[kgoerz]

Nearly 80 percent of Soldiers said in a recent survey they are satisfied with their weapons, though almost half recommended a replacement for the standard-issued M9 pistol or ammunition with more stopping power.

These blanket surveys tell me little. One, who are they asking. I know it says Soldiers returning from a combat zone. Thats a lot of people. If they were to ask drivers what type of car stereo system is best. They usually ask drivers who listen to music a lot, not every driver. Two, the majority of Soldiers in our Army are not Ballistics or weapons experts. Three, Combat doesn't make you a Ballistics or weapons expert. I hope the survey was more detailed and the article just reflects an overview. It's interesting.

A full 20 percent of M9 users said they wanted a new weapon, and "some were more specific and requested a return to the Colt .45 for standard issue pistols," including others who asked for hollow-point ammo

For example, what constitutes an M9 user? With all the .45 caliber pistols available today with, high cap Mags, user friendly and more likely to function when dirty. Then asking for the return of the 1911 tells us that our Soldiers are not Weapons experts. Not saying their input shouldn't be taken into consideration.
Have there been a lot of gun fights involving soldiers using just their M9? To document and compile good data. In a 2003 conference a speaker told us. The number of cases they knew about then was in the teens. I'm sure it's higher today. That would be interesting to see.

"Accessory attachments had a significant impact on reported stoppages," the report said. "Those who attached accessories to their weapon were more likely to experience stoppages, regardless of how the accessories were attached."

I haven't seen a Weapon without an accessory since the beginning of OIF. Also accessories make weapons heavier. Making them more likely to being dropped, banged against objects or placed on the ground instead of held.
IMO these factors might also contribute to malfunctions. More accessories equal more Weapon to clean, more cleaning time needed. Certain parts are not being cleaned as frequently compared to a stripped Weapon. Weapons with accessories see combat and are used more then a stripped Weapon.

Additionally, nearly 30 percent of Soldiers in the December 2006 survey, conducted on behalf of the Army by the Center for Naval Analysis, said the M4 carbine should be replaced or more deadly ammunition fielded.

"Across weapons, Soldiers have requested weapons and ammunition with more stopping power/lethality," the report said.

I can't speak for everyone, but I always want a better tool.