Replacing Beretta: the S&W XM10 Trials Pistol

Published on December 29, 2023
Duration: 11:48

This entry details the Smith & Wesson XM10, a prototype pistol developed for the US Army's XM10 trials as a follow-up to the XM9 trials that selected the Beretta M9. It highlights the XM10's specific features, functional differences from the standard Model 459, and its place in military procurement history, drawing on expert analysis from Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. The guide provides instructions for field stripping the firearm.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson XM10 was a prototype pistol entered into US Army trials as a successor to the initial XM9 trials that selected the Beretta M9. It featured functional differences like a removed magazine safety and was produced in very limited numbers, making it a rare piece of military firearm history.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to S&W XM10 Trials
  2. 01:35Background of the XM10 Trials
  3. 02:39XM10 Specific Features & Rarity
  4. 03:58Comparison with Model 459
  5. 05:24Functional Differences Explained
  6. 06:25Mechanical Operation of the XM10
  7. 07:11Field Stripping and Internals
  8. 10:28Trial Results and Program Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Smith & Wesson XM10?

The Smith & Wesson XM10 was a prototype pistol developed by Smith & Wesson as a competitor in the US Army's XM10 pistol trials, a follow-up to the trials that selected the Beretta M9.

What were the key differences between the S&W XM10 and the Model 459?

The XM10 featured a removed magazine safety, allowing it to fire without a magazine. It also had a parkerized finish on steel parts, an ambidextrous safety, and a wider rear sight notch compared to the standard Model 459.

How many S&W XM10 pistols were produced?

Only approximately 40 S&W XM10 pistols were manufactured for the US Army trials, making both the pistols and their extended magazines extremely rare collector's items.

Why did the XM10 program not result in a new pistol adoption?

The US Army concluded the XM10 trials by opting to purchase additional Beretta M9 pistols, which had been selected in the preceding XM9 trials, thus ending the XM10 program without a new adoption.

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