Guns U.S. Army Takes Sig Sauer M17/M18 For Test Drive Industry News November 30, 2017 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Written by Jacki Billings Sig Sauer’s M17 and M18 Modular Handgun System got its first field test Wednesday as soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division took to the range to test out the new pistols. The 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st ABN DIV (AASLT), did the honors of breaking in the MHS guns at Fort Cambell, Kentucky under the supervision of Col. Derek K. Thomson. “What a great day,” Thomson said. “To witness modernization firsthand as my soldiers became the first in the Army and this storied division to fire the new pistol is an absolute honor.” The M17 and M18 are both variants on Sig’s P320 but with a few upgrades. The MHS pistols come with an external safety, integrated Picatinny rail for lights and lasers, as well as self-illuminating night sights. Topping off the aesthetics, the M17 and M18 both readily accept suppressors. The differences between the M17 and M18 are the barrel and slide lengths. The M17 is purposed as a full-sized pistol, while the M18 is the compact version. Soldier Systems Daily gives a rundown of what's in the box, including three frames for each handgun. The Army will roll out Sig Sauer handguns over the next 10 years, eventually phasing out the Army’s past MHS model the M9 pistol. The Beretta M9 served as the Army’s sidearm of choice for over 30 years. “That's pretty dated technology,” said Lt. Col. Steven Power, Project Manager Soldier Weapons, individual weapons product manager. “The specific performance improvements of the MHS over the M9 include better accuracy, tighter dispersion, and better ergonomics, which when combined, result in a far more lethal pistol.” Sig Sauer faced stiff competition during the MHS selection process, battling heavy hitters Glock, Beretta, and Smith & Wesson for the contract. “We are both humbled and proud that the P320 was selected by the U.S. Army as its weapon of choice,” Sig Sauer’s President and CEO Rob Cohen said. “Securing this contract is a testimony to Sig Sauer's employees and their commitment to innovation, quality and manufacturing the most accurate and reliable firearms in the world.” Explore RECOILweb:Medal of Honor: Warfighter E3 Trailer[Old School] Sauer 38H: Early German InnovationTactical Electronics Under Door CameraVetrepreneurs: Brethren Armament, "No Greater Bond" NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.