Russians will Adopt 9x19 mm Handgun

The Firearms Blog is reporting that the Russians are planning on adopting a new caliber and new handgun to replace the Makarov. The adoption of a high capacity auto with accessory rails doesn't surprise me. However, the adoption of the 9 mm Parabellum--the same round as used by NATO and the U.S.--does. However, it probably should be interpreted as a belated acknowledgment that 9x19mm is the most widely used combat pistol round in the world, and found almost everywhere.

In a happy world, this would result in seeing Russian Makarovs and 9x18mm ammunition showing up in the surplus firearms market. I'm not holding my breath, though.