"To compete, U.S. companies must come up with something that is extraordinary."
I guess extraordinary is in the eye of the beholder, but.... I was in a couple gun shops yesterday and couldn't resist coming home with a Kel Tec P11. Here is a 9mm that is the size of most .380s. Light weight, small, and very powerful for it's size. I don't know of any other 9mms this small or smaller. This is certainly less massive than anything Glock had to offer. It is smaller than the Sig .380....... Oh, and it is Made in USA. If it functions like everyone has said it will, it is extraordinary. I also agree with the guy that said, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. One of the main reasons for new gun designs is to sell another gun. Many of these so called improved features are marketing gimmicks. Many of these so called improvements are also designed to make up for lack of skill by the operator. Double Action serves a couple purposes. It makes it easier for the non-skilled operator to fire because they don't have to remember to take off the safety; and it makes it safer for the non skilled operator because they don't have to remember to put the safety on. That is an improvement ? Large capacity magazines are certainly an advantage for those that can't shoot and miss a lot. Of course we also need smaller calibers because we don't want anything to hurt or tender little city hands.
"We learned that the Germans had superior weapons in every respect and still do for that matter. "
Really ? Like what ? The Luger/P38 was better than the 1911 ? I don't think so, I doubt if very many people would agree with that either. The M98 Mauser was better than the '03 Springfield ? I would say it certainly was as good, but I would love to know why it was better. I could go on with this but let me just sum it up; BS
Forign cars better than American cars ? I don't think there are any American cars. If you look into it, the parts or assembly was done outside the US in most cases. I bought an American pickup. My Dodge was made in Mexico. Of course the dealer that sold it to you and the mechanics that work on it (even if that mechanic is you) are all lazy Americans with no work ethic ? If you really believe this about Americans, keep in mind that you are talking about yourself and your children. If that is the case then it is your fault. Of course it would be easy to just say it is always someone else, but as they say, a fox smells it's own hole first. America leads the world in quality manufacturing, technology, you name it. The only thing lacking in American industry and business is cheap labor. Would you feel more comfortable with a product assembled by an American or someone living in a cardboard box ?