The retirement of an old friend (Guest Post)

The state and development of military equipment in the UK is as with many defence organisations in the west is often changing, and one of the MOD’s ‘fire sales’ early in 2012 can testify to this-in the UK, where the political and economic situation can be a causative factor in budget cuts, increasing privatization and so on, the use of the private sector and civilian purchasers is becoming quite common to accommodate surplus equipment. For example, it’s been possible to buy several motor launches, an enormous food mixer and a simulator for the Lynx Mk7 in the past.

Luckily, it can run the other way as well-most recently, with the introduction of the Glock 17  (see photo) to service personnel to replace the aging, though generally well-respected browning automatic. British frontline soldiers can expect improvements in a few areas of their standard sidearm.

For example, the Glock’s fire rate is substantially higher than that of the browning-5 rounds within 2 seconds as opposed to 4 seconds to fire a single round. This is due to a few factos, such as the improved technology involved in the Glock’s construction, the ability to have a round chambered (possible but risky with the browning’s lack of firing pin safety) and the improved holster that reduces the chance of the weapon getting snagged during a draw.

As well as being well-made, reliable and lighter than the browning the additional ammo capacity of the glock helps with reducing the need for reloading; 17 rounds plus one chambered rather than 13 rounds in the clip with none ready to fire. In terms of direct power the increased muzzle velocity of 375 m/s compared to 350 m/s is another good recommendation of the firearm.

Although regulation gear amongst UK forces is still fairly tightly controlled in terms of what is allowed and not in the field, there do exist a number of online shops that allow for an infantryman to take with him a few extra useful items on tour. Nightgear Surplus for example is one; there are plenty of accessories available to make life that bit easier for the modern soldier

The old 9mm was and still is a good reliable pistol but the Glock is a far superior weapon and highly respected by many military units, especially Special Forces around the world. 







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