The Army’s Handgun Drama

Published on May 26, 2023
Duration: 53:12

This video provides a detailed comparison and practical evaluation of the US Army's handgun selection process, focusing on the M17, M9, and Glock 19X. It features insights from individuals with military experience, discussing the pros and cons of each platform, including handling characteristics, reliability, and training implications. The content includes practical shooting drills and competitive scenarios, offering valuable information for firearms enthusiasts and those interested in military small arms.

Quick Summary

The US Army's choice of the Sig Sauer M17 handgun is discussed, highlighting its modularity and simplified inventory management via a serialized fire control unit. While praised for these features, it's criticized for a high bore axis causing muzzle flip. Competitors like the Glock 19X are favored for parts interchangeability and familiarity, while the M9's legacy is acknowledged but seen as less relevant for future adoption.

Chapters

  1. 00:08Intro & Channel Welcome
  2. 00:52Sponsor: Palmetto State Armory
  3. 01:16Sponsor: Right to Bear
  4. 01:38Thoughts on the M17
  5. 02:08M9 vs. M17 Comparison
  6. 02:36M9 History & Sentiment
  7. 02:56Army's Handgun Choice Debate
  8. 03:17Why Glock 19X is Favored
  9. 04:09M17 Selection Rationale
  10. 05:12Soldier Preferences: Glock vs. M9
  11. 06:00M17 Field & Score Increases
  12. 06:37Surprise at M17 Selection
  13. 06:53Glock 19 Popularity Among Special Forces
  14. 07:13M17 Competition Performance
  15. 07:28M17 Bore Axis & Muzzle Flip
  16. 07:43M17 Magazine Capacity
  17. 08:02M17 vs. M9 Qualification
  18. 08:40Ranking the Handguns
  19. 09:13Sig Sauer Experience Gap
  20. 09:27Personal Handgun Preferences
  21. 10:31Beretta M9A4 Features
  22. 10:36Army Safety Obsession
  23. 10:48M17 Performance Summary
  24. 11:12Closing Thoughts & Call to Action
  25. 11:51Drill Setup: M9A4 vs. Glock 19X
  26. 12:31Drill 1: Timed Shooting
  27. 13:39Drill 1 Results & Analysis
  28. 15:13Drill 1: Second Run
  29. 17:16Drill 2: Timed Shooting
  30. 18:17Drill 2: Second Run
  31. 19:29Drill 3: Timed Shooting
  32. 20:13Drill 3 Results & Analysis
  33. 21:04Drill 4: Timed Shooting
  34. 22:05Beretta M9A4 Praise
  35. 22:46Drill 5: Timed Shooting
  36. 23:59Drill 6: Head Box Challenge
  37. 24:12Drill 6: First Attempt & Miss
  38. 24:23Drill 6: Second Attempt & Miss
  39. 25:11Drill 6: Subsequent Attempts
  40. 25:37Drill 6: Target Review
  41. 25:58Drill 7: One Reload One
  42. 31:13Drill 7: Reload Technique Discussion
  43. 32:48Drill 8: Moving & Shooting Course
  44. 33:51Drill 8: First Run & Analysis
  45. 35:23Drill 8: Second Run & Analysis
  46. 36:35Drill 8: Third Run & Analysis
  47. 37:52Drill 8: Fourth Run & Analysis
  48. 39:05Drill 8: Fifth Run & Analysis
  49. 40:35Drill 8: Sixth Run & Analysis
  50. 41:54Drill 9: Moving & Shooting - Head Box
  51. 42:37Drill 9: First Run & Analysis
  52. 43:57Drill 9: Second Run & Analysis
  53. 46:24Drill 10: Moving & Shooting - Body Box
  54. 48:04Drill 10: First Run & Analysis
  55. 49:16Drill 11: Body Box - Increased Distance
  56. 50:08Drill 11: First Run & Analysis
  57. 50:16Drill 12: Head Box at 20 Meters
  58. 51:30Drill 12: First Run & Analysis
  59. 52:51Drill 12: Second Run & Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the M17, Glock 19X, and M9 for military use?

The M17 offers modularity with a serialized fire control unit, but has a high bore axis. The Glock 19X is praised for parts interchangeability and familiarity. The M9, while historically significant, is seen as heavier, with newer variants like the M9A3 being improvements, but generally less favored for future adoption than the others.

Why was the Sig Sauer M17 chosen by the US Army over other handguns?

The M17's selection is attributed to its modular design, potentially lower cost per unit, and strategic alignment with future rifle adoption. Its simplified inventory management through a serialized fire control unit was a key factor for the Army's logistical needs.

What are the practical shooting differences between the M17 and Glock 19X?

The M17 is noted for a high bore axis causing more muzzle flip with 9mm. The Glock 19X is generally considered reliable and familiar, with a lower bore axis potentially offering better handling characteristics for many shooters. Both have different trigger systems and ergonomics.

How does the M17 qualification compare to the older M9 qualification?

The M17 qualification is significantly easier, utilizing pop-up targets at closer ranges (0-25 meters) with one round per target. This contrasts with the more complex, paper-based M9 qualification, leading to higher scores for soldiers with the M17.

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