St. Pete firm gunning for Army contract

ST. PETERSBURG — General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems and Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. are competing to replace the standard U.S. Army sidearm. The two firms announced a partnership to compete for the U.S. Army's Modular Handgun System solicitation to replace the Beretta M9 semiautomatic pistol.

The 9mm M9 has been the standard-issue pistol adopted by the U.S. Armed Forces since 1985.

“This partnership combines General Dynamics' proven legacy in manufacturing military armaments with Smith & Wesson's extensive experience in designing and manufacturing firearms for commercial applications,” Tim McAuliffe, vice president for General Dynamics, says in a press release.

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems in St. Petersburg and Smith & Wesson plan to offer a replacement based on the Smith & Wesson M&P (Military and Police) Polymer Pistol. The partners say the replacement gun will have the advantages of a reinforced polymer chassis, superior ergonomics, ambidextrous controls and proven safety feature. The M&P pistol has been in production since 2005.

As currently proposed, the Army would start the competition in January with the goal of delivering the first new handgun systems in 2017.