What Happens to Old Handguns When the U.S. Army Issues New Ones?

The process of disposing old hand weapons when the U.S. Army issues new ones is a complex and regulated operation, involving multiple steps and considerations. Understanding this process can help demystify the lifecycle of military weapons and provides insight into how the U.S. military manages its inventory and ensures the efficiency and security of its equipment.

General Disposal Procedures

When the U.S. Army decides to replace its firearm inventory with new models, the process for handling old weapons follows a well-defined protocol. Typically, two outcomes are possible for old hand weapons:

Storage for Future Use: The weapons may be packed in crates and stored in a depot for potential use during national emergencies. Disposal: Weapons are more likely to be destroyed if they are aging and no longer worth refurbishing for continued service.

How the Old Handguns Are Handled

Once the U.S. Army decides to dispose of old hand weapons, they are turned in to the Army Ordnance department for further processing. From there, they may be:

Promoted to Other Organizations: Some weapons may be transferred as military aid to other organizations, including police agencies or foreign nations. Destroyed or Converted to Scrap: In some cases, the weapons are destroyed or converted into scrap metal. This ensures the weapons are no longer in service and reduces the risk of unauthorized access.

The U.S. Army's Policy on Handguns and Property

It's important to clarify that the U.S. Army does not issue handguns to individual soldiers as personal equipment. Instead, all weapons are considered unit property, with the exception of General Officers who may be issued their own pistols for personal use that can be purchased from the government when they retire.

When a new sidearm is introduced, such as the Beretta M9 or Sig Sauer M17/M18, it is issued to the unit's armory and added to the unit's property records. The unit commanding officer oversees the maintenance and security of these weapons through the unit's armorers and supply sections.

Disposition of Old Handguns

The disposal of old hand weapons is a managed process that involves several steps:

Collection and Storage: Old weapons are collected and stored in secure warehouses pending further disposition by the U.S. Army, with oversight from Congress. Military Assistance: Some weapons may be distributed through military assistance programs under the Department of Defense and State Department, to foreign nations. These weapons are inspected and overhauled to meet specifications before distribution. Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP): Old weapons that are not suitable for military assistance may be transferred to the Civilian Marksmanship Program. Members of the program can purchase firearms for marksmanship training and competition under strict rules. These weapons are not intended for sale at auction and are often sold at prices similar to those of used, usable M1911A1 pistols.

Traceability and Security

Each weapon has a unique serial number, which plays a critical role in ensuring the traceability and security of these firearms. The serial number remains intact and traceable for decades, regardless of attempts to alter or destroy it. The Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) forensic lab has become a leading institution in serial number recovery, with decades of expertise in the field.

In the unlikely event that discarded weapons end up in unauthorized hands, such as street gangs, each weapon can be traced back to its source. This ensures that even if a weapon is fired, law enforcement can quickly identify the origins of the firearm, which can be crucial in criminal investigations.

Conclusion

The process of disposing of old hand weapons in the U.S. Army is essential for maintaining operational efficiency and security. By understanding the steps involved, we can appreciate the importance of proper handling and accountability in the management of military equipment.