New Marine Corps weapon to replace SAW

[cory]

Yes it would. A pistol is something you use to fight your way back to your rifle.

A PDW/SMG would be something else, as that would be a lot more controllable and accurate.

I have found myself avoiding to wear a pistol in the field (unless carrying a MG, sniper-rifle or CG84mm), as it typically only brings extra weight and cumbersomeness without really adding to my capabilities. I would much rather bring a mag or two extra for my rifle.

I like pistols, but IMO, they are of limited relevance for infantry in the field. The best backup-weapon is the one in the hands of your buddy right next to you.

The question was never an or, it was an in addition to.

I'd tend to agree with you assessment for a rifleman carrying an m4, operating in rural environments. However, when operating in a tight urban environment I completely disagree. And this is all assuming the pistol we're talking about is the M9 carrying 9mm fmj ammunition.

Now if I had a pistol firing ammunition that has the same performance as the current ammunition being carried has at 300 yards and beyond. (The pistol would obviously require a round that is much lower than 62ksi). This type of ability would force a rethink of the way we utilize our weapons in much the same way NVGs have changed the battlefield. I would much rather be on a battlefield where mortars/arty has lit up the enemy with illumination rounds than run with nvgs on. However, that doesn't mean I won't utilize NVGs when they are the best option or I don't have an option.