St. Pete firm gunning for Army contract

ST. PETERSBURG — General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems and Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. are competing to replace the standard U.S. Army sidearm. The two firms announced a partnership to compete for the U.S. Army's Modular Handgun System solicitation to replace the Beretta M9 semiautomatic pistol.

The 9mm M9 has been the standard-issue pistol adopted by the U.S. Armed Forces since 1985.

“This partnership combines General Dynamics' proven legacy in manufacturing military armaments with Smith & Wesson's extensive experience in designing and manufacturing firearms for commercial applications,” Tim McAuliffe, vice president for General Dynamics, says in a press release.