The US military's transition to 9mm ammunition, initially in the 1980s and continuing with the Sig P320, was driven by several key factors. These include standardization with NATO allies, logistical advantages like reduced weight and cost, increased magazine capacity, and practical effectiveness demonstrated by faster follow-up shots. The military's use of ball ammunition, due to war crime regulations, is a significant consideration.
The US military adopted 9mm ammunition primarily for standardization with NATO allies, logistical effectiveness (lighter and cheaper to produce), and increased magazine capacity compared to the .45 ACP 1911. Despite .45 ACP's stopping power, 9mm allows for faster follow-up shots and more rounds on target for the average soldier. This rationale continues with the adoption of the Sig Sauer M17/M18, emphasizing modularity while retaining the 9mm caliber.
The US military's transition to 9mm ammunition was driven by several key factors, primarily standardization with NATO allies who predominantly used 9mm handguns like the Browning High Power. Logistical effectiveness, including lower production costs and lighter ammunition to carry, also played a significant role. Furthermore, the 9mm caliber offers higher magazine capacity compared to older service calibers like the .45 ACP, and studies indicated that soldiers, particularly those with less extensive firearms training, could achieve faster follow-up shots and place more rounds on target with 9mm handguns, contributing to practical effectiveness.
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