36C10X23Q0297 - Attachment B - Pistol Testing Protocols.pdf

TESTING PROTOCOLS – FULL SIZE AND COMPACT PISTOLS

Conditions:

Three (3) pistols in each size requested (full-size and compact, as defined in the solicitation) will be submitted for testing from each Offeror. Each weapon will be equipped with three (3) magazines. If either weapon (full-size or compact) does not receive a passing evaluation of the testing criteria identified below, the Offeror will be removed from further consideration, as this award will only be made to a single Offeror.

Pistols, whether full size or compact, will be cleaned and lubricated with either Hoppe’s Famous No. 9 Powder Solvent or with Lucas Duty Gun Oil prior to testing.

The ammunition used for all testing purposes will be service ammunition (Federal HST 124 gr. P9HST1S), and training ammunition (Federal Syntech 124 gr. AE9SJ2). All pistols submitted for testing will be tested using each type of ammunition. A passing score must be received with each type of ammunition (in order to…). Veterans Affairs (VA) will provide all ammunition required for testing purposes.

Velocity will be determined using a Competition Electronics ProChrono Digital Chronograph. The chronograph will be positioned with its center 10’ (feet) from the muzzle of the pistol. The average of five (5) five-shot groups will be utilized for each pistol, which will be recorded for record.

Testing will be conducted in succession. If a pistol does not pass any of the “pass/fail” criteria, it will not be evaluated further.

Testing Criteria Given the above conditions, all pistols (both full size and compact) will be subjected to the same testing protocol set forth below.

1. Velocity Evaluation – Pass/Fail

The velocity measurement (as calculated above) must be equal to or greater than 1109 feet per second (FPS) for the full size model.

The velocity measurement (as calculated above) must be equal to or greater than 1109 feet per second (FPS) for the compact model.

2. Accuracy Assessment Training Ammunition – Pass/Fail

Each pistol submitted for testing will be fired from a Pistol Rest to ensure stability during testing. The ammunition used will be training ammunition (Federal Syntech 124 gr.

AE9SJ2). The distance will be 25 yards for both the full size and the compact model.

Each will fire five (5) five-shot groups. The resulting best four (4) groupings will be used for record. Each of the four (4) remaining shot groups will be measured. When averaged, this measurement must be equal to or smaller than 5.00” (inches) in diameter.

3. Parts Interchangeability – Pass/Fail

Each pistol must have the ability to have the barrel and the slide swapped with another of the same class (size), same manufacturer and function successfully. Then, when returned to its original state (original barrel/original slide), again function successfully.

This is defined as the ability to fire all rounds from a fully-loaded magazine (same manufacturer) after the parts have been swapped, and then again, when swapped back.

Any pistol that cannot fire all rounds as designed, and the stoppage is attributed to a lack of parts interchangeability, shall be deemed to have failed this test.

4. Accuracy Assessment Service Ammunition – Scored

Each pistol submitted for testing will be fired from a Pistol Rest to ensure stability during testing. The ammunition used will service ammunition (Federal HST 124 gr. P9HST1S).

The distance will be 25 yards for both the full size and the compact model.

Each will fire five (5) five-shot groups. The resulting best four (4) groupings will be used for record. Each of the four (4) remaining shot groups will be measured. When averaged, this measurement must be equal to or smaller than 4.00” (inches) in diameter. Scoring will be incrementally higher or lower based on accuracy, with higher points awarded to smaller diameter shot groups as follows:

• (1) 0 – 2.00” = 10 points

• (2) 2.01 – 2.50” = 9 points

• (3) 2.51 – 3.00” = 8 points

• (4) 3.01 – 3.50” = 6 points

• (5) 3.51 – 4.00” = 4 points

• (6) > 4.00” = Elimination from further testing

5. Pistol Drop Test – Scored

Each pistol from an Offeror will be tested. Each pistol will be loaded with a “round in the chamber” and a fully loaded magazine inserted. It will then be dropped from a height of 48” (inches) onto a smooth concrete surface. This will be done from each of the following positions:

• Muzzle down

• Muzzle up

• Sights down

• Magazine down

• Right side down

• Left side down

Following the sixth drop, the magazine disconnect/safety will be tested in the following manner: The magazine will be removed from the firearm, and the trigger engaged. If the weapon fires, this will constitute a failure, and the Offeror will be removed from consideration. If the weapon does not fire, testing will then resume. The magazine will be replaced into the weapon and an attempt will be made to fire the weapon. If the weapon does not fire all rounds remaining in the magazine (with the exception of rounds lost due to immediate action drills), this will constitute a failure. No more than one immediate action drill is allowed. If the immediate action drill fails to restore function, it will constitute a failure. Part breakage is not an automatic failure, testing may continue.

If the magazine become dislodged, or breaks, it will first be re-inserted, and if unsuccessful, the second magazine will be used. In the event the second magazine breaks, or does not function, the weapon will be removed from testing, and deemed a failure. Scoring will be based on the number of rounds successfully fired, and the number of immediate action drills required during testing, as indicated below:

• All rounds successfully fire – 10 points

• Level One Immediate Action Drill – deduction of 4 points

• Level Two Immediate Action Drill – deduction of 6 points

6. Magazine Drop Test – Scored

Three (3) magazines from each pistol will be loaded to capacity using service ammunition (Federal HST 124 gr. P9HST1S), with the exception of the final round, which will be inert. The magazines will then be dropped from a height of 48” (inches) onto smooth concrete. The magazine will dropped first onto the floor plate, and then again onto the feed lips. Afterward, each of the three magazines will be returned to the weapon, the inert cartridge manually ejected, and then an attempt will be made, to fire all rounds in the magazine. This will be done for each of the three (3) magazines. No more than one immediate action drill is allowed. If the immediate action drill fails to restore function, it will constitute a failure. At least two (2) of the three (3) magazines must pass this test to receive further consideration. If at least two do not pass, the Offeror will receive no further consideration.

• All rounds successfully fire – 10 points

• Level One Immediate Action Drill – deduction of 4 points

• Level Two Immediate Action Drill – deduction of 6 points