{"id":11320,"date":"2022-10-26T18:03:22","date_gmt":"2022-10-26T18:03:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wideners.com\/blog\/?p=11320"},"modified":"2022-10-26T18:03:22","modified_gmt":"2022-10-26T18:03:22","slug":"modular-handgun-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wideners.com\/blog\/modular-handgun-system\/","title":{"rendered":"Modular Handgun System"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Modular Handgun System (MHS) is likely familiar to anyone who pays attention to firearm trends. This guide will shine some light on the meaning of modular handgun systems while also discussing how this idea has evolved and what it means for the future.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The idea for a \u201cModular Handgun System\u201d came from the Army and the Airforce when they began looking for a sidearm to replace the Beretta M9. In many circles, the Modular Handgun System refers specifically to the military\u2019s M17 and M18; however, it has also taken on a broader meaning.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Modular Handgun Systems<\/span> have evolved to incorporate a new type of sidearm that you can easily alter for the task at hand. Below, we\u2019ll dive into some history, look at a few MHS examples, and talk about why modularity has made such a bang in the firearm community.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The History of the Modular Handgun System\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
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The Beretta M9 served as the U.S. Military’s standard service pistol from 1985-2017.<\/p><\/div>\n

The military began looking for a sidearm to replace the M9. The term \u201cModular Handgun System\u201d developed in part because of the program that received sidearm submissions from firearms manufacturers worldwide. The military had many requirements for the pistols, including high capacity, detection avoidance, and, you guessed it \u2013 modularity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ultimately, SIG won the contract with the SIG p320 as the basis for the 9x19mm<\/a> chambered M17 and the more compact M18. The M17, aka the MHS M17, embodies the military\u2019s goal of a truly modular sidearm.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, \u201cModular Handgun System\u201d has become more than just a military program. Yes, the military may have been the genesis of the MHS, but the idea of a modular handgun system has evolved to encompass a new breed of handguns.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s look at a few examples of modular handguns, how they work, and what they do.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Examples of Modular Handgun Systems<\/b><\/h2>\n

As you\u2019ll see, we\u2019re taking the term \u201cModular Handgun System\u201d and applying it beyond the military program.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One way of understanding what we mean by a modular handgun system is to consider the related term, \u201cModular Weapons System.\u201d A modular weapons system can conform to the mission at hand. You can understand a modular weapon, or a modular handgun, by focusing on the word \u201cmodular.\u201d It\u2019s related to \u201cmodules\u201d (separate parts), or the more relaxed term \u201cmods\u201d to mean modification.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In a broad sense, the modular handgun system is about quickly and safely altering the pistol to make it more effective. There are other nuances as well, specifically when it comes to serialization. Most modular handguns are stamped on the weapon’s removable chassis. This is a departure from serializing the weapon’s frame, which has been a standard for decades.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are three examples of modular handguns:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n