Picking back up my sort of series on my Morrow Project game, I needed to select a standard sidearm for the team. For the Project this is a more important selection than for the military due to conditions under which it would operate. As the saying goes, the best weapon is the one you happen to have with you. Often that may be a sidearm as there would be no 'safe' areas, and the teams would be too small to count on just the assigned sentries for protection.
The US Military currently uses the M9 pistol in 9mm for its standard sidearm. Sadly this was a poor choice, driven more by NATO treaty requirements and ignorance than need. We've used that pistol in past campaigns and it was without exception hated by the players. So I rejected all 9mm options out of the starting gate.
The US Coast Guard uses a rather nice pistol in .40 SW, the Sig Sauer P229 KAKTM. A true law enforcement weapon in an acceptable chambering. However it lacks any special spark for me, being a very workman style weapon.
The other intelligent military option is an old one- the M1911 .45 ACP that's approaching a hundred years of use. It's currently in service with Marine Force Recon units as well as law enforcement across the nation.
Slighly upgraded, but still in design basically unchanged I love this pistol having owned a number in various chamberings. It has a stouter recoil than the .40 SW, but one that with practice can be dealt with easily even by people inflicted with arthritis such as myself.
So old school will be the best school for the project.
Or as Colonel Robert J. Coates said: "The 1911 was the design given by God to us through John M. Browning that represents the epitome of what a killing tool needs to be. It was true in 1911 and is true now."
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4 comments:
Yes, the M1911 is always an excellent choice for a combat ready sidearm. There is plenty of ammo and accessories available and is far more effective than the 9mm (I must say I was not impressed with the M9 after 4 years of service).
My fave is the USP .45 Match. But that's mostly because I think it's the best looking, but beyond that the Match is still an awesome performing gun.
@Mad Brew: I find the dislike of the M9 to be almost universal (there are some exceptions of course) for those who used it in service.
That the Army has ordered replacement M9s for those wearing out is a shame.
@Helmsman: I considered the Mk23, which the USP was a follow on to. It's a good weapon, but weighs too much IMO and I have little love for the DA trigger.
Still. It's not a bad choice.
The M1911 is the sidearm of choice for any soldier in Iraq or Afhganistan. These are preferred as it has the stopping power. Even if you are wearing a vest, get hit by this baby, and it will put you down.
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