Joint Service Small Arms Program: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|American weapon standardization coordination program}}

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{{Missing information|the second set of tests conducted in 1981-1982, aftermath info on M9 adoption problems|date=June 2024}}

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[[File:M9-pistolet.jpg|thumb|Beretta M9]]

The '''Joint Service Small Arms Program''', abbreviated '''JSSAP''', was created to coordinate weapon standardization between the various United States armed service branches.<ref name="The Service Pistol Controversy">{{cite web|last1=Rogers|first1=Patick F|title=The Service Pistol Controversy|url=http://americanhandgunner.com/1983issues/HMJ83.pdf|website=American Handgunner|access-date=4 July 2016}}</ref>

[[File:Colt SSP Handgun GS.jpg|thumb|Colt Stainless Steel Pistol]]

[[File:SIG-P226-p1030047.jpg|thumb|SigSIG Sauer P226]]

[[File:Steyr GB (parabellum pl).jpg|thumb|Steyr GB]]

[[File:Smith and Wesson 459.jpg|thumb|Smith & Wesson 459A]]

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== Prelude ==

In 1962, the Air Force adopted the [[Smith & Wesson Model 15]] revolver over the [[M1911A1]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YLs4CwAAQBAJ&q=air+force+smith+wesson+model+15&pg=PA76|title=Bunker Hill and Grissom Air Force Base|last=Kelley|first=Tom|date=2016-05-09|publisher=Arcadia Publishing|isbn=9781439656044|language=en}}</ref> By 1977 their inventory was wearing out, and the USAF requested special ammunition for the M15 to improve its effectiveness due to malfunctions it suffered.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Rogers|first=Patrick F.|year=1983|title=The Service Pistol Controversy|url=http://americanhandgunner.com/1983issues/HMJ83.pdf|journal=American Handgunner|volume issue=May/June |pages=56–58, 88, 91}}</ref>

A Congressional investigation revealed that the USAF had 25 different handguns in inventory.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} Congressman [[Joseph P. Addabbo|Addabbo]] from New York said, "The current proliferation of handguns and handgun ammunition in Air Force inventory is intolerable." Congress encouraged DOD to select a standard handgun and phase out all others.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}}

This task was assigned to the newly created Joint Service Small Arms Program (JSSAP).

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The program to purchase the new standardized handgun was designated the XM9 program. There were 85 criteria for handgun characteristics that must be met to satisfy the procurement requirements.<ref name="The Service Pistol Controversy" />

===XM9 Requirementsrequirements===

There were 85 requirements for the new handgun. 72 of these were mandatory and 13 were optional.<ref>[http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-216558.html XM9/XM10 Trials]</ref>

Basic Requirements:

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The Air Force invited several makers to compete in this testing program.<ref name="The Service Pistol Controversy"/>

'''JOINT SERVICE SMALL ARMS SYNCHRONIZATION TEAM (JSSAST)'''

==The Tests==

A whole series of tests arranged by the Air Force included accuracy, environmental testing, and an endurance trail (sic) in which Mean Rounds Between Stoppages (MRBS) was tallied. Tests included exposure to high levels of dust, mud, extreme heat and cold, as well as human factors testing.

'''Key Responsibilities:'''

Human factors testing included the ability of shooters to fire accurately. There were three levels of shooters who fired these guns for accuracy.<ref name="The Service Pistol Controversy"/>

* Reviews and approves annual updates to Joint Service Small Arms capability gaps.

===First Test USAF Eglin AFB Florida===

* Evaluates and endorses the annual JSSAP Science & Technology project portfolio.

The XM9 program name had not yet been assigned when these tests took place. The first round of these handgun tests occurred in 1979-1980 at Eglin AFB in Northern Florida.<ref>''Army R, D & A. Volume 22, Number 1;'' "JSSAP management committee[...] coordinated their service inputs. This study was comprised of two principal parts, the first being the on-going Air Force Evaluation of handguns which was being conducted at Elgin Air Force Base, FL, in which various model 9mm pistols were evaluated against the M1911A1's and M15 .38 cal revolvers. The second part of the study considered a review of compliation of all existing historical reports and studies relative to pistols, hand-guns and their performance."</ref>

* Identifies opportunities for potential joint programs across services.

* Develops and maintains a unified Joint Service Small Arms Master Plan (JSSAMP), aligning and integrating the individual strategies of each service within the DoD.<ref>https://ndia.dtic.mil/wp-content/uploads/2021/future/T-SA_JSSASP.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=July 2025}}</ref>

==The Teststests==

A whole series of tests arranged by the Air Force included accuracy, environmental testing, and an endurance trail (sic)trial in which Mean Rounds Between Stoppages (MRBS) was tallied. Tests included exposure to high levels of dust, mud, extreme heat and cold, as well as human factors testing.

Human factors testing included the ability of shooters to fire accurately. There were three levels of shooters who fired these guns for accuracy.<ref name="The Service Pistol Controversy"/>

===First Testtests - USAF Eglin AFB Florida===

Of the nine{{CN|date=June 2024}} pistol types tested, two were submitted by [[Heckler & Koch]]: the [[Heckler & Koch P9|P9S]] and the [[Heckler & Koch VP70]]. The former carried the smallest magazine of all the pistols tested, while the VP70 boasted the highest capacity magazine.

The XM9 program name had not yet been assigned when these tests took place. The first round of these handgun tests occurred in 1979-1980 at [[Eglin AFBAir Force Base]] in NorthernNorthwestern [[Florida]].<ref>''Army R, D & A. Volume 22, Number 1;'' "JSSAP management committee[...] coordinated their service inputs. This study was {{sic|comprised |hide=y|of}} two principal parts, the first being the on-going Air Force Evaluation of handguns which was being conducted at Elgin Air Force Base, FL, in which various model 9mm pistols were evaluated against the M1911A1's and M15 .38 cal revolvers. The second part of the study considered a review of compliationcompilation of all existing historical reports and studies relative to pistols, hand-guns and their performance."</ref>

===The eight pistols that were entered for the 1979-1980 entriestrials were:<ref name=ArmyRDA_V22>Army R, D & A. Volume 22, Number 1</ref> ===

The other guns tested included the [[Beretta 92S-1]], the Colt SSP, the [[FN Herstal|Fabrique National at Herstal]] (FN) [[Hi-power]], FN Fast Action and FN double-action (FN DA) models, the [[Star Model 28]] and the [[Smith & Wesson 459]]A.<ref name=ArmyRDA_V22/>

*{{flagicon|ITA}}: [[Beretta]] entered their [[Beretta 92#92SB (92S-1)|Beretta 92S-1]] (later renamed 92SB), which would be considered the best entry of the 1979-1980 trials. In the 1984 trials, Beretta would submit 92S-1's successor, the 92SB-F (later renamed to 92F), which would be chosen and adopted as the [[M9 pistol]] in January 1985.

*{{flagicon|BEL}}: [[FN Herstal]] of Belgium submitted three separatetwo designsentries, the [[FNBrowning HPHi-DAPower|Browning BDA]], the FN GPBrowning versionM1935 ofHigh the [[Browning Hi-Power]] and the '''FN FABrowning (Fast Action)''', a special double-action version of the Hi-M1935 High Power.

*{{flagicon|USA}}: [[Colt's Manufacturing Company]] of the United States submitted the '''Colt SSP''' (stainless steel pistol), a [[9×19mm Parabellum]] variant of the Colt Model 1971, which was an earlier attempt to develop a new service pistol to replace the M1911, with some minor mechanical alterations made for the trials. Colt submitted 30 new SSPs out of a production run of around 50, but their pistol was not selected. One example is on display at the [[Aberdeen Proving Ground]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Firearms |first1=Historical |url=http://www.historicalfirearms.info/post/137778371814/colt-model-1971-in-1971-colt-unveiled-a-new-modern|title=- Colt Model 1971 In 1971 Colt unveiled a new modern... |work=Historical Firearms }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg/usa/colt-ssp-e.html|title=Modern Firearms - Colt SSP|date=22 October 2010}}</ref>

Of the nine*{{CNflagicon|date=June 2024GER}} pistol types tested, two were submitted by: [[Heckler & Koch]]: submitted two pistols, the [[Heckler & Koch P9|P9S]] and the [[Heckler & Koch VP70]]. The former carried the smallest magazine of all the pistols tested, while the VP70 boasted the highest capacity magazine.

*{{flagicon|USA}}: [[Smith & Wesson]] of the United States submitted their [[Smith & Wesson 459]]A.

*{{flagicon|SPA}}: [[Star Bonifacio Echeverria|Star BonifcacioBonifacio Echevveria S.A.]] of Spain submitted their [[Star M28Model 28]].

The existing standard [[M1911A1]] and the [[Smith & Wesson M15]] .38 Special handguns were also tested to compare to those which were submitted for comparison.<ref name="The Service Pistol Controversy"/>

==== Results of the Firstfirst Teststests ====

Six of the submitted firearms passed the test.{{citation needed|date=September 2024}} The [[Beretta 92|Beretta 92S-1]] performed the best overall and was announced as the clear winner, having exceeded the stated goals in several cases.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Gangarosa|first1=Gene|title=Heckler and Koch : Armorers of the Free World|year=2001|publisher=Stoeger Publications; 1st edition|isbn=0739431773|edition=First|ref=HK-Armorers of the Free World}}</ref><ref> Legislation and National Security Subcommittee (1986); Page 4. Interest in the 9-mm handgun started in 1978 with informal Air Force testing of 9-mm pistols.[...] DOD concluded 2 years later that handgun standardization using 9-mm ammunition was feasible. At first, DOD planned to rely on the results of Air Force testing, which concluded that Beretta [92S-1] was by far the superior weapon tested. The Army, however, opposed awarding a sole-source contract to Beretta on grounds that the Air Force testing was not scientific. Since 1980, the Army has conducted two additional extensive rounds of testing the 9-mm pistol.</ref>

Six of the submitted firearms passed the test. The Beretta was announced as the clear winner, having exceeded the stated goals in several cases.

[[Heckler & Koch P9|P9S]] easily won the accuracy phase of testing but fell into disfavor when its operating controls failed to adapt themselves to left-handed use. The magazine capacity (nine rounds) was one short of the desired (later required) capacity.

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Star's Model 28, ordinarily a strong, reliable handgun with an excellent service record, also stumbled over the low-powered cartridges, recording the same dismal MRBS number as the VP70.

The [[Beretta 92|Beretta 92S-1]] performed the best overall.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Gangarosa|first1=Gene|title=Heckler and Koch : Armorers of the Free World|year=2001|publisher=Stoeger Publications; 1st edition|isbn=0739431773|edition=First|ref=HK-Armorers of the Free World}}</ref><ref> Legislation and National Security Subcommittee (1986); Page 4. Interest in the 9-mm handgun started in 1978 with informal Air Force testing of 9-mm pistols.[...] DOD concluded 2 years later that handgun standardization using 9-mm ammunition was feasible. At first, DOD planned to rely on the results of Air Force testing, which concluded that Beretta [92S-1] was by far the superior weapon tested. The Army, however, opposed awarding a sole-source contract to Beretta on grounds that the Air Force testing was not scientific. Since 1980, the Army has conducted two additional extensive rounds of testing the 9-mm pistol.</ref>

Accuracy testing showed that the Air Force had been correct in their selection of the S&W M15 over the M1911A1. The shooters of the M15 performed better in accuracy than those with the M1911A1 .45 pistol. The new submission of 9mm handguns was the most accurate group. Very importantly, the 9mm accuracy was even greater over that of the M15 and M1911A1 with the least experienced shooters than it was with experienced shooters.

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The JSSAP program managers agree to have the test run again only in the next tests they would be conducted by the Army.

New requirements were created and the new handgun to be procured would now be called the XM9 (prototype, will be type accepted as the M9).<ref name="The Service Pistol Controversy"/><ref>Markham, George. Guns Of The Elite: Special Forces Firearms, 1940 To The Present. London: Arms and Armour, 1987. Print. P.58,62 {{ISBN|0-85368-866-4}}</ref>

===Second tests from 1981===

{{cleanupExpand section|reason=missing information, lacking citations|date=June 2024}}

==== Results of the Secondsecond Teststests====

{{Unreferenced section|date=June 2024}}

In February 1982 issued this statement; "The Army, in its role as Defense Department executive agent for 9mm handgun procurement, has cancelled the procurement. It was not possible to make an award because the submitted weapon samples substantially failed to meet the essential requirements contained in the procurement solicitation. The Department of Defense intends to reexamine its requirements for a new handgun."{{citation needed|reason=The speaker is not specified and the quote needs a source; it may be suspect. See the use of 'it's' instead of 'its'|date=July 2016}}

This cause a firestorm of protest. Supporters{{who|date=December 2016}} in the military and Congress denounced the Army tests as rigged and a fiasco. The last line in particular was interpreted as allowing the purchase of the M1911A1 models in 9mm or .45 ACP. Colt exacerbated this thought when they subsequently offer an unsolicited proposal to convert existing M1911A1 handguns to 9mm.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}}

The Army's response was that all the contenders had failed in areas of reliable operations in low temperature, sand and mud. No data to support this was provided. This denial was justified{{by whom|date=December 2016}} that since a new competition might be held that data might be competition sensitive. (Note:{{according to whom|date=December 2016}} Why? Having this data would simply allow the competitors to see where they needed to improve)

An unsupported rumor{{according to whom|date=December 2016}} was that the adverse dirty conditions test required 1000 rounds without failure although 800 would be acceptable. A claim was made{{by whom|date=December 2016}} that none of the firearms achieved even 600 rounds.

As a result of this there were threats of lawsuits by the makers{{examplesexample needed|date=December 2016}} who felt defamed and worse a Congressional investigation.<ref name="The Service Pistol Controversy"/>

<ref name="The Service Pistol Controversy"/>

=== Third Teststests from 1983-1984 ===

By November 1983, a new program was started, now under the '''XM9''' name.<ref name=ThompsonXM9>Thompson (2011), Chapter: "Army Takes Charge"</ref> These later trials did not have all of the same pistols competing, as some had dropped out, and some were added to the competition.

This time the Army required 30 handguns and spares for each submitted handgun design. The magazine capacity requirement was changed from 10 to 13. The price was now a fixed price requirement for a procurement of 220,000 pieces. These changed requirements caused the elimination of some handguns which has participated in the first trial.<ref name=ThompsonXM9/>

TheEight handguns submittedpistols were [[Berettaentered 92|Beretta 92SB-F]],into the [[SIGXM9 Sauercompetition P226]],were:<ref thename="National [[HecklerSecurity &Subcommittee Koch1986 P7|HecklerPage &15">Legislation Kochand P7M13]],National theSecurity [[SmithSubcommittee &(1986); WessonPage 459]]M, the [[Steyr GB]], the [[FN HP-DA|FN Double Action Hi-Power]], the [[Colt SSP]] and the [[Walther P88]]15.</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last= |first= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wUbTS4OeUMUC&dq=heckler+%26+koch+p7+xm9&pg=PA47 |title=Annual Historical Review |dateyear=1983 |publisher=Historical Office, U.S. Army Armament Materiel Readiness Command |language=en}}</ref><ref name="waltherforums.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.waltherforums.com/forum/p88/6308-p88-failure-pass-drop-test.html|title=P88 failure to pass drop test - WaltherForums|date=22 January 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.berettaweb.com/92%20Successo/Beretta%2092%20a%20global%20success.htm|title=Beretta Web - 92FS 15 years of evolution and success}}</ref> The third trials commenced in January 1984<ref name=ThompsonXM9/> with the first tests carried out in following February.<ref>Legislation and National Security Subcommittee (1986); Page 9</ref>

*{{flagicon|ITA}}: [[Beretta]] of Italy entered their [[Beretta M9|Beretta 92F92SB-F]] (later renamed to 92F), which was an improvement of their previous entry, the Beretta 92S-1. This emerged as the winner of these trials as well, and would be eventually adopted as the [[Beretta M9]].

*{{flagicon|SWI}}: [[SIG Sauer]] (under the name SigArms) introduced their new pistol specifically designed for the trials, the [[SIG Sauer P226|P226]]. The P226 was the runner-up to the M9, as both were the only two to satisfactorily pass the trials. However, the P226 would ultimately not be chosen. In a later competition for a compact service pistol, SIG Sauer's P228 became the [[SIG Sauer P226#P228 .28M11.29|M11 pistol]].

*{{flagicon|AUT}}: [[Steyr]] of Austria submitted the [[Steyr GB]].

*{{flagicon|BEL}}: [[FN Herstal]] of Belgium gave up on the other two designs and submitted again their [[FN HP-DA|BDA]], a modified double-action version of the [[Browning Hi-Power]].

*{{flagicon|USA}}: [[Colt's Manufacturing Company]] of the United States submitted the '''Colt SSP''' (stainless steel pistol).

*{{flagicon|GER}}: [[Walther Arms|Walther]] of Germany submitted the [[Walther P88]].

*{{flagicon|GER}}: [[Heckler & Koch]], also of Germany, gave up on their previous two efforts and entered the [[Heckler & Koch P7|P7]].

*{{flagicon|USA}}: [[Smith & Wesson]] of the United States submitted their [[Smith & Wesson 459]]M.

The third trials commenced in January 1984<ref name=ThompsonXM9/> with the first tests carried out in following February.<ref>Legislation and National Security Subcommittee (1986); Page 9</ref>

====Results of the third tests====

During the dry mud test, the S&W, H&K, and Beretta passed with nearly perfect scores but the SigSIG only received 79 percent. The Walther failed both the wet and dry mud tests.<ref name="American Rifleman">{{cite web|url=https://www.americanrifleman.org/Webcontent/pdf/2009-11/2009111213533-beretta92.pdf|title=25 Years of Service The Beretta M9|last1=McClellan|first1=Angus}}</ref>{{Additional citation needed|date=September 2024}}

Out of the eight submitted entries, only the [[Beretta 92|Beretta 92SB-F]] and the [[SIG Sauer P226]] were found "technically acceptable finalists". [[Steyr]]'s [[Steyr GB|GB pistol]] was terminatedthe first design to be rejected by Army on May 4th4, due to reliability issues. Subsequently, both [[Fabrique Nationale Herstal]] and [[Colt Manufacturing Company]] would voluntarily withdraw their entries, with the former on May 31th31 and the latter on July 18th18. On September 18, 1984, the submissions by [[Carl Walther GmbH|Carl Walther Waffenfabrik]], [[Heckler & Koch]] and [[Smith & Wesson]] were all terminated. The P88 was terminated for for failing drop test, dispersion, corrosion resistance, and adverse conditions requirements. The P7M13 was terminated for failing reliability and corrosion resistance requirements and the 459M for failing service life and firing pin energy requirements.<ref>Legislation and name="National Security Subcommittee (1986); Page 15.<"/ref>

In both trials where the [[Beretta 92|Beretta 92SB-F]] and [[SigSIG Sauer P226]] competed the SigSIG was either equal or superior to the Beretta in most tests.<ref name="Future Weapons">{{cite book|last1=Dockery|first1=Kevin|title=Future Weapons|date=December 4, 2007-12-04|publisher=Berkley; Reprint edition|isbn=978-0425217504}}</ref> The purchase price for the Beretta M9 handgun was [[United States dollar|US$]]178.50 per unit.<ref name="Future Weapons"/>

The P226 lost out in the final bidding and the Beretta emerging the winning design once again. On January 14, 1985, the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] and the [[United States Army|Army]] announced that the five-year contract would be awarded to Beretta, with the Beretta 92SB-F subsequently adopted as the [[M9 pistol]].<ref name=ThompsonXM9/><ref>Legislation and National Security Subcommittee (1986); Page 112.</ref>

==Aftermath==

Controversy over these trials leadled to the XM10 trials in spring of 1988. These trials were boycotted by most of the arms manufacturers that submitted their designs in prior trials, with the only entrants being the Beretta 92F, slightly improved Smith & Wesson 459 and [[Ruger]] submitting their new [[Ruger P85|P85]]. Both Ruger and Smith & Wesson designs failed the trial perimeters, resulting in Beretta winning again.<ref>{{cite book |last= Neville |first=Leigh |date= October 2019-10-30, 2019 |title= Infantry Small Arms of the 21st Century: Guns of the World's Armies|url= https://wwwbooks.google.ficom/books/edition/Infantry_Small_Arms_of_the_21st_Century/ybcSEAAAQBAJ?hlid=fi&gbpv=0ybcSEAAAQBAJ|publisher= Pen & Sword Books |chapter=Chapter One: Combat Pistols|isbn=9781473896154}}</ref>

In the 2000s, a new joint service handgun was started, the [[Joint Combat Pistol]], which was the result of a merger of two earlier programs: the U.S. Army's Future Handgun System<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/fhs.htm |title=Future Handgun System (FHS)|first=John|last=Pike}}</ref> and [[United States Special Operations Command]]'s SOF Combat Pistol. However, the Army ultimately pulled out of the competition.

== JSSAP Entrants ==

=== 1979-1980 entries<ref name=ArmyRDA_V22>Army R, D & A. Volume 22, Number 1</ref> ===

*{{flagicon|ITA}}: [[Beretta]] of Italy entered their [[Beretta 92|Beretta 92S-1]], which would later be made into the 92F design. This emerged as the winner of the trials and would be eventually adopted as the [[Beretta M9]].

*{{flagicon|BEL}}: [[FN Herstal]] of Belgium submitted three separate designs, the [[FN HP-DA|Browning BDA]], the FN GP version of the [[Browning Hi-Power]] and the FN FA (Fast Action), a special double-action version of the Hi-Power.

*{{flagicon|USA}}: [[Colt's Manufacturing Company]] of the United States submitted the '''Colt SSP''' (stainless steel pistol), a [[9×19mm Parabellum]] variant of the Colt Model 1971, which was an earlier attempt to develop a new service pistol to replace the M1911, with some minor mechanical alterations made for the trials. Colt submitted 30 new SSPs out of a production run of around 50, but their pistol was not selected. One example is on display at the [[Aberdeen Proving Ground]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.historicalfirearms.info/post/137778371814/colt-model-1971-in-1971-colt-unveiled-a-new-modern|title=- Colt Model 1971 In 1971 Colt unveiled a new modern...}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg/usa/colt-ssp-e.html|title=Modern Firearms - Colt SSP|date=22 October 2010}}</ref>

*{{flagicon|GER}}: [[Heckler & Koch]], also of Germany, submitted two pistols, the [[Heckler & Koch P9S]] and the [[Heckler & Koch VP70]].

*{{flagicon|USA}}: [[Smith & Wesson]] of the United States submitted their [[Smith & Wesson 459]].

*{{flagicon|SPA}}: [[Star Bonifacio Echeverria|Star Bonifcacio Echevveria S.A.]] of Spain submitted their Star M28.

As a result of the [[Modular Handgun System]] trials, the [[SIG Sauer P320|Sig Sauer P320]] was selected as the new service pistol for the United States Armed Forces, supplanting the M9 pistol.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Myers|first1=Meghann|title=Army: Your new handgun will be a Sig Sauer|url=https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2017/01/19/army-your-new-handgun-will-be-a-sig-sauer/|website=Army Times|access-date=31 January 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180131160039/https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2017/01/19/army-your-new-handgun-will-be-a-sig-sauer/|archive-date=31 January 2018|date=19 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The military designations are [[SIG Sauer M17|M17/M18]] for the full size and compact models respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bearingarms.com/bob-o/2015/07/01/top-three-contenders-u-s-militarys-xm17-modular-handgun-system-contract/|title=The Top Three Contenders For The U.S. Military's XM17 Modular Handgun System Contract - Bearing Arms - APX, Beretta, Detonics Defense, Modular Handgun System, P320 MHS, Sig Sauer, STI|date=1 July 2015}}</ref>

===1984/XM9 entries===

The later XM9 trials, done because other manufacturers contested the results, did not have all of the same pistols competing, and added a few others while retaining the ones that satisfactorily completed the previous trials. Eight pistols were competing.

*{{flagicon|ITA}}: [[Beretta]] of Italy entered their [[Beretta M9|Beretta 92F]], which was an improvement of their previous entry, the Beretta 92S-1. This emerged as the winner of these trials as well, and would be eventually adopted as the [[Beretta M9]].

*{{flagicon|SWI}}: [[SIG Sauer]] (under the name SigArms) introduced their new pistol specifically designed for the trials, the [[SIG Sauer P226|P226]]. The P226 was the runner-up to the M9, as both were the only two to satisfactorily pass the trials. However, the P226 would ultimately not be chosen. In a later competition for a compact service pistol, SIG Sauer's P228 became the [[SIG Sauer P226#P228 .28M11.29|M11 pistol]].

*{{flagicon|AUT}}: [[Steyr]] of Austria submitted the [[Steyr GB]].

*{{flagicon|BEL}}: [[FN Herstal]] of Belgium gave up on the other two designs and submitted again their [[FN HP-DA|BDA]], a modified double-action version of the [[Browning Hi-Power]].

*{{flagicon|USA}}: [[Colt's Manufacturing Company]] of the United States submitted the '''Colt SSP''' (stainless steel pistol).

*{{flagicon|GER}}: [[Walther Arms|Walther]] of Germany submitted the [[Walther P88]].

*{{flagicon|GER}}: [[Heckler & Koch]], also of Germany, gave up on their previous two efforts and entered the [[Heckler & Koch P7|P7]].

*{{flagicon|USA}}: [[Smith & Wesson]] of the United States submitted their [[Smith & Wesson 459]]M.

== Joint Combat Pistol ==

In the 2000s, a new joint service handgun was started, the [[Joint Combat Pistol]] which was the result of a merger of two earlier programs: the U.S. Army's Future Handgun System<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/fhs.htm|title=Future Handgun System (FHS)|first=John|last=Pike}}</ref> and [[United States Special Operations Command]]'s SOF Combat Pistol. However, the Army ultimately pulled out of the competition.

As a result of the [[Modular Handgun System]] trials, the [[SIG Sauer P320|Sig Sauer P320]] was selected as the new service pistol for the United States Armed Forces. The military designations are [[SIG Sauer M17|M17/M18]] for the full size and compact models respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bearingarms.com/bob-o/2015/07/01/top-three-contenders-u-s-militarys-xm17-modular-handgun-system-contract/|title=The Top Three Contenders For The U.S. Military's XM17 Modular Handgun System Contract - Bearing Arms - APX, Beretta, Detonics Defense, Modular Handgun System, P320 MHS, Sig Sauer, STI|date=1 July 2015}}</ref>

==See also==

Line 140 ⟶ 144:

*[[XM17 Modular Handgun System competition]]

== References ==

=== Sources ===

* {{cite book |last= Thompson|first= Leroy |date= September 20, 2011|title=The Beretta M9 Pistol |url= https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Beretta_M9_Pistol/YVbDCwAAQBAJ|___location= |publisher= Bloomsbury Publishing|isbn=9781849088374}}

{{refbegin}}

*{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date= January-February 1981|title= Toward a New Hand Gun!!!|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fJFZtYNBzKUC |url-status= |magazine= Army R, D & A. Volume 22, Number 1 |___location= |publisher=Development and Engineering Directorate, HQ, U.S. Army Materiel Development and Readiness Command|page=1-4}}

* {{cite book |last= Thompson|first= Leroy |date= September 2011-09-20, 2011|title=The Beretta M9 Pistol |url= https://wwwbooks.google.com/books/edition/The_Beretta_M9_Pistol/?id=YVbDCwAAQBAJ|___location= |publisher= Bloomsbury Publishing|isbn=9781849088374}}

*{{cite report |author= United States. Congress. House. Committee on Armed Services. Subcommittee on Investigations|date= 1981|title= Proposed Procurement of 9--MM Handgun by the Department of Defense|publisher= U.S. Government Printing Office|url=https://www.google.fi/books/edition/Proposed_Procurement_of_9_MM_Handgun_by/Xz3qfuC7Y_IC?hl=fi&gbpv=0}}

*{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date= January-February 1981|title= Toward a New Hand Gun!!!|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fJFZtYNBzKUC |url-status= |magazine= Army R, D & A. Volume 22, Number 1 |___location= |publisher=Development and Engineering Directorate, HQ, U.S. Army Materiel Development and Readiness Command|pagepages=1-41–4}}

* {{cite report |author= United States. Congress. House. Committee on Government Operations. Legislation and National Security Subcommittee|date= 1986|title= The Beretta Pistol: Should it be the Defense Department's Standard Handgun? : Hearing Before a Subcommittee of the Committee on Government Operations, House of Representatives, Ninety-ninth Congress, Second Session, June 5, 1986|publisher= U.S. Government Printing Office|___location=University of California|url=https://www.google.fi/books/edition/The_Beretta_Pistol/hCdww_n0NtsC?hl=fi&gbpv=0 |access-date=June 4, 2024}}

*{{cite report |author= United States. Congress. House. Committee on Armed Services. Subcommittee on Investigations|date= 1981|title= Proposed Procurement of 9--MM Handgun by the Department of Defense|publisher= U.S. Government Printing Office|url=https://wwwbooks.google.ficom/books/edition/Proposed_Procurement_of_9_MM_Handgun_by/Xz3qfuC7Y_IC?hlid=fi&gbpv=0Xz3qfuC7Y_IC}}

* {{cite report |author= United States. Congress. House. Committee on Government Operations. Legislation and National Security Subcommittee|date= 1986|title= The Beretta Pistol: Should it be the Defense Department's Standard Handgun? : Hearing Before a Subcommittee of the Committee on Government Operations, House of Representatives, Ninety-ninth Congress, Second Session, June 5, 1986|publisher= U.S. Government Printing Office|___location=University of California|url=https://wwwbooks.google.ficom/books/edition/The_Beretta_Pistol/hCdww_n0NtsC?hlid=fi&gbpv=0hCdww_n0NtsC |access-date=June 4, 2024}}

{{refend}}

=== Citations ===

{{Reflist}}