The thing is that they were not still using these revolvers as "sidearms", they were only being used to train working dog as there was no blank fire system for the M9. They were essentially the same as the starter pistols used by other militaries for the same purpose. I believe that part of the contract for the M17/18 was to provide (among other ancillaries) blank fire kits so I imagine this is the reason they are now able to retire them.
|