Since 1985, the Beretta M9 has been the primary sidearm of the U.S. Army, but it looks like those days might quickly be coming to a close. With the constantly developing handgun market, the Army appears to be looking for something a little more modern. In fact, after the Army extended their deadline for a new service pistol, Beretta proposed an upgraded version of the M9, complete with an accessory rail, adjustable grips, a threaded barrel and earth-tone color variations, but the proposal was declined by the Army.
The original solicitation posted on the FedBizOpps website indicates that the army is looking for something with an accessory rail that’s compatible laser and tactical lights and has the ability to hit a four-inch target at 50 meters at least 90 percent of the time. Despite the Army rejecting their upgraded M9, however, Beretta is not done trying to fulfill the requirements for the new service pistol. In fact, they’re rolling out an entirely new handgun; a striker fired polymer pistol.
Striker fired polymer pistols have become more popular over the last several years. The popularity of Glock pistols in both the civilian and law enforcement markets has prompted some manufacturers who are more well known for their hammer fired firearms to release striker fired guns. For example, H&K just release the new striker-fired VP9, the company’s first striker-fired pistol in several decades.
With the Marine Corps. recently announcing their approval of the Glock model 19 for special operations, one might wonder if a striker fired pistol might be what the Army is looking for. Beretta’s new gun, called the APX, would certainly fill that niche. Not many details are available just yet but it would likely be very similar in design to many of the other striker fired polymer guns on the market, such as Glocks, Smith & Wesson M&Ps, Springfied XDs and many others.
The new Beretta M9 will be available in both 9mm and .40 S&W. The Beretta M9, currently used by the U.S. Army is a 9mm but many have speculated that they may decide to switch to a more powerful caliber like the .40 S&W, or even return to the .45 ACP which was the caliber of the M1911 they previously used.
