The military sidearm landscape has significantly changed over the years with various models coming to the fore due to their reliability, accuracy, and versatility. Maybe the most easily recognizable would be the Beretta 92FS, which was the official sidearm of the U.S. military for more than 25 years. This full-size all-metal frame pistol is known for its ease of use and is truly a modern classic in the semiautomatic handgun field.
Other key models that come next in this very influential series are the G22 and G23 from Glock. With a working frame similar to the G17 original, but in .40 S&W, the more potent cartridge, the G22 has become an archetype among law enforcement agencies worldwide because of its medium size, high capacity, and stopping power. The G23 has a similar overall frame size to that of the very popular G19, packing a little more punch with its .40 S&W cartridge, which very much appeals to those wanting a certain level of power but not so much as to have difficulty in managing it.
Another weapon to leave its mark is the Sig Sauer P220, designed by the German company Sauer & Sohn. The P220 was first adopted by the Swiss Army under the A75 designation in 1975. It was then introduced into the U.S. where it built up a reputation second to none for accuracy and reliability. Some of its modern features included the design of a passive firing-pin block safety, a tilting-block lock-up, and a de-cocking lever. Over the years, several caliber modifications were made to the P220, including the .45 ACP, which has proved effective for military and civilian uses.
Attention has also focused on Springfield Armory’s XD series, particularly the XD-40 and XD-45 models. These pistols do take the best features of the Glock and better them with powerful .40 caliber and .45 ACP versions that appeal to both law enforcement and civilian shooters. Precisely, the XD-45 stands out for its ability to make use of the big, powerful .45 ACP slug but still maintain some of the ergonomic benefits of a polymer-framed tactical pistol.
Another very significant trend is the resurrection of the 10mm Auto cartridge. Brought to life originally in the 1980s by Whit Collins and Jeff Cooper, the 10mm was forecasted to be the new standard for police service pistols. Although it did not catch on with great pervasiveness within law enforcement, it found a niche with civilian shooters and outdoor sportsmen. This year, manufacturers like SIG-Sauer and Glock come out with new 10mm models, the P220 in 10mm, and the Glock G40, packing a little more ballistic wallop and extra round count for excellent use in outdoors and hunting applications.
In a nutshell, military sidearms have experienced a continuous evolution in pursuit of reliability, power, and adaptability. From the Beretta 92FS to the 10mm models available today, these handguns have proven their value in so many ways that they will undoubtedly continue to be staples for both the military and civilians alike.