Smith & Wesson/General Dynamics team up for Modular Handgun System

[Averageman]

With General Dynamics on board, S&W has a partner to shoulder some of the cost (presumably) of the competition. And someone with extensive experience with government contracts.

That's a good team, I'm rather surprised that GD didn't jump on Colt when they were in trouble.

[TiroFijo]

That's a good team, I'm rather surprised that GD didn't jump on Colt when they were in trouble.

Well, they are in trouble NOW...

[FromMyColdDeadHand]

I'm picturing a swing wing handgun....

[trinydex]

why isn't this in handgun discussion?

[Sensei]

The Army’s draft MHS solicitation identifies design and performance requirements for a new modular handgun system that can be easily adjusted to fit all hand sizes and is optimized for improved gun, ammunition and magazine performance. The Army’s stated plan is to commence the competition in January 2015, with delivery of the first new handgun systems in 2017.

Umm...I'm confused. So, S&W is going to team-up with GD to design a new modular handgun that will be tested sometime in the next 12.5 months? Riiiiight.

Maybe I'm wrong and the S&W fairy godmother can wave her wand a pull a new M&P spin-off pistol out of Chris Costa's ass, but didn't it take HK almost 4 years to design the VP9?

In addition, the letter mentions the M&P pistol, why does S&W need GD for a pistol that already exists?

[BVickery]

Umm...I'm confused. So, S&W is going to team-up with GD to design a new modular handgun that will be tested sometime in the next 12.5 months? Riiiiight.

Maybe I'm wrong and the S&W fairy godmother can wave her wand a pull a new M&P spin-off pistol out of Chris Costa's ass, but didn't it take HK almost 4 years to design the VP9?

In addition, the letter mentions the M&P pistol, why does S&W need GD for a pistol that already exists?

Well, if they are designing it based around the M&P, there is a lot of R&D work done right there. I am also willing to bet that GD and S&W have been working on this for a bit longer than the press release has indicated.

[El Cid]

Well, if they are designing it based around the M&P, there is a lot of R&D work done right there. I am also willing to bet that GD and S&W have been working on this for a bit longer than the press release has indicated.

Or as was mentioned the piece GD brings to the table is expertise and lobbyists for government contracts.

I just checked the GD site... They are heavily into the arms industry beyond just aircraft systems.
http://www.gd-ots.com/productsbycategory.html

And holy crap! They make gatling guns in 50 cal? Not sure it's that practical but I'd love to give one a go!
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=X1VMHQzwDwc