Joint Service Small Arms Program: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 12:42, 4 June 2024

Revision as of 13:28, 4 June 2024

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==== Results of the First Tests ====

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. At first, DOD planned to rely on the results of Air Force testing, which concluded that Beretta 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.

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

In durability testing the M1911A1 was experiencing 1 failure for every 748 rounds fired. The Smith & Wesson 459A was performing at 1,952 and the Beretta at 2,000. This caused controversy since the new M1911A1 pistol had achieved 6000 rounds previously. The Air Force was testing guns from existing inventory. Some observers of the test record believe that defective magazines were the reason for the M1911A1's poor performance.