Debunking Myths: The Real Story Behind the Army’s Choice to Reject the Glock 19X
In the world of firearms, rumors and myths often spread like wildfire. One such myth that has gained traction in recent years is the idea that the United States Army rejected the Glock 19X pistol for their Modular Handgun System (MHS) program. However, the truth behind this decision is not as straightforward as it may seem. In this article, we will delve into the real story behind the Army’s choice to reject the Glock 19X and explore the factors that played a role in this decision.
The History of the MHS Program
Before we can understand why the Army chose to reject the Glock 19X, we need to first examine the history of the Modular Handgun System program. The MHS program was initiated by the Army in an effort to replace the aging Beretta M9 pistol, which had been in service since the 1980s. The goal of the program was to select a new handgun that would offer improved ergonomics, modularity, and performance over the M9.
The Glock 19X Controversy
The Glock 19X was one of the handguns that was submitted for consideration in the MHS program. Glock touted the 19X as a versatile and reliable pistol that combined the compact size of the Glock 19 with the full-size frame of the Glock 17. Many in the firearms community believed that the 19X was a strong contender for the MHS contract, given Glock’s reputation for producing high-quality handguns.
Factors Leading to the Army’s Decision
Despite the Glock 19X’s reputation, the Army ultimately chose the Sig Sauer P320 as the winner of the MHS contract. So, what factors led to the Army’s decision to reject the Glock 19X in favor of the P320? One key factor was modularity. The P320’s design allowed for easy interchangeability of grip modules, giving soldiers the ability to customize the handgun to fit their individual preferences.
Another factor that may have influenced the Army’s decision was performance. The P320 had undergone rigorous testing and met the Army’s stringent requirements for accuracy, reliability, and durability. While the Glock 19X was a solid contender, the P320 ultimately outperformed it in these key areas.
Debunking the Myths
Despite the Army’s decision to select the Sig Sauer P320, myths surrounding the rejection of the Glock 19X continue to persist. Some have speculated that the Army rejected the Glock 19X due to concerns about its safety features or reliability. However, these claims are unfounded. The Army’s decision was based on a thorough evaluation of the handguns submitted for the MHS program, and the P320 simply met their criteria better than the Glock 19X.
FAQs
Q: Was the Glock 19X a bad handgun?
A: Not at all. The Glock 19X is a reliable and well-made handgun. However, the Army ultimately chose the Sig Sauer P320 for the MHS program.
Q: Will the Glock 19X still be used by other military branches?
A: While the Army rejected the Glock 19X for the MHS program, other branches of the military may still choose to adopt it for their own use.
Q: Is the Glock 19X popular among civilian shooters?
A: Yes, the Glock 19X has gained popularity among civilian shooters for its compact size and full-size performance.
Q: Are there any plans for Glock to improve upon the 19X design?
A: Glock is constantly innovating and improving their handgun designs, so it is possible that they may release an updated version of the 19X in the future.
Q: Can civilians purchase the Sig Sauer P320?
A: Yes, the Sig Sauer P320 is available for purchase by civilians and has garnered a strong following in the firearms community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Army’s decision to reject the Glock 19X for the Modular Handgun System program was not a reflection of the handgun’s quality or performance. Rather, the selection of the Sig Sauer P320 was based on a combination of factors, including modularity and performance. While the Glock 19X may not have been chosen for the MHS contract, it remains a popular choice among civilian shooters and continues to be a reliable option for those in the market for a new handgun.