Five things you should know about the Modular Handgun System competition:

1. The Army held the contest after pressure to replace aging weapons and concerns about the weight and reliability of the M9.
2. The competition started in 2011 and received criticism for taking almost a decade to pick a winner.
3. In addition to the pistol, entrants were required to submit a regular and a special-purpose round, which suggests the Army is considering using more powerful rounds. This would address complaints about the 9mm NATO being ineffective in combat.
4. The Army ordered the full-size and compact pistols chambered for 9mm NATO rounds and excluded the other part options Sig Sauer offers with the P320 model.
5. Beretta submitted the M9A3, an updated version of the M9, before the MHS competition to try to maintain its contract, but it was rejected. Beretta submitted a new APX striker-fire pistol in the competition instead.

Contract Details:

• 10-year contract (through 1/19/2027)
• Estimated cost is $580,217,000
• Manufactured in New Hampshire
• Included in the contract: pistols, cleaning kits, magazines and training equipment

Why Modularity Matters:

• It’s easier to replace broken parts
• Smaller grips are important as more women enter the military
• The firearm can adapt to special assignments

This information first appeared on TacticalGear.com