The pistol is the main weapon of the policeman and the auxiliary weapon of the soldier. The goal is to be able to deploy the weapon system in a matter of seconds, for example, in the event of a sudden threat or failure of the main weapon due to a malfunction. In some conditions, long-barreled weapons are too bulky: for example, in buildings, bunkers, trenches, on ships, or when it is necessary to repel a surprise enemy attack from a vehicle at close range. On the other hand, special forces use special models of pistols – for example, variants with a silencer.
The revival of the pistol in the army has been reflected in many ongoing weapons procurement projects that have been carried out in recent years or are still under implementation. It is noteworthy that some modern auxiliary weapons systems replace outdated generations of their predecessors. For example, in France, the MAC-50 was in service for seven decades before being replaced in 2020 by the Pistolet Semi-Automatique (PSA), also known as the Glock 17 Gen 5 FS.
In Australia, in 2022, the SIG P320 replaced the Browning High Power Mk3, which had been in service with local security forces since World War II. In 2019, the Danes began replacing the M/49, also known as the SIG 210-DK, which had served for 70 years, with the SIG P320 X-Carry. In Switzerland, on the 50th anniversary of the release of the Pistol 75, known as the SIG220, it was decided to replace this model with the P320 variant. Production will be carried out locally.
SIG P320 M17 pistol
Performance characteristics of SIG P320 M17/M18 pistols
- Caliber: 9x19 mm
- Magazine capacity (rounds): 21/17
- Dimensions (LxWxH, mm): 203×35,5×140 / 183×35,5×140
- Barrel length, mm: 120/98
- Weight with empty magazine: 834g / 737g
The relatively large-scale modular pistol system (MHS) project of the US Armed Forces is an example of how it can be implemented faster. In 2017, the decision was made in favor of the SIG P320 MHS, which is available in the full-size version of the M17 and in the compact version of the M18. It replaced the relatively new M9, also known as the Beretta 92FS, which was introduced in 1985.
The P14 pistol
Performance characteristics of the P-14 pistol
- Caliber: 9x19 mm
- Magazine capacity (rounds): 18
- Dimensions (LxWxH, mm): 198 x 34 x 143
- Barrel length, mm: 114
- Weight with empty magazine: 715g
The P8 and P8A1 pistols currently used by the German Armed Forces were adopted at the end of 1997, along with the G36, just over 28 years ago. Currently, the P14/P14k pistol System Spezialkräfte (Special Forces Pistol System), based on the Carl Walther PDP, replaces the P8A1C, P9 A1 (Glock 17 Gen 4), P12 (HK USP Tactical version chambered.45ACP) and P30. In December 2025, the Bundeswehr announced its intention to purchase the P10-C OR variant from the Colt CZ group as a new P13 pistol. The project is managed by the German state supplier POL-TEC.
Pistol CZ P-10 C
Performance characteristics of the CZ P-10 C pistol
- Caliber: 9x19 mm
- Magazine capacity (rounds): 15
- Dimensions (LxWxH, mm): 187x32x132
- Barrel length, mm: 102
- Weight with empty magazine: 760g
The increased importance of the pistol as a universal auxiliary weapon is clearly reflected in the increase in the number of modern projects for its purchase. The fact that as many soldiers as possible receive such a pistol is also explained by the lower cost of acquiring it. Of course, those responsible for meeting demand must take into account not only the price of the weapon, but also the additional costs of peripheral equipment, training, rules, storage, etc. It is also necessary to take into account the uninterrupted operation of the system throughout its entire service life, and therefore the capabilities of the manufacturer.
Current trends in the pistol world
Several conclusions can be drawn from the current pistol procurement projects. The system has also become widespread. It mainly includes modern holsters, as well as optics, laser modules and weapon flashlights, silencers and other peripheral equipment. Procurement authorities are increasingly ordering ready-to-install optics with appropriate interfaces.
Optical sights can be effectively used in combination with night vision devices. Just as collimator sights once improved rifle shooting results, they may soon do the same for pistols. On the other hand, experienced pistol shooters can gain a few fractions of a second of speed by using optics and practicing to win a shootout.
The modularity principle applies not only to interfaces for peripheral devices, but also to the concept of families. Most pistol manufacturers offer their models as a whole family, including full-size, compact, subcompact, and micro-sized models. Additionally, there are hybrid models known as "crossovers" that combine a compact shutter with a full-size frame and vice versa.
In terms of weapons technology, new materials and manufacturing processes can reduce weight and complexity, as well as increase modularity. Plastic frames with adjustable handles are now the standard. In addition, trigger systems displace trigger systems. The former now provide almost the same ignition reliability, as well as allow for flatter aiming lines and ensure good handling safety.
The 9mm x 19 Luger or Parabellum cartridge, originally developed by Austrian weapons designer Georg Luger at Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken (DWM), remains the standard in Western countries. Even more than 100 years after its development, this cartridge remains the most widely used ammunition for pistols and submachine guns (PUG) in the army.
The German Armed Forces use DM11 and DM51 cartridges with a bullet weight of 8.0 g, which provide a bullet velocity of v10 395 m/s. In addition, there is a DM91 cartridge with a solid core, a bullet weight of 10.0 g and a speed of 480 m/s. The US Armed Forces adopted the M1152 Ball (115 g of all-metal shell) and M1153 Special Purpose (147 g of hollow shell bullet) cartridges for the modular pistol system. The Russian Armed Forces have developed powerful 9x19 mm 7H21 and 7H31 armor-piercing cartridges. The Chinese Norinco group has released the CF-98.
The company has released an export version of its QSZ-92 service pistol, chambered for 5.8×21 mm with nine bullets, designed for the People's Liberation Army of China. Modernization in the pistol sector continues. At the end of 2025, Glock introduced the sixth generation of its proven pistol with a firing mechanism. As with assault rifles, the greatest growth potential lies primarily in peripherals. Militarily, for example, there is a question of integrating pistols into systems linking individual fighters on the digital battlefield with the high command.
Source: Enforce Tac Magazine
