LugerForum Discussion Forums - Wal-Mart 115gr FMJ "White Box" ammo

Postino -

As far as what the military is doing in regards to ammo, I can only say that the Air Force is using a lot of electronic simulation machines for purposes of sidearm qualifications.

These machines have a pistol that simulates the size, feel, and weight of the M-9 (the military version of the Beretta 92) with a trigger that electronically records where a "shot" hit on a target. There is an electronic cable that sticks out of the base of the grip and connects the pistol to an electronic recording device.

It makes a "bang" sound at each discharge, but there is no recoil, and the sound is not nearly as loud as an actual 9mm discharge either. So in my opinion it is a compromise that sacrifices realism for some savings in ammo costs.

Most Air Force officers will be qualifying annually with such simulations. Those who are more likely to be using their side arms such as the Security Police and the Law Enforcement personnel will be doing live firing to qualify annually or maintain proficiency.

Not to divert the subject of this thread (ammo and the costs); however, in my opinion the Air Force is doing a pretty good job of keeping its people proficient with their firearms.

A few years ago a psychiatric patient at Fairchild Air Force Base in the state of Washington went on a rampage with an AK-47 rifle. He shot and killed several people inside the base hospital, and then was walking outside and shooting at people. A young airman assigned to the Security Police squadron happened upon the scene during his assigned bike patrol and heard and saw what was happening. As the psychiatric patient aimed his AK-47 rifle at the airman, the airman jumped off of his bicycle and pumped 5 rounds into the rogue patient who was probably dead before he even hit the ground. The distance was later determined to be about 125 yards.

Another way of cutting down on the costs of the ammo expended in qualification training is to use .22 adaptors in the M-16s. This works although it has been my experience there are a lot of problems with jams.