U.S.Air Force is looking for a new handgun

[Gil Martin]

Folks,
I came across this and thought you might find it interesting. All the best...
Gil


http://fs2.fbo.gov/EPSData/USAF/Synopses/1202/FA8520-07-R-15490/RFI4-16-07Final.pdf

[Adam Helmer]

Gil,

I cannot open this file. In a paragraph or two, what handgun are they looking for?

Adam

[Dom]

Thanks Gil, yes it is interesting.

Adam, it's an Adobe file, basically looking for a handgun, baseline Cal 45 ACP Ball M1911 with possibility of being configured for multiple caliberes, production ~7500 a month. A few extras like supressors, service life, etc.

I think they're on the right track, the 45 has a proven record, Waidmannsheil, Dom.

[Adam Helmer]

Dom,

Danke vielmals, mein Freund. Ich denke du hast rechts uber dem .45 ACP!

The commercial Colt M1911 came in calibers 9mm, .38 Super and .45 ACP. I wonder why the USAF did not just procure Colts "off the shelf." WOW! I cannot believe 7500 guns per month are needed since I doubt there are that many people carrying handguns in the USAF, or at least they were not when I was in service.

I like the S&W M645 and M4506 in caliber .45 ACP as well as the Colt mentioned above.

Bis bald,

Adam

[Jack]

One of the specifications was for the pistol to be able to be configured for the hand size of 95% of the populace.
Which would give an edge to some of the newer designs with modular grip/frame pieces.
I'd guess that would rule out a standard 1911 frame.

[Dom]

Mensch Adam, du kann gut Deutsch!! Es ist viel schwerer Deutsch zu schreiben als zu sprechen, mein respekt.

Jack, I also noticed that about the percentile & grips and agree the 1911 frame won't fit the bill, but they got some smaller frames out nowadays, so many it's hard to keep track of them all.

I guess the numbers are high because of all the pilots that carry them? I dunno, I did 20 in the Army, so don't have much background info on how the AF operates, WH Dom.

[Dan Morris]

Ya know, I do not have exceptionally large hands and I never had any problems with a 1911....even in competition! Ah well, I didn't get asked when they went to the 9. I agree with the new caliber though.
Dan