US Army Wants Sophisticated Handgun To Replace M9 pistol

The US Army has invited proposals from gun makers to replace the current service weapon, Beretta M9 pistol for an estimated $580 million, the army times reported Tuesday.

Further, for the first time, the US Army’s official sidearm may be capable of firing expanding or fragmenting bullets.

The solicitation issued August 28 calls for key features of the Army's new Modular Handgun System, dubbed the XM17, to include enhanced accuracy, ergonomics, terminal effects and reliability.

The modular element is key, as the program's name indicates. The Army wants a gun that can be adjusted with different-sized grips, and that can accommodate a range of accessories such as laser sights and flashlights.

The competition will be open caliber, opening the door for larger rounds than 9 mm ammunition, such as .40- and .45-caliber. Each manufacturer can submit two gun/ammunition combinations if they are differing calibers.