Combat Handguns from a Navy SEAL’s Perspective

[@hickok45]

Great discussion!

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

Thank you sir!

[@mpwmu9041]

When Monte said, "I'm a huge fan of the 1911" a small piece of CB died inside. 😂 Great video from start to finish.

[@outerspaceman7534]

1911s are biblical. Best of the best.

[@JohnRedacted]

@@outerspaceman7534 boomer moment , Jesus christ was said to be wise though , why would he choose a 1911 then?

[@outerspaceman7534]

@@JohnRedacted da fuk? I am 36, not from baby boom gen.

[@mulder4528]

Really like Chris’s videos still the 1911 love comment was hysterical.

[@roundone7954]

@@JohnRedacted What don't you like about the 1911?🤷‍♂️

[@skookapalooza2016]

I'm happy for Monte that he's retired now from the Navy. Not every SEAL makes it. Good man. Thank you, Chris for this excellent interview. It makes me feel really good about my CCW Glock.

[@T20-c8f]

Dude I’m so glad I found Chris channel. I’m a freaking autist when it comes to things I get into. Firearms are one of my biggest passions and hobbies even though I ball on a tiny budget and a simple upgrade like voltor A5 system will take me months to find a spot to fit in. So for dudes like me who are not afraid to spend the money but don’t have a lot of money to make mistakes with, and really want to understand the why and how of how things work. Chris is one of the only channels I have found to really give me this info. Love him, sage dynamics, GBRS, field craft, WPS, and Pat Mac. That’s my band of subject experts

[@locophoto6881]

Also add Warrior Poet Society (John Lovell) and listen to “coch” as well…retired SEAL .. has own KZbin channel …tactical something

[@jonengelbird7051]

@@locophoto6881WPS as he listed is Warrior Poet Society

[@johnphillips222]

One of the nice things about SAS and SAS' audience is that Chis, Heather, the guests, and the audience like us treat each other well. That is rare on the internet. Most experts like Chris have given up on helping anyone on the internet. Thanks to Chris and Heather. Thanks to the audience, also.

[@timrobinson6573]

That's one of the nice things about having a smaller-ish channel. As the channel grows, curating the auedience will become important.

[@johnstuckaiii]

P7M8s also had a polygon hammer forged chrome lined barrel.

[@MillenialVolk]

After his endorsement of the G19, I'd be really interested to hear Monte's thoughts on HK's LEM trigger.

[@law1831]

That LEM set up is sweet. I think the hk45 LEM is the best .45 pistol

[@Goldenwithaleash]

Never knew they had a 686 in the mix. Fascinating.

[@williamflowers9435]

They had the M66 earlier on and a threaded barrel HK P9S too

[@jimbob465]

The 686 also had a shockingly short life expectancy. They would dive with em and the salt water ate the internal parts up.

[@waynecribbs786]

I always enjoy Chris's interviews and especially when he sits down with Monty. When Monty talks, i LISTEN!!! Thx gentlemen

[@acanfield87]

Great hearing the shout-out to Gus Taylor at NSWC Crane. He is a National treasure.

[@stevee5598]

This guy should be a regular on the channel

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

He is in Indiana and I’m in Texas

[@Tusk_III]

I think I’ve watched this 16 times. Never gets old.

[@mikebillman8089]

I'd like to hear more about any modifications including finish upgrades to the P226's. Stories of actual combat use would be interesting as well.

[@f3uibeghardt522]

There was a story of a SEAL in Iraq who's rifle went down when he breached a house and he killed everyone in the house who was shooting at him with his 226. There was another SEAL who was hanging out with his girlfriend one night showing off his personal 226. She was scared of it, and he said "Hey, don't worry, look" as he then held it to his temple and pulled the trigger. You can guess how that story ended. But yeah, I'd like to hear more stories, too, and also any minute changes to the 226 throughout the years. I can see the most obvious differences on all my own MK25s, but like any other manufacturer of any other product, they can legally make changes without notice. And they definitely do. Oh, and obviously Matt Axelson's body was found with his 226's slide locked back with a few ejected empty magazines as he shot several Taliban who closed in to finish him off. Incidentally, the anniversary of that day was yesterday.

[@xusmico187]

every time he says 1911 CB IMMEADETALY slides to something else. the hate is so obvious

[@boodgiek8146]

Some people don't like the sig trigger.had a sig 2022 and got used to it shot it a lot,can say you do get acquainted with the sig trigger and the shoot super well.

[@williamflowers9435]

SIG 2022 is underrated. All but forgotten now but I really liked the Sig Pro series. And a lot less weight on your hip than the P226

[@ALovelyBunchOfDragonballz]

The APX has replaced my P320. I wish the Amry would've given it a fair shake, it's exactly as modular as the P320 but with less problems.

[@williamflowers9435]

The difference is SIG also has many other contracts. They have the ears (and wallets) of the right people, hence why their products now dominate future procurement. The new red dot that mounts right to the M17/18 w/o a plate is interesting and looks like a big improvement over the DDP for military use… time will tell.

[@robertbain5036]

What a joy to listen to both of these guys. What wonderful insight. Thank you very much...

[@ronsmith9251]

P226 and M9 are both great. I’ve owned both, and wouldn’t hesitate to take either into a defense situation.

[@anraegodley-cooper6321]

NAILED IT, I own both too.

[@darylhopkins9796]

The M9 is trash. I seen them break and malfunction numerous times in the Army. I’m not a fan of Beretta.

[@josedorsaith5261]

​@@darylhopkins9796 I heard the army had issues when they used third-party magazines with weak springs

[@JeepCherokeeful]

1911 is a classic!

[@Kanaloa47]

Outstanding interview and education session. Thank you both.

[@Gmar69]

Chris, this was great interview with Monty, and the overall content was fantastic.

[@rc4728]

Outstanding!

[@bspraker1]

Revolvers more reliable than Semi-auto pistol when exposed to sand? I would like to see this tested!

[@ferdonandebull]

I was raised on revolvers. It is rare to get a jam in revolvers but when you do you have to unjam it with a hammer. As far as sand.. yes a revolver is “tighter” when it comes to the mechanical parts so they tend to be more protected. The cylinder can be popped open and shaken out if it gets gummed up and you can continue. A revolver will put up with a lot of abuse… I would say that sand would be very little problem for a revolver in general.. But then it is nice to have magazine feed.. lol

[@gloppy101]

Excellent video! I used to hunt with a old trapper in the 1960-70's and most outdoor people like him all used revolvers (.22) and these guns would get dropped in mud, sand, snow/ice and never failed to fire. He apparently never cleaned this old H&R revolver, but damn, than thing always went bang. Dad had Colt Woodsman and Match Target and wow, outstanding semi-autos for accuracy and never jamming. Still shoot these tack drivers today.

[@bspraker1]

​@@ferdonandebull I shot a S&W 610 in USPSA and IDPA and had more issues with it than semi auto's. But keep in mind I shot and dry fired these guns alot.

[@bspraker1]

@@gloppy101 I shot a S&W 610 in USPSA and IDPA and had more issues with it than semi auto's. But keep in mind I shot and dry fired these guns alot.

[@williamflowers9435]

Military Arms Channel put the S&W M19 through the “gauntlet”

[@hldvoyeur4709]

What a superb presentation!! I carried 9mm 226, then .40 for eight years, and then I got Glock 17 as my duty weapon. What a difference a single action pistol makes?! So I was humbled to hear that a true professional prefers Glock to Sig pistol. Thank you, sir.

[@dwayneelizondomountaindewh6073]

glock are a safe action not single action. also they have single action only sigs. and double action only sigs.

[@hldvoyeur4709]

@@dwayneelizondomountaindewh6073 Obviously, sir, you know shit about guns. Yes, Glock is a single action only platform. My duty Sigs were both double action weapons. Cheerio.

[@chrisragone8785]

@@hldvoyeur4709You’re incorrect. Stock Glock’s are not single action. The striker is only 85% cocked. Pulling the trigger pulls the striker back the remaining 15% and releases it.

[@hldvoyeur4709]

@@chrisragone8785 who cares?!

[@waylonsmythers7714]

This was a really cool video. Really good interview.

[@Jrsydevil7]

The Sig P320/M17/M18 will not convert from a 9mm to a .45ACP, at least last time I checked. The P320 .45ACP Full Sized guns will convert down to a 9mm, the P320 .45ACP Compact won't work with anything but the .45ACP Compact. I never really understood why Sig didn't drop the "9mm" Fire Control Unit for the .45ACP Fire Control Unit and just make all 9mm FCU's .45ACP FCU's this way you could convert 9mm to .45ACP and back.

[@mikehoncho658]

Great interview, cool to see another inside perspective on military handguns

[@hawkuser604]

I loved carrying the Beretta other than a bit heavy, never had issues with it, but being restricted to 9mm ball sucked.

[@interestingvideosofinteres5136]

❤️❤️❤️ the interviews. Keep them coming and sharing all the knowledge

[@moneycarsguns9837]

Every pistol on that table is tried and true. All great guns. Comes down to personal preference at this point.

[@tonyb3848]

Except for the 320

[@justing42]

@@tonyb3848 tell that to the multiple countries and departments using it

[@tonyb3848]

@@justing42 Ok… still hasn’t been around long enough like a Glock or M&P. And it got adopted by the military without doing the torture testing. I wouldn’t call it “tried and true” just yet

[@brad_1388_]

@@justing42 and all these users have had constant problems with them, single worst pistol on the market right now

[@russelder9743]

What a wonderful video....2 guys that know of what they speak....BZ

[@mrmrwebb]

Could you do a review on the design and use of the HK P2000?

[@andyleotell]

That’s my favorite gun! Trigger sucks balls but she is just so damned sexy!

[@jpg_sig10]

Between the SIG Sauer P226 and the Beretta M9, I personally prefer the SIG. The Beretta's slide-mounted safety is in a bad location (for me), and I just don't like a safety on a DA/SA hammer-fired pistol, just like I'd never want a safety on a DA revolver. I love the SIG's frame-mounted decocker location, form and function... for me it's so much better than the Beretta's design and implementation. The guest retired Navy SEAL said about 100,000 rounds through SIG P226 pistols before any problems (i.e., cracked aluminum alloy frames)... that's combat-proven reliability. Like I said, I'll take the P226. To each his own.

[@richardsveum8452]

I was issued and carried a 1911a1 for my 4 years as a MP in Germany in the mid to late 80’s mine was a 1945 Remington Rand SN 2242096 yes I still remember the SN. lol . Then carried a Beretta 92 and a SIG 229 as a LEO. Both of the 9mm’s were far superior to the 1911 as far as reliability and accuracy. I strongly prefer an aluminum framed weapon to either the steel or Plastic framed weapons. That being said for weight concerns only the G19 is the superior weapon.

[@jthrelf]

best interview segment yet!

[@MehdiDastoor]

Your chanel is incredible❤❤

[@c.w6877]

That dude's hands makes Mark 23 looks small haha

[@Zantar45]

Always wondered how they cleaned their guns after swimming in the ocean, for some reason figured it was something more complicated than just using a garden hose and CLP.

[@RGL01]

Great interview.

[@scotttyoshimura]

Great interviews.

[@gordonliddy9418]

Thank you for having a great a video like this! Very informative.

[@aakoksal]

Great video... Thanks...

[@JRH6271]

Love these discussions. Thanks for sharing.

[@tasjan9190]

When ol' boy said how he was/is a huge fan of the 1911's I so wanted Chris to say "I hate these fukin' things" haha

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

This was about his experience, not mine!

[@tasjan9190]

@@SmallArmsSolutions I read you loud and clear but still... I would have loved to see his expression change... (O_o) ...lol

[@johnm5695]

Great interview gentleman. Thanks

[@johnphillips222]

How did the P226's trigger bars fail? I've seen the trigger bar spring come loose, usually operator error. Now, that spring is replaced when the grips are updated. I've seen the dual roll pins for the locking block fail from dry fire or old age. I've replaced those with metric spirol pins. The slides and barrels rust, if you look at them funny. NuFinish car wax fixed that problem between services.

[@explorerguy2002]

Planned to go with the SEAL museum opening in NY?

[@ClaudioBenassi]

They are all pretty much the same on a practical level. Once they get there, they were tested to be the best.

[@wayneprice2737]

Do the seals use the sig 229 aswell as the 226 like the SAS.

[@ncsteeltoe]

Good one.

[@charlesintx1776]

Great interview! I really like hearing the perspective of someone who has been in harm's way, using these different weapons to stay alive. And he chooses the Glock!

[@toshmiller5571]

Thanks

[@landona1020]

I bought several boxes of Fiocchi Range Dynamics 9mm ammo. I’ve have malfunctions every other round through multiple Glocks. Light primer strikes is the usual problem. But it also locks up and can be very difficult to eject the round. Anyone had similar issues?

[@1deadpool11]

Great show

[@ect2012cool]

Enjoyed the interview.

[@DB2A7]

Fantastic series and episode. Great insight. Thank u.

[@zszs123]

SAS is Class with a Capital C..Thanks for the vdeo and time 👍

[@InGratitudeIam]

Centurion Arms, the land where pretty much nothing is in stock. I suppose that's a good sign?

[@kirkfreeman6913]

This is fantastic. Is it feasible to have a factory tour? I am only 4 counties north and volunteer to be a SAS media stringer. :-D

[@willcruz3198]

Excellent video! I wish I could give two thumbs up.

[@MrSLF]

Thank you. 👍👍👍👍

[@TarmanDan]

Great Video! Thank you for your service!

[@wayneburton3168]

wow excellent info and interview

[@bryanduchane2371]

Chris, when will someone make a hammer fired, 15+1 capacity, alum frame, size of the P365XL, optics ready for direct mount of the RMR footprint, suppressor height sights, slightly lightly flared magwell and a real 1913 pic tail to mount standard accessories???? I would buy that pistol tomorrow!!

[@brighthought11]

CZ p01 is probably as close as you will get or you can get a SIG macro icarus ace frame and be happy without a hammer

[@bryanduchane2371]

@@brighthought11 Would love to have a Icarus P365 EXO grip module, but they are freaking salty and never in stock.

[@dimsum1033]

Absolutely awesome!

[@MrSmith-zy2bp]

M18 is cool... commander style pistol. Same with the Glock 19x.

[@locksmithdb5987]

Great stuff Chris!

[@sha6mm]

Great Information and thanks

[@AF-O6]

I have a half dozen Centurion rifles…I’d likely buy his pistols if he made them.

[@jupite1888]

That was very interesting, Excellent as always

[@richardb8157]

I found a colt LE6920 lower for sale for $399, which confuses me because I thought LE marked guns were highly coveted and desirable, and way more expensive. Could anyone enlighten me on something I may be missing? The lower is also not marked "Restricted..." on the right side. It seemed too good to be true.

[@Manco65]

LE6920's aren't really restricted and at a local gunship they go for around $1050-$1199 +tax The whole thing. I'm in NW Arkansas.

[@Matt-xc6sp]

@@Manco65 this and I will also add my 6920 upper was $599 a few years ago, so that’s a decent price for that lower either way.

[@sierrabravo9228]

Great video! Interesting content! Thanks

[@12vscience]

nice

[@xusmico187]

look up DOD JAG findings. look up Hauge convention.

[@specialk5070]

I was a seal 🦭! Third grade play ! Noah’s ark ! . 😂💨 just playin ! The real Seals 🇺🇸❤️ are America’s finest most valued operators on this planet 🌎. God bless you.

[@MS-ym1nt]

The M17/M18 was selected purely on the fact that Sig was the only pistol that delivered on what the Army asked for. Modularity is key for future use, future upgrades, and cost savings. Glock just decided to do its own thing.

[@ALovelyBunchOfDragonballz]

The APX delivered it as well. The M17 trials are just suspect.

[@josedorsaith5261]

That might be one reason why it was selected, but it's not the only reason

[@BooneGribble]

Glock 19, and Beretta APX met the modular requirements. All modular meant was that it was to fit in the hands of 95% of users. The backstraps of the glock met that requirement. The Beretta uses a similar trigger, and frame set up as the SIG. It all came down to money. Sig completely undercut the competition.

[@eldogg4life]

Great video.

[@joetompkinsAaRdVArK7]

The APX should of made the down select as well. A torture test between those three would be awesome.

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

It did not make it, only the Sig and Glock did

[@williamflowers9435]

The original loaded chamber indicator was in a bad spot, you couldn’t mount a red dot iirc… obviously it’s since been changed. Not sure about the slide serrations with wet hands either, but that could have been a simple fix

[@Cornpops_Revenge]

Love your content brother

[@romeoechofoxtrot18]

Thanks for bringing us this video Chris but I'm curious what is your opinion on the ngsw program

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

Any thoughts on the CZ pistols?

[@andyleotell]

Cz 75 pcr compact is a great reliable good looking gun…

[@BadDadio]

It would be nice if you listed all the guns discussed in your comments

[@williamflowers9435]

You could make a time stamp list comment

[@BadDadio]

@@williamflowers9435 A time stamp list should be in the creator’s notes. Watchers shouldn’t have to do their job for them.

[@SlimRhyno]

I'd be really interested to know what Monte's thoughts are regarding the SAO version of the 226, and whether that would have changed his mind, or made any difference in at least the SEAL's procurement/replacement process. Obviously, the point is now moot, but as a student of history, it would be an interesting "what if" (at least in my weird mind, hah). Anywho, another amazing interview, Chris!

[@locophoto6881]

Same point about bore axis woukd exist I’m sure, but that pistol comped woukd be beautiful

[@SlimRhyno]

@@locophoto6881 For sure! I just can't help but wondering that since they liked the 226 so much, and already had them NSN'd and in inventory (along with the holsters, mags, spare parts, and armorer training), that if they had fixed the "2 trigger pulls" issue with the single action only version... how long would they have stayed with them until they switched to the Glocks? Would they even still be using them? We all know how stubborn the military can be to change, and while they probably would have eventually gone to Glocks, maybe they would have skipped that and gone straight to the M17/18 when they were adopted?... It's a fun mental experiment, if nothing else.

[@law1831]

The pistol is a last ditch weapon or a status symbol for senior officers anyway

[@SlimRhyno]

@@law1831 I think you might have missed the point of my comment. I know what a sidearm is used for. I was simply curious on whether the SAO/cocked-and-locked version of the SIG platform would have continued in the Teams' arsenals longer than the legacy DAO SIGs. It's just a fun what-if.

[@jman28lamplight]

Great content!

[@irafowlerjr.7492]

Fantastic, really enjoyed, thanks

[@alanhelgeson8146]

Bigger bullets make for bigger holes in the bad guys, and bigger holes in the bad guys is always a good thing.

[@josedorsaith5261]

It's why hollow points are amazing

[@SuspiciousGanymede]

Has anyone compared the m18 and the g19x for phase 2 requirements? I would really be interested, it seems like sig pulled some favors to get their handgun chosen. I like both handguns, but sig had that safety recall and beta tests their products on the public.

[@Michiganbreadboyz_bt8919]

I agree I think sig was willing to drop their price low enough to win the contract when Glock knew their quality and wouldn’t go as low on price. Simple as that in my eyes but I’ve been wrong before lol 😆

[@EchoSigma6]

My first pistol after transitioning from a revolver for self defense was the Sig 226, I thought it was a great gun. Then I transitioned to Glocks and never went back. This defies logic because the Sig is fantastic but Glocks are simpler, lighter, cheaper and just an ideal beater gun.

[@HighSpeedNoDrag]

The Sig226 (Made in West Germany) is without a doubt my favorite primary pistol back in the early to mid 90s. Have Glocks now but if I was to carry every day I would choose HK Mark IV.

[@EchoSigma6]

@@HighSpeedNoDrag At the time of my purchase of the Sig 226 I didn’t think much of the Made in WG text but now it means more to me. It’s broken in and the trigger works well in DA and SA. It’s a sweet shooting gun and very accurate.

[@injuredoutdoorsman9011]

When I went to the federal academy, we were using P229s, and throughout the academy, we put thousands of rounds through them, and I believe every single gun, the round recoil spring shattered, we’d keep shooting them hitting the back of the slide into battery until our hands were bruised and the spring was in a dozen pieces and the pistols wouldn’t operate anymore…

[@Revolverman38]

Glock 🇺🇸

[@Dominik189]

I wouldn't call a 1911 obsolete. Obsolescent, yes. Obsolete, not necessarily. I'd still take it over a revolver.

[@barryblu_space-bar3x]

Not that it's an absolutely issue but how often does a military person or a Navy SEAL at that pull out their sidearms so I always wondered why so much focus on the quality of the sidearm if the Beretta was doing its job or the 1911 why are we always switching

[@barryblu_space-bar3x]

Obsolete issue typo

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

Well, if you use a pistol it’s often your last resort and you need it to work. They deserve the best tools available. They also use pistols as offensive weapons under certain conditions.

[@barryblu_space-bar3x]

@@SmallArmsSolutions understood. Okay. Thank you. I didn't know they actually use them

[@donrichter3523]

Given the amount that SOCOM trains with pistols, they need replacement fairly often. Changing them up to a gun better suited to them is not a huge burden.

[@beefcakes27]

Practically matters when your life is on the line...

[@eddietat95]

I know Centurion Arms does Glock slides, but I'm wondering if they'll one day consider doing complete handguns?

[@brighthought11]

Centurion 2011...

[@johnphillips222]

The Beretta M9 or 92FS program was OK for the military and LE vocations in the 80's ...and then women entered the military and law enforcement. The Beretta and SIG P226-P228-P229 pistols could not meet the hand requirements for women. The triggers were too far away and had too heavy of a pull for the typical female hand. The audience changed. The pistols had to work properly and fit both men and women. Beretta had no chance to meet those requirements based on the M9 platform. Adult size males would not see the problem.

[@jjones6606]

Only if they had tiny hands like Donald J Trump

[@DollyRanch]

@@jjones6606 that's why Trump has a 1911 - nice slim frame

[@wcstrawberryfields8011]

@@jjones6606 Big enough to pull your hands off the wheel...

[@Horgler]

@@DollyRanch He claims to have a H&K in .45 ACP. Whether it’s the USP or HK45, neither are slim guns.

[@DollyRanch]

@@Horgler very good point. I wonder if he has his own range anywhere

[@scottflowers7780]

All my older Gen3 Glock pistol have problems with my reloads using CCI primers. I read on a Glock form that CCI made hard primers. But no problems shooting the same reloads in my other hammer fire pistols and revolver.

[@johnphillips222]

The red and blue Glock striker springs are designed for euro primers that are common for pistols without a firing pin block. You can try those?

[@scottflowers7780]

@John Phillips Thanks for information on the Glock spring.

[@ggrandcz]

@@johnphillips222 Non sense. There is nothing like "euro"=harder primers. In EU you get Glocks only with silver firing pin spring. You can buy stronger springs. They are designed for harder primers. That is correct.

[@LKaramazov]

So are guns waterproof?

[@theodorechwojko3055]

I know a lot of navy seals gravitate to the Beretta m9

[@donalddicorcia2433]

I own 1911s, alloy nines, plastic nines, steel nines. They’re all good but I’m sure my .45 will still be chugging away long after the plastic guns have biodegraded to uselessness.

[@johnphillips222]

I know the joke about Glocks being dishwasher safe. Just don't use actual dishwasher detergent.