Interesting points, all.In 2000 I had the honor of partaking in various small arms evaluations. Of these guns, to include the SCAR, and several others of the like. Basically it was a continuation of the OICW program which was somewhat previously mothballed.
We also tested several different shotguns, and semiauto handguns, to include the Glock 17.
Even back in 2000, a replacement for the M9 was being looked at. One of these reasons was the success of police departments with the ugly glock in service.
Modularity has been one of the requirements of military service for quite some time. 100% parts interchangeability at the armorer level. .... Which for whatever reason the Glock does not qualify for. I argue that if the M14 qualifies, then so does a Glock.
In regards to a standard issue sidearm, although a one size fits all deal does not work well with handguns, I dont see a unit armorer, at will, changing grips for a soldier who just does not like how it feels.
Pistols of course in the military are more reserved for Service purpose units, medics, pilots and MPs, standard line units dont get issued pistols. In special purpose units, typically you could carry whatever you wanted as long as it was on the approved list.
Gimmick? I think so. I mean gun makers would not be able to stay in business without the introduction of new stuff.
Will the Ruger be as good as the Glock? Maybe, and since thats what the question EVERYONE is asking themselves in the background, why not just stick with the OG?
My military experience was quite different than yours, but, as a pilot, and later, with a TACRON (Tactical Air Control Squadron, that deploys with Marines), I carried my personal weapon a S&W 5906 in Desert Storm, then a 1911 (Issued by the USN) in Bosnia, then an M-11 (Sig P229 issued by the USN).
Of those, I thought the M-11 was the best choice.
Compact, so, it fits in flight gear (I had a custom holster made for the 5906, which I then used for the 1911) better than a full size, which didn’t fit in our gear of the 1990s.
No safety, just the decocker, so, like a Glock, it’s ready to go when drawn - nothing to remember/forget.
You can’t go wrong with a Glock, and I have recommended the G19 as a first gun, and all-around choice, many times in this forum.
But I see the “chassis” revolution as just that - a revolution. A revolution in how a “gun” is defined and a revolution in ease of adaptability.
I will be watching this Ruger closely.