Airmen from the 423rd Security Forces Squadron test M18 SIG Sauer Modular Handgun System
Airmen from the 423rd Security Forces Squadron, @501CSW, were introduced to the M18 SIG Sauer Modular Handgun. USAFE-AFAFRICA covers USAF Airmen and military assets including aircraft and weapon systems, and NATO and DoD national defense and humanitarian aid operations.
The M18 replaces the M9 Beretta, which has been in use for more than 30 years. This new weapons system is also projected to replace the M11-A1 Compact used by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the U.S. Army M15 General Officer pistol used for military working dog training.
The modular design of the M18 provides improved ergonomics, target acquisition, reliability and durability to increase shooter lethality.
A key benefit of the M18 is that it can be customized to individual shooters with small, medium or large handgrips.
“The Air Force bought the M9s back in the 1980s, and the design has not really changed since then,” said Merrill Adkison, Small Arms Program Office senior logistics manager. “M9s are larger, heavier, all-metal pistols; whereas M18s are lighter polymer pistols with a more consistent trigger pull and adjustable grips for large and small hands.”
The new M18 costs the Air Force about one-third of what it would cost to buy an M9 today.
From articles By Vicki Stein, Brian Brackens, SrA Eugene Oliver
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