The Joint Service Small Arms Program , abbreviated JSSAP , was created to coordinate weapon standardization between the various United States armed service branches.
54-735: In 1962, the Air Force adopted the Smith & Wesson Model 15 revolver over the M1911A1 . By 1977 their inventory was wearing out, and the USAF requested special ammunition for the M15 to improve its effectiveness due to malfunctions it suffered. A Congressional investigation revealed that the USAF had 25 different handguns in inventory. Congressman Addabbo from New York said, "The current proliferation of handguns and handgun ammunition in Air Force inventory
108-539: A groove on the underside of the slide. The main purpose is to stop the slide from flying off the frame to the rear if it cracks, potentially injuring the user. The "S" in "92FS" signifies either "Scivolo" (meaning "slide") or "Sicurezza" (meaning "patent" or "safe") in Italian, due to the design's improved and safer slide in case of a catastrophic failure. This was in response to reported defective slides during U.S. military testing. Beretta discovered in an investigation that
162-417: A larger capacity magazine. The Beretta 92 is available in many configurations and models: The Beretta 93R is a significantly redesigned 92 to provide the option of firing in three-round bursts. It also has a longer ported barrel, heavier slide, fitting for a shoulder stock, a folding forward grip, and an extended magazine. Unlike other Berettas in the 90 series it is single-action only, does not have
216-529: A mere 771 rounds with 137 stoppages for an MRBS of only 5. In fairness to the VP70, the ammunition used for these tests was extremely suspect. None of it approached the "hot" power ratings of the European 9mm ammunition for which Heckler & Koch—and indeed all European manufacturers—had designed their guns. Star's Model 28, ordinarily a strong, reliable handgun with an excellent service record, also stumbled over
270-512: A modified version of the 92F with a decocking-only lever as the PAMAS G1 . These pistols have tellurium in the slide , making the French made steel brittle, and as such only have a service life of approximately 6,000 rounds. The French military fitted new Italian made steel slides to its PAMAS G1 pistols before they reached that round count. The 92FS has an enlarged hammer pin that fits into
324-438: A new competition might be held that data might be competition sensitive. (Note: Why? Having this data would simply allow the competitors to see where they needed to improve) An unsupported rumor was that the adverse dirty conditions test required 1000 rounds without failure although 800 would be acceptable. A claim was made that none of the firearms achieved even 600 rounds. As a result of this there were threats of lawsuits by
378-534: A number of new and/or special features, including a six-inch barrel with a narrow rib to provide a level sight plane, a Patridge front sight, a micrometer click rear sight, S&W's .375” short-throw hammer, a trigger adjustment for overtravel, and improved grips. Noting the accuracy of the Target Masterpiece, a number of police departments and the Federal Bureau of Investigation soon requested
432-568: A result of this lawsuit, all design changes and modifications to existing pistols were done at the government’s expense. The 92FS also came as a 92FS Centurion model which featured the shorter barrel and slide of the 92 Compact on a full-size 92FS frame. The Beretta 92's open slide design ensures smooth feeding and ejection of ammunition and allows easy clearing of obstructions. The hard-chromed barrel bore reduces barrel wear and protects it from corrosion. The falling locking block design provides good accuracy and operability with suppressors due to
486-415: A shortened barrel and slide and 13-round magazine capacity known as the 92SB Compact was manufactured from 1981 to 1991. In 1984 Beretta introduced a version of the model 92SB slightly modified to create the 92SB-F (the "F" meaning "Federale", or "Federal" in Italian, added to denote entry of the model in U.S. Government federal testing) by making the following changes: The French military adopted
540-493: A transfer bar, transferring the strike to the firing pin, while the block in a hammer block system moves down with the trigger pull, unblocking the hammer from the firing pin, allowing the hammer to strike the firing pin. These two safety systems work oppositely, but achieve the same goal of only allowing the gun to fire when the trigger is pulled all the way. Production of the Model 15 was discontinued in 1999 when Smith & Wesson
594-497: Is a derivative of the classic 1899 K-frame (medium frame) Military and Police .38 S&W Special (aka .38 Special) six-shot double-action revolver. The M&P underwent steady evolution throughout the 20th century and S&W spun off several variations as separate models in the post- World War II years. One of these was the K-38 Target Masterpiece, which began production in 1947. The Target Masterpiece included
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#1732776062198648-483: Is a series of semi-automatic pistols designed and manufactured by Beretta of Italy. The Beretta 92 was designed in 1975, and production began in 1976. Many variants in several calibers continue to be used to the present. The United States military replaced the .45 ACP M1911A1 pistol in 1985 with the Beretta 92FS, designated as the " M9 ". The Beretta 92 pistol evolved from earlier Beretta designs, most notably
702-602: Is intolerable." Congress encouraged DOD to select a standard handgun and phase out all others. This task was assigned to the newly created Joint Service Small Arms Program (JSSAP). The United States Military forces had been using a variety of different small arms which grew over the years to about ten different types of handguns. Models in use included the M1911A1 (Colt .45 Automatic), Smith & Wesson (Combat Masterpiece in .38 Special caliber), Smith and Wesson Model 1917 (.45 ACP and .45 Auto Rim) and various other small arms. By
756-536: The 92S , which was adopted by several Italian law enforcement and military units. The magazine release button is at the bottom of the grip as is customary in Europe. This model was produced from 1978 to 1982. The name "92S" means "Sicurezza", or "patent", in Italian. The "S" signifies a new change to the design's patent. The 92SB , initially called 92S-1 , was specifically designed for the USAF trials. The 92SB model name
810-688: The Beretta 92SB-F and SIG Sauer P226 competed the SIG was either equal or superior to the Beretta in most tests. The purchase price for the Beretta M9 handgun was $ 178.50 per unit. The P226 lost out in the final bidding and the Beretta emerging the winning design once again. On January 14, 1985, the Department of Defense and the Army announced that the five-year contract would be awarded to Beretta, with
864-574: The M1923 and M1951 . From the M1923 comes the open slide design, while the alloy frame and the hinged locking block , originally from Walther P38 , were first used in the M1951. The grip angle and the front sight integrated with the slide were also common to earlier Beretta pistols. What were perhaps the Model 92's two most important advanced design features had first appeared on its immediate predecessor,
918-644: The SIG Sauer P320 was selected as the new service pistol for the United States Armed Forces, supplanting the M9 pistol. The military designations are M17/M18 for the full size and compact models respectively. Smith %26 Wesson Model 15 The Smith & Wesson Model 15 , initially the Smith & Wesson K-38 Combat Masterpiece , is a six-shot double-action revolver with adjustable open sights produced by Smith & Wesson on
972-766: The United States Department of Defense for specific training purposes until summer 2022, when they were retired in favor of the SIG Sauer M17 . In addition to military use, the Model 15 was issued by many police departments across the United States as well as various federal law enforcement agencies. The LAPD's Model 15 revolvers (and department issued Model 36 5-shot, 2-inch barrelled snub nose Smith & Wesson revolvers for detectives, plainclothes, undercover and other officers' off duty carry) were modified to be fired double-action only. This
1026-604: The 1970s it became obvious that the M1911A1 (Colt Government .45ACP) model was going to have to be replaced. The program to purchase the new standardized handgun was designated the XM9 program. There were 85 criteria for handgun characteristics that must be met to satisfy the procurement requirements. There were 85 requirements for the new handgun. 72 of these were mandatory and 13 were optional. Basic Requirements: Safety System: The Air Force invited several makers to compete in this testing program. A whole series of tests arranged by
1080-513: The 1974 .380 caliber Model 84 . These improvements both involved the magazine, which featured direct feed; that is, there was no feed ramp between the magazine and the chamber (a Beretta innovation in pistols). In addition, the magazine was a "double-stacked" design, a feature originally introduced in 1935 on the Browning Hi-Power . Carlo Beretta, Giuseppe Mazzetti and Vittorio Valle, all experienced firearms designers, contributed to
1134-557: The 1979-1980 trials were: The existing standard M1911A1 and the Smith & Wesson M15 .38 Special handguns were also tested to compare to those which were submitted for comparison. Six of the submitted firearms passed the test. The Beretta 92S-1 performed the best overall and was announced as the clear winner, having exceeded the stated goals in several cases. P9S easily won the accuracy phase of testing but fell into disfavor when its operating controls failed to adapt themselves to left-handed use. The magazine capacity (nine rounds)
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#17327760621981188-487: The A1 models. Both magazines function in earlier 92 series and M9 model pistols. Italian magazine manufacturer Mec-Gar now produces magazines in blue and nickel finishes with an 18-round capacity, which fit flush in the magazine well on the 92 series. Mec-Gar also produces an extended 20-round blued magazine that protrudes below the frame by 3 ⁄ 4 inch (19 mm). These magazines provide users in unrestricted states with
1242-772: The Air Force included accuracy, environmental testing, and an endurance trail (sic) in which Mean Rounds Between Stoppages (MRBS) was tallied. Tests included exposure to high levels of dust, mud, extreme heat and cold, as well as human factors testing. Human factors testing included the ability of shooters to fire accurately. There were three levels of shooters who fired these guns for accuracy. The XM9 program name had not yet been assigned when these tests took place. The first round of these handgun tests occurred in 1979-1980 at Eglin Air Force Base in Northwestern Florida . The eight pistols that were entered for
1296-515: The Beretta 92SB-F subsequently adopted as the M9 pistol . Controversy over these trials led to the XM10 trials in spring of 1988. These trials were boycotted by most of the arms manufacturers that submitted their designs in prior trials, with the only entrants being the Beretta 92F, slightly improved Smith & Wesson 459 and Ruger submitting their new P85 . Both Ruger and Smith & Wesson designs failed
1350-687: The K-38 Combat Masterpiece Revolver Model 15 evolved the following engineering and production changes were made: As the "K-38 Combat Masterpiece", this revolver was first purchased in 1956 for the Strategic Air Command Elite Guard of the United States Air Force . From 1960 to 1969 the Air Force bought large numbers of Model 15–1, 15–2, and 15-3 revolvers with a 4" barrel. The only distinctive markings are "U.S.A.F" on
1404-431: The M15 and M1911A1 with the least experienced shooters than it was with experienced shooters. In durability testing the M1911A1 was experiencing 1 failure for every 748 rounds fired. The Smith & Wesson 459A was performing at 1,952 and the Beretta at 2,000. This caused controversy since the new M1911A1 pistol had achieved 6000 rounds previously. The Air Force was testing guns from existing inventory. Some observers of
1458-524: The Model 15, originally the M41 .38 Special Ball (full metal jacket) cartridge, or the later-developed Caliber .38 Special, Ball, PGU-12/B High Velocity cartridge. The M41 was a low pressure cartridge rated at 13,000 psi (90 MPa), originally designed for 158 grain (10.2g) ball ammunition, but loaded with a 130 grain (8.4g) FMJ bullet. The PGU-12/B, issued only by the U.S. Air Force, had a greatly increased maximum allowable pressure rating of 20,000 psi (138 MPa), which
1512-514: The SIG only received 79 percent. The Walther failed both the wet and dry mud tests. Out of the eight submitted entries, only the Beretta 92SB-F and the SIG Sauer P226 were found "technically acceptable finalists". Steyr 's GB pistol was the first design to be rejected by Army on May 4, due to reliability issues. Subsequently, both Fabrique Nationale Herstal and Colt Manufacturing Company would voluntarily withdraw their entries, with
1566-496: The Target Masterpiece were renamed the Model 10 and Model 14 respectively.) The model number is stamped on the frame behind the cylinder yoke, so it is visible (only) when the cylinder is open. A number of production and engineering changes have been made throughout the years, some of which are noted by a dash number suffixed to the Model number (15-1, -2, -3). Over the years, the Model 15 has been produced with several barrel lengths, with 4-inch (standard) and 2-inch (1964–1988) being
1620-555: The course of searching for suspects. In lawsuits, the principle of res ipsa loquitur was easily affirmed because "an inadvertent weapon discharge is a negligent discharge". Overland Park Police Department used the revolver before going to semi-automatic Beretta 92 pistols. The Florida Department of Corrections used the Model 15 until it was replaced by the Smith & Wesson M&P. and all 9mm cartridges Beretta 92 The Beretta 92 (also Beretta 96 and Beretta 98 )
1674-407: The factory-standard 15 rounds. These magazines have heavier crimping (deeper indentations in the side) to reduce the available space while still keeping the same external dimensions and ensuring that these magazines can be used on existing firearms. Beretta also produces 15-round "Sand Resistant" magazines to resolve issues encountered with contractor-made magazines, and 17-round magazines included with
Joint Service Small Arms Program - Misplaced Pages Continue
1728-540: The final design in 1975. Production began in May 1976, and ended in February 1983. Approximately 7,000 units were of the first "step slide" design and 45,000 were of the second "straight slide" type. In order to meet the requirements of some law enforcement agencies, Beretta modified the Beretta 92 by adding a slide-mounted combined safety and decocking lever, replacing the frame-mounted manual thumb safety. This resulted in
1782-486: The former on May 31 and the latter on July 18. On September 18, 1984, the submissions by Carl Walther Waffenfabrik , Heckler & Koch and Smith & Wesson were all terminated. The P88 was terminated for failing drop test, dispersion, corrosion resistance, and adverse conditions requirements. The P7M13 was terminated for failing reliability and corrosion resistance requirements and the 459M for failing service life and firing pin energy requirements. In both trials where
1836-505: The in-line travel of the barrel. This is in contrast to the complex travel of Browning designed barrels. The magazine release button is reversible with simple field tools. Reversing the magazine release makes left-handed operation much easier. Increasingly, it has become popular to reduce handgun weight and cost as well as increase corrosion resistance by using polymers. Starting around the year 2000, Beretta began replacing some parts with polymer and polymer coated metal. Polymer parts include
1890-582: The left side of the frame. Originally all were blued, though some were reparkerized while in Air Force service. The Model 15 was the standard issue sidearm of the United States Air Force Security Forces from 1962 to 1992. It was issued to security personnel in other branches of the U.S. armed forces, including the Naval Security Forces. The Air Force issued two types of .38 Special duty ammunition for
1944-471: The low-powered cartridges, recording the same dismal MRBS number as the VP70. Accuracy testing showed that the Air Force had been correct in their selection of the S&;W M15 over the M1911A1. The shooters of the M15 performed better in accuracy than those with the M1911A1 .45 pistol. The new submission of 9mm handguns was the most accurate group. Very importantly, the 9mm accuracy was even greater over that of
1998-532: The makers who felt defamed and worse a Congressional investigation. By November 1983, a new program was started, now under the XM9 name. These later trials did not have all of the same pistols competing, as some had dropped out, and some were added to the competition. This time the Army required 30 handguns and spares for each submitted handgun design. The magazine capacity requirement was changed from 10 to 13. The price
2052-420: The medium-size "K" frame. It is chambered for the .38 Special cartridge and is fitted with a 4-inch (100 mm) barrel, though additional barrel options have been offered at various times during its production. It is essentially a shorter barrel version of the Smith & Wesson Model 14 and an adjustable-sight version of the seminal Smith & Wesson Model 10 with target shooting features. The Model 15
2106-411: The most common. In 1972, S&W produced a stainless steel version of the Model 15 which it termed the Model 67. In 1997 the hammer and internal lockworks were modified from an on-the-hammer firing pin / internal hammer block to a floating firing pin / metal injection molding flat hammer, and kept the hammer block that, unlike a transfer bar safety design, moves up with the trigger pull. The hammer hits
2160-428: The procurement. It was not possible to make an award because the submitted weapon samples substantially failed to meet the essential requirements contained in the procurement solicitation. The Department of Defense intends to reexamine its requirements for a new handgun." This cause a firestorm of protest. Supporters in the military and Congress denounced the Army tests as rigged and a fiasco. The last line in particular
2214-409: The recoil spring guide rod (which is now also fluted), magazine floor plate, magazine follower and the mainspring cap/lanyard loop. Polymer coated metal parts include the left side safety lever, trigger, and magazine release button. To keep in line with the introduction of laws in some locations restricting magazines that hold more than 10 rounds, Beretta now manufactures magazines that hold fewer than
Joint Service Small Arms Program - Misplaced Pages Continue
2268-562: The results of the Air Force Testing. The JSSAP program managers agree to have the test run again only in the next tests they would be conducted by the Army. New requirements were created and the new handgun to be procured would now be called the XM9 (prototype, will be type accepted as the M9). In February 1982 issued this statement; "The Army, in its role as Defense Department executive agent for 9mm handgun procurement, has cancelled
2322-505: The same revolver with a four-inch barrel and a Baughman Quick Draw front sight. The result was the K-38 Combat Masterpiece. The major distinction between the K-38 Target Masterpiece and the K-38 Combat Masterpiece is the barrel length and the front sight. In 1957, the K-38 Combat Masterpiece was renamed the Model 15 when all Smith & Wesson revolvers were given numerical model numbers. (The Military & Police and
2376-427: The slides had passed high-pressure proof testing and magnetic particle inspection when they were made, and metallurgical analysis showed that they had indeed been made to the proper specification. In reality, the guns were cracking and being blown apart due to improperly made ammunition, which was far more powerful than NATO specifications. Beretta filed a defamation lawsuit against the United States government and won. As
2430-448: The test record believe that defective magazines were the reason for the M1911A1's poor performance. The US Army used the fact that the Air Force did not replace the magazines which caused poor M1911A1 performance was cited as a reason to invalidate all test results. The Army did not like the Air Force's sand, mud, and extreme temperature testing. The Army conducts their tests of this type with rigorous accuracy recording. The Army rejected
2484-563: The trial perimeters, resulting in Beretta winning again. In the 2000s, a new joint service handgun was started, the Joint Combat Pistol , which was the result of a merger of two earlier programs: the U.S. Army's Future Handgun System and United States Special Operations Command 's SOF Combat Pistol. However, the Army ultimately pulled out of the competition. As a result of the Modular Handgun System trials,
2538-492: Was accomplished by the department armorer who ground the full cock notch from the hammers. Officers were then trained to shoot combat style without ever cocking the weapons. This change was likely the result of unintended injuries and/or property damage, and of litigation against the LAPD after officers had cocked their weapons only to have them discharge inadvertently, possibly as a result of physical attacks or having been startled in
2592-413: Was interpreted as allowing the purchase of the M1911A1 models in 9mm or .45 ACP. Colt exacerbated this thought when they subsequently offer an unsolicited proposal to convert existing M1911A1 handguns to 9mm. The Army's response was that all the contenders had failed in areas of reliable operations in low temperature, sand and mud. No data to support this was provided. This denial was justified that since
2646-656: Was introduced in 1949 as the K-38 Combat Masterpiece. It was renamed the Model 15 in 1957, when all Smith & Wesson revolvers were given numerical model numbers. The Model 15's main production run lasted 50 years until 1999, when it was discontinued for approximately a decade, with only brief limited runs in the Heritage Series line. In 2011, a retooled Model 15 was re-released under the Classics Revolvers line, remaining in production until 2013. The Smith & Wesson K-38 Combat Masterpiece Revolver Model 15
2700-496: Was now a fixed price requirement for a procurement of 220,000 pieces. These changed requirements caused the elimination of some handguns which has participated in the first trial. Eight pistols were entered into the XM9 competition were: The third trials commenced in January 1984 with the first tests carried out in following February. During the dry mud test, the S&W, H&K, and Beretta passed with nearly perfect scores but
2754-566: Was officially adopted after winning. "92SB" means "Sicurezza Blocco", meaning "safety block" in Italian. This refers to both the slide-mounted safety and the internal firing pin block . Other improvements include ambidextrous safety levers, 3-dot sights and relocating the magazine release catch from the bottom of the grip to the lower bottom of the trigger guard. The later relocation of the magazine release button means preceding models (92 & 92S) cannot necessarily use later magazines, unless they have notches in both areas. A compact version with
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#17327760621982808-488: Was one short of the desired (later required) capacity. The Heckler & Koch VP70 , with its then unusual trigger mechanism (a three round burst selection was available when the supplied stock was attached), allowed only double action firing and failed the hand-held accuracy portion of the tests. As for the endurance tests, the four P9S specimens fired a total of 18,697 rounds with 360 stoppages, producing an MRBS number of 52 (18,697/360). The VP70 performed far worse, firing
2862-406: Was purchased and reorganized, although a couple limited run "Heritage Series" models were released in 2001 and 2002. In 2011 Smith & Wesson reintroduced the Model 15 (15-10) under their Classics Revolvers line, newly machined, with a shrouded redesigned barrel, and a built-in trigger lock (located just above the cylinder release thumbpiece on the left side). This was discontinued in 2013. As
2916-496: Was sufficient to propel the 130 grain (8.4g) FMJ bullet at 1,125 ft/s (343 m/s) from a 6-inch (150 mm) test barrel, and 950–1,000 ft/s (290–300 m/s) from a 4-inch (100 mm) revolver barrel. The S&W Model 15 revolvers were replaced by the Beretta M9 pistol in 9×19mm caliber beginning in 1985, with complete turnover by the early 1990s. S&W Model 15 revolvers reportedly remained in service in
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