Debate on the best combat pistol has always been an issue whereby military enthusiasts and professionals have always been interested in. A range experiment was recently carried out to bring into perspective the performance of various pistols under the same conditions, such as the M1911 and the Beretta M9. These results of the experiment were, as an accuracy the shooter was best with Ruger MK III .22 pistol, next, but far behind was Sig P226, and then Beretta 92. The next two made the rows of Metro Arms American Classic II 1911 clone in .45, Colt Gold Cup Series 70 MK IV National Match in .45, and the last in the row was the Smith Model 10 revolver in .38.
Although the shooter had a much bigger experience with the 1911 and Beretta, in the end, the Sig P226 still prevailed just because of better accuracy. It would underlie probably how important would be gun compatibility and performance for everybody in the choice of a sidearm.
In a related development, the Army continues its tradition of arming general officers with their sidearms. Brig. Gen. Glenn Dean—Program Executive Officer Ground Combat Systems—has officially received his very own M17/18 SIG Sauer Modular Handgun System in a ceremony at the Detroit Arsenal, Mich. Dean relayed that receiving the pistol was a big personal milestone and insignia for the commitment of Army and historic link through all generations of service.
The tradition of providing a sidearm to a general officer dates back to the American Revolution, although officers were originally expected to provide their own. The Army did not begin issuing standard pistols to its generals until it began issuing the Colt 1908 during World War II in 1943. It followed this policy into the 1970s with the M15 and the 1980s with the Beretta M9. The newest to the list is the SIG Sauer Modular Handgun System, claimed by the Army after many tests to be the most reliable pistol ever.
The changes in Army sidearms reflect both advances in technology and changes in military needs. Each pistol, from the Colt 1908 to the SIG Sauer M17/18, has served in creating history and tradition for the U.S. Army. As Brig. Gen. Dean said, “This is very much about history and tradition. It’s easy to forget that behind history and tradition is the people who serve behind the scenes.”
Within the everyday carry market, Sticky Holsters offers a convenient, reliable solution for handgun concealment. Founded in 2010 by a former SWAT officer, Sticky Holsters provides an out-of-the-box, self-securing mounting system via compression in the waistband or friction in the pocket. With over 20 different sizes available, these holsters can be used with different handguns, including those with light and laser systems. The soft synthetic rubber exterior provides a secure fit without adhesives and is hence very functional for military and civilian use.
The constant improvement in the technologies of sidearms and holstering, besides being a living testimony, bears evidence of perfection on both levels of personal defense and military preparedness. Whether on the battlefield or the beat in civil life, equipment makes all the difference.