U.S. Army's New Sub-Compact Weapon

In May 2018, the U.S. Army has issued a RFI for a new Sub Compact Weapon. In the Sub Compact Weapon, the Army is looking for a “highly concealable” system that can engage threats with lethal and accurate close range fire and “minimal collateral damage,” the notice states. The weapon is to be select-fire, chambered in 9x19mm, and equipped with a MIL-STD-1913 rail.

On the 2nd July, however, the Synopsis of Contract Award notice was updated stating that the Sub Compact Weapon program has been cancelled, at least temporarily. This means that all 13 of the contracts awarded to vendors in June have been cancelled. It appears that the programs specifications and requirements have changed and need to be rewritten before the program can move forward.

At one point during development of this requirement, the Army is said to have considered adoption of 300 BLK weapons to fulfill the need, but decided against it as the round is not readily available within DoD or with NATO allies. However, as USSOCOM’s Personal Defense Weapon, a 300 BLK upper receiver kit fit the M4, requirement takes shape, the Army may once again look at M4 compatibility, rather than a completely new weapon.

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While the U.S. Army may be changing its requirements for a sub-compact weapon, I think that there is still a place for a similar type weapon for personal use. The Recce Pistol concept is something that I like, and a practice that I follow. Having something a bit more substantial than a pistol, when you can't carry a full-size rifle, will improve your security in any hostile environment.