Tuesday, February 07, 2006

A new pistol for the boys

The military is getting a new handgun. Note that it is going to be a .45 ACP. Here is an overview of the requirements. See the whole thing here.

The USSOCOM intends to issue a solicitation to obtain commercially available non-developmental item (NDI) Joint Combat Pistol (JCP) system, Caliber .45 (ACP). The Program will use full and open competition to fulfill the JCP requirement. The JCP will be delivered in accordance with specification entitled "Performance Specification Joint Combat Pistol" to be provided with issuance of the solicitation. Two configurations of the pistol will be required. One configuration will have no external safety and the other configuration will have an external safety. The Combat Pistol System consists of: a Caliber .45 pistol and its ancillary equipment including: Magazines (standard and high-capacity); Suppressor Attachment Kit for operation of the pistol with and without sound suppressor; Holster; Magazine Holder (standard and high-capacity); Cleaning Kit; and Operator's Manual.

It's about time we went back to a .45 caliber handgun. However as I look at the specs on this thing it is hard to believe that it wont be too big and unwieldy. The military had the best vehicle of its kind in the Jeep and the best handgun in the 1911. They tossed both of them away for inferior replacements that they have never been satisfied with. I hope that when they are testing the submissions that they shoot them in IDPA matches.