Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!samsung!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!pacific.mps.ohio-state.edu!linac!att!cbnewsc!cbnews!cbnews!military From: huntzing@PICA.ARMY.MIL (CCL-S) Newsgroups: sci.military Subject: Re: sidearms for flyboys Message-ID: <1990Nov2.202327.28701@cbnews.att.com> Date: 2 Nov 90 20:23:27 GMT Sender: military@cbnews.att.com (William B. Thacker) Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories Lines: 22 Approved: military@att.att.com From: "Hugh A. Huntzinger" (CCL-S) In some ways, I feel that "its about time" that the Air Force got caught up with some of the other branches in its small arms. Prior to 9mm, their standard sidearm was .38 revolver and std. rifle the M16 (NOT M16A1 or M16A2). However, the storageability of a loaded sidearm is frequently in question with an automatic (springs in the clips), making the choice of a revolver a more robust system for their application. On that ground, their choice for a revolver has significant merit. As for now changing to 9mm, are they now forgetting this system requirement? I don't know. Perhaps they could comprimise by getting a revolver chambered to use 9mm parabellum via half or full moon clips. The other services are pretty good with staying standardized; interestingly, the Navy has selected to stay with the 7.62mm, M14 due to the longer over-water engagement distances that they may have to deal with. -hummer "every fool who's ever fired a gun considers himself to be a small arms expert"