The US Special Operations Command has begun issuing Glock 19s to all branches of military services under their oversight, leading many to question whether or not the US Army will adopt the popular pistol.
While elements of Army Special Operations units have been utilizing Glock pistols for some time now, they have traditionally used the full-sized models with longer barrels and higher magazine capacity- which means more ammunition and accuracy at the expense of size, weight and concealability.
The Glock 19 is generally revered in the US market as the quintessential gold standard of concealed carry pistols, known for being a delicate balance between concealability and capability. With the modular design that is inherent on most Glock pistols, the Glock 19 can accept the majority of parts -including the larger magazines- utilized in its larger brother, the full-sized Glock 17. In addition, the Glock is known for being easy to use, maintain and customize.
While the US Army seems hell-bent on continuing to spend extravagant amounts of money the Modular Handgun System (MHS) program (put in place to replace the much-reviled Beretta M9), critics of the MHS -such as Army Chief of Staff General Mark Milley- feel that money could be better used -and saved- by procuring Glock 19s alongside SOCOM orders.
According to The Arms Guide, Milley has quietly asked the Army Special Operations Command’s G-8 office (responsible for procuring new equipment) about the possibility of the Army getting on board with the current procurement order of Glock 19s, a purchasing-share method common with federal law enforcement agencies.
Given the US Army’s well-documented obsession with manual safeties (that many experts feel actually hinders safe handling and training with firearms), it is anyone’s guess whether or not the Glock 19 will become the standard duty pistol for “Big Army” without receiving modifications, though a procurement would result in both a cost-effective and proven pistol as well as savings to the American Taxpayer.
With USASOC reportedly shelling out $320 for each G19 (a steep discount compared to the $500+ price tag for the handgun on the civilian market), an Army procurement of the weapons system could possibly drive down the prices, as well as boosting economies in places like Smyrna, Georgia, where Glock pistols are manufactured. In addition, law enforcement agencies across the United States -including the FBI- are transitioning back to 9mm, which could lead to ease of procurement across the board for Federal entities.
The Glock 19 first hit the firearms scene in 1988, and is so-named due to being the 19th patent procured by the company. Since its creation, it has seen service with militaries and police forces all over the world.
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