the 1911 USED to be the service pistol, in the 80's the M9 took over, curently the services are all looking at changing to a more effective round. a tweaked out rag head doesnt stop from 9mm

[knight0334]

...pretty much what everyone said above.


The 1911 is still used by some special forces, guards, honor guards, and special units. The military isn't going to convert to .45acp standard issue sidearms in any near future.

[senorlinc]

wiki is never 100% accurate but it gives you an idea....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...._Armed_Forces

word on the street is that USMC force recon can have their own custom .45 built by the marine custom shop on an old colt 45 frame. similar word is that other special operators get grants to have their own .45's custom built. supposedly usarmy delta force shoots more .45 acp than anyone in the universe

[chrisjames_71]

When I leave in 10 days, I will be issued an M9 and an M4.

[pipefitr]

When I leave in 10 days, I will be issued an M9 and an M4.

Thank You for your service.

Paul

[MrBlackHawk]

Thank you as well Chis James. Be Safe.