In 2011, the Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD) converted to the Smith and Wesson M&P .40 caliber as the standard duty issued sidearm after an extensive review of available firearms and ammunition.  As technology and tactics have evolved, a new study was necessary to ensure that the Department is keeping up with national training and equipment trends.  Through this latest round of extensive review, the MBPD Firearms/Training section has determined that the Department should transition to the Sig Sauer P320 X-Carry Pro chambered in 9mm.

Why switch firearms?

Along with the mechanical improvements over the currently issued firearm, the switch makes financial sense for the following reasons:

1. Current state of issued duty weapons: According to manufacturer recommendations, MBPD has reached the service lifespan where each departmentally owned service weapon receives a complete overhaul.  Based on the maintenance schedule, the following parts would need to be replaced on every single firearm: trigger pin, striker assembly, trigger bar, striker block, sear housing block assembly, takedown lever retainer, extractor pin, barrel, extractor spring, trigger pin, locking block pin, striker block spring spacer, extractor, recoil guide rod and potentially the front and rear sights.  The cost for these parts, not including man hours spent to conduct the service would be $345.80 per firearm - a cost to the City of approximately $250,000.
2.  Savings in ammunition/maintenance costs: Based on the latest FBI projectile performance review, the 9mm not only outperforms the .40 cal, but also does it at a cost savings. MBPD will save an average of $25,000.00 a year (a five-year projection of $125,000) for training and duty ammunition.  At an additional cost, firearms chambered in .40 cal need to be repaired more often due to the over pressured round.
3.  Cost of preparing firearms for red dot sights: As studies continue, more agencies are moving towards having red dot sights mounted on firearms due to increased accuracy. The proposed firearm will already come pre-milled to accept the technology.  Milling out current firearms will come at a cost of approximately $200.00 per firearm (a total cost to the city of $120,000.00) and cause the officer to be without a firearm for the time it takes to carry out the update.
4.  Current Holster and Weapon Mounted Lights have been discontinued/banned: The current holster and lights issued have been discontinued.  Additionally, the holster itself has been banned from usage in agencies including Florida Department of Law Enforcement, City of Miami Police Department, and the Los Angeles Police Department, citing safety concerns.  With the need to purchase new holsters and lights for the entire agency, it makes sense to purchase holsters and lights that will prepare the agency and save money long term.

Why the Sig Sauer P320 X-Carry Pro 9mm?

1. The Sig Sauer P320 X-Carry Pro is a modular firearm that allows for proper grip sizing for every officer.  The proper grip ensures proper presentation and assists in proper finger placement on the trigger to improve accuracy. 
2. The Sig Sauer P320 X-Carry Pro has been selected by all the branches of the U.S. military which ensures that there will always be parts and accessories at competitive prices to ensure serviceability for years to come.
3. The Sig Sauer P320 has a revolutionary design using a replaceable fire control system.  The agency can purchase one firearm and a different grip module and essentially have two different firearms.  This allows for mission specific builds ideal for tactical teams such as SWAT and K9.
4. The X-Carry size eliminates the need for the agency to purchase a compact firearm for detectives and administrative personnel (approximately 60 firearms).  This alone saves the agency nearly $30,000.00

What Other Firearms Were Evaluated?

1. Beretta APX 9mm
2. Glock 19 9mm
3. Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm
4. Sig Sauer P226 9mm

With the ability for officers to purchase their currently issued firearms and the budgetary funds already set aside for the firearms range for yearly expenditures, the change will be of no additional cost to the City, and will result in a projected five-year cost projected savings of $550,000.00.