After the invasion of Afghanistan in Autumn 2001 and especially after the invasion of Iraq in 2003, there was a great agitation in the DOD for the selection of a new pistol in a different caliber to replace the issue M9.
Author Archives: D.E. Watters
Small Arms Historian
The Path to the Mk23 Pistol
Today, we’ll discuss various specialty Special Operations pistols running up to the introduction of the HK Mk 23 Mod 0.
The Path to the M11 Pistol
As noted earlier in “The Road to the M9” article, the original JSOR (Joint Services Operational Requirement) for the XM9 9mm handgun specifically contained a provision for a second, lighter and more compact handgun. However, in September 1982, the Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (PDUSDRE) James Paul Wade, Jr. deleted,Continue reading “The Path to the M11 Pistol”
Watters Custom Colt XS Combat Commander
Shawn will probably disown me for this one, but who knew that Colt would discontinue the XS-series so quickly? The short-lived XS series was the product of the brief partnership of Colt with C-More, operating as Colt Competition. The XS was supposed to be Colt’s answer to Kimber and the Springfield Loaded-series. The XS series’Continue reading “Watters Custom Colt XS Combat Commander”
Terry Tussey’s Kimber Concept Guns
For MIM Monday, we have a few concept guns built by the late Terry Tussey for Kimber. These were ideas for what became the Ultra RCP II. As you can see, they used very little of Tussey’s ideas. First up is a five-shot subcompact with a bonus chopped-down .22 LR conversion kit. Note the shortenedContinue reading “Terry Tussey’s Kimber Concept Guns”
Colt M4 Data Rights, the M4 Product Improvement Program, and the Failed Individual Carbine Competition
Contrary to popular misconception, the US Department of Defense (DOD) does not own the technical data package (TDP) for either the M4 carbine or its parent, the M16 rifle. In June 1967, in its role as the DOD’s designated procurement agency, the US Army purchased a license from Colt for the TDP and the rightsContinue reading “Colt M4 Data Rights, the M4 Product Improvement Program, and the Failed Individual Carbine Competition”
Lt Col Frank W. Speir (1910-1956)
The late “Formerly Famous Gunwriter” Dean Speir was justifiably proud of his father Frank W. Speir. If anything, Dean was too humble about him. Born 3 September 1910, Frank Speir graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1932, receiving his US Army Reserve commission in the Corps of Engineers. Upon being called to active dutyContinue reading “Lt Col Frank W. Speir (1910-1956)”
Left the Range – Dean Speir (1940 – 2023)
Love him or hate him, “Formerly Famous Gunwriter” Dean Speir was a force of nature. It seems that his unique voice recently left us on 26 October 2023. I’ve been holding off on this for two weeks, hoping to see definitive confirmation. Since no one else seems willing to post an obituary, here is myContinue reading “Left the Range – Dean Speir (1940 – 2023)”
Second Chance Combat Shoot – 1982 (Raw Footage)
After yesterday’s post of the 1986 Second Chance Combat Shoot, I stumbled across raw footage taken at the 1982 event. The cameraman who posted the video thought it was maybe 1984 or 1985, but you can occasionally make out the ’82 date on the shooters’ badges. Careful watchers will notice John Nowlin Jr., gunwriter/instructor JimContinue reading “Second Chance Combat Shoot – 1982 (Raw Footage)”
Sound & Fury – The 9x25mm Dillon
Since I covered the .356 TSW and the 9x23mm, it seems appropriate that I should mention the brief reign of terror of the 9x25mm Dillon. Randy Shelley on the creation of the 9x25mm Dillon: “I have never shot competition, in my life. Yes, I shoot a lot, but not competition. I bought a Bo ClerkeContinue reading “Sound & Fury – The 9x25mm Dillon”
Scattered Shots 