The Federal Bureau of Investigation made big news selecting the Glock 19M as their new duty weapon. The Marines have performed acquisition magic and jumped on the FBI contract to buy Glocks for 400 lucky Marines. This is a separate purchase from last years Glock 19s for MARSOC.
The GLOCK 19M features over 20 design modifications from its Gen4 predecessor, including the GLOCK Marksman Barrel, an nDLC finish, ambidextrous slide stop levers, a grip with no finger grooves, and a flared mag-well. These changes improve accuracy, durability, performance, control, and flexibility.
The 400 handguns will go to Agents in Marine Criminal Investigation Division and Helicopter Squadron One, tasked with transporting the president. Marines call their Glock the M007 after James Bond. The M007 helps Marines maintain a low profile while remaining armed
“The fielding of the M007 is an example of how we can streamline the acquisition process by reviewing another service or agency’s test data to see if it fits the Marine Corps’ need. We received the initial request for a new concealed carry weapon system in April 2016. By collaborating with the FBI, we were able to procure, establish sustainability plans and start fielding the weapon to Marines by May 2017.” Lt. Col. Paul Gillikin, Infantry Weapons Team Lead, Marine Systems Command
Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command has adopted the 9mm Glock 19 as sidearm for Raiders. Although the Marine Corps has not selected which pistol will replace the M9 Beretta, they plan to replace its pistols in the early 2020s. The Army recently selected Sig Sauer’s P320 version of the XM-17 Modular Handgun System. The Marines are expected join the Army’s contract with Sig Sauerto purchase the XM-17 Modular Handgun System with the Army.
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