Domestic firms dominated a handgun procurement bid launched by the General Directorate of Security (EGM). Brands Sarsılmaz and Yavuz 16 battled it out at the bidding stage, with Sarsılmaz undercutting Yavuz 16 and winning the tender.The only foreigner, Italy-based Baretta, failed the testing stage for the 20,000-handgun procurement deal. EGM launched a tender for the provision of handguns to newly graduated police officers and chiefs. The value of the bid was around $8 million. Three domestic firms -- Sarsılmaz, Yavuz 16, Trabzon Weapon Inc. (TİSAŞ) -- and foreign firm Baretta participated in the tender.
The guns were tested by the EGM, with the effects of hot and cold examined first. Then the guns’ resistance to damage and saltwater were tested. Finally 5,000 rounds were fired off to examine the guns longevity. The Yavuz 16 and Sarsılmaz models passed testing, and Sarsılmaz offered the lowest price. Last year Yavuz 16 won a tender for the procurement of 12,000 handguns. The EGM paid $400 for each gun, marking the first time police officers began to use domestically manufactured handguns. In 2001 40,000 handguns were purchased from Baretta for $190 each; previously, the guns were purchased from Czech-based CZ for $258 each. Security officials said that domestic weaponry firms have been on the rise in recent years, noting that the guns produced by Sarsılmaz, Yavuz 16 and TİSAŞ were better than those from many foreign firms. EGM sources noted that the quality test for the guns were stringent and their results valid worldwide.
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