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. Read our affiliate policy. Find out more about how we test products. 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.” Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. 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.
