SIG SAUER delivers new U.S. Army service pistol family

SIG Sauer Inc. has received a multi-million dollar contract from the US Army to deliver the new service pistol family "Modular Handgun System (MHS)". In the coming years, SIG SAUER's P320 family will replace the M9 as the standard issue sidearm. As announced by the US Department of Defense on January 19, 2017, the contract, valued at $580,217,000 (544,243,546 euros), includes the delivery of pistols, accessories, and ammunition. It is expected to be completed by January 2027. Like its predecessor, the MHS will use the 9mm x 19 caliber. The MHS program includes 280,000 full-size and 7,000 compact versions, along with approximately 212,000 firearms for other branches of the military. Unlike the standard version, the MHS variant will feature an additional external safety. All pistols will be manufactured at the SIG SAUER facility in New Hampshire, Exeter (USA).

The P320, developed in the USA according to German quality standards and introduced in 2014, is a hammer-fired polymer-framed pistol known for its exceptional ergonomics and modularity. The centerpiece is the trigger unit housed in a stainless steel frame, which legally replaces the grip. Using a modular system, the P320, available in 9mm x 19 and other common calibers, can be easily adapted on a user or maintenance level in terms of purpose, fit, size, and caliber. In addition to the full-size version, compact and subcompact variations are also available. All versions are ambidextrous. The P320 has achieved great success in both the US and European markets. Partial manufacturing at the German SIG SAUER facility in Eckernförde for the European market has begun and will be fully operational in 2017.

"In both Germany and the USA, we prioritize cutting-edge technology and high quality," said Franz von Stauffenberg, who oversees the government business at German SIG SAUER GmbH & Co KG in Eckernförde as managing director. "We are capable of manufacturing this high-quality pistol in Germany, tailored to German or European specifications, and can benefit from the development work done by our sister company in the USA."

SIG SAUER GmbH & Co. KG Online: www.sigsauer.de

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