Although the Marine Corps has not selected which pistol will replace the M9 Beretta, it could follow the Army's lead when selecting a new sidearm.
The Corps plans to replace its pistols in the early 2020s, Billy Epperson of Marine Corps Combat Development Command told Marine Corps Times.
The Army recently selected Sig Sauer's P320 version of the Modular Handgun System to replace the M9. If the Marines opt to follow suit, the Army's contract with Sig Sauer "has sufficient overhead to cover the number of pistols needed for the Marine Corps," Epperson said.
"As the Marine Corps continues to plan for modernization of the force, the potential to accelerate the life cycle replacement decision for our pistols with the Modular Handgun System will be considered and coordinated with the Army," he said.
A spokesman for Sig Sauer could not be reached for comment on Thursday. The company has previously declined to comment about its contract with the Army, which is worth up to $580 million.
The Marine Corps is currently looking for a pistol that is more reliable and lethal than the M9, Epperson said.
"In most cases, these capabilities will be met with a full-size pistol, he said. "Marines executing specialized missions, however, may require a concealable pistol, which would be met with the compact version."
Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command has adopted the 9mm Glock 19 as the only approved sidearm for Raiders, but there are no plans to evaluate the Glock 19 to replace the M9, Epperson said.
Technology has advanced drastically since the M9 was first issued to troops more than 30 years ago. The Sig Sauer 320 selected by the Army has improved sights and ergonomics that increase the shooter's ability to put rounds where they need to go, Epperson said.
These are all aspects the Corps will keep in mind.
"The pistol should be capable of accepting attachments such lasers, lights and suppressors to address diverse mission requirements," he said.
