Current-Generation Soldier Weapons

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The Army's M9 9 mm Pistol is the 9 mm model 92F/FS Beretta. The semiautomatic single-action/double-action weapon operates on a short-recoil, delayed-locking block system. It is the primary sidearm of the U.S. military, replacing the .45-caliber model M1911A1. The M9 has a 15-round staggered magazine with a reversible magazine release button that can be positioned for either right- or left-handed shooters. The system weighs 41 ounces when fully loaded.

Along with the large-scale fielding of the M9, the Army has a second pistol, the Mil 9 mm Pistol, in selected inventories. Manufactured by SIGARMS (SIG Sauer P228), the Mil is slightly smaller than the M9 (the Mil is 7.1-inches long …