Marines investigating P90

The purpose of the P90 Submachine Gun initia-
tive is to examine a possible replacement for the
current Marine Corps sidearm weapon.
Background: The P90 Submachine Gun is
being examined as a potential replacement for the
aging 9mm Beretta pistol. The Beretta’s lack of
range, penetration and ammunition capacity are
problems that have been identified by operating
forces. The P90 initiative seeks to remedy these
problems by providing the warfighter with a com-
pact, lightweight alternative that possesses the
firepower operational forces are seeking.
Description: The P90 is light, quick to aim and
easy to shoot. It is compact, user friendly, and
provides a 50 round magazine which offers a
substantial response to most threats. The weapon
possesses a quick aiming optical sight and low
recoil improving first round hit probability. The
see-through magazine can be fire 900 rounds per
minute and each round can perforate 48 plies of
Kevlar up to 200 meters. It can also be equipped
with an optional laser aiming device.
The P90 is compact enough that one could com-
fortably wear the weapon as a sidearm weapon.
The contours of the weapons has been designed to
be smooth, lowering the possibility it will get
snagged on clothing or other effects. The weapon
is also ambidextrous making it comfortable for both
left and right handed shooters. The P90 features a
blow-back mechanism firing from a closed breech.
The trigger has been ergonomically designed for
easy access even with arctic or NBC gloves.
Maintenance costs are limited due to the small
number of parts associated with the weapon. Little
lubrication is required and the P90 breaks into
three basic assemblies in seconds with no tools
required.

P90 Submachine Gun
fact sheet

Public Affairs Office: Mr. Nick Ritzcovan, (703) 784–5170
DTD: May 9, 2003

info:
Weapon Characteristics:
Overall Length: 19.7 inches
Width: 2.2 inches
Height with Optical Sight: 8.3 inches
Weight with Loaded Magazine: 6.6 pounds
Ammunition: 5.7 x 28 mm
Magazine Capacity: 50 rounds
Firing Modes: single shot, full automatic
Cyclic Rate of Fire: 900 rounds per minute
Max Effective Range: 200 meters
Deliverable Products: To provide a possible replacement
for the current Beretta 9mm pistol.