What is the Current Military Pistol?
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The current primary military pistol of the United States Armed Forces is the SIG Sauer M17 (full-size) and M18 (compact). These service pistols are derived from the SIG Sauer P320 platform and have replaced the Beretta M9 as the standard sidearm. The adoption of the M17 and M18 marks a significant shift in military sidearms, introducing modularity and advanced features into the standard issue handguns. Both the M17 and M18 share a common removable trigger module, allowing for customization with various grips, barrels, and slides. They represent a modernization effort focused on providing troops with more versatile and effective tools. The M17 is used as the full-sized service pistol while the M18 is the shorter, carry-friendly version. The Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force have all adopted the M17 and M18.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What specific model of SIG Sauer is the M17 and M18 based on?
The M17 and M18 are both based on the SIG Sauer P320 platform. The P320 is a modular, striker-fired pistol renowned for its versatility and customizable options. The military variants retain the core design principles but incorporate features specific to military requirements, such as enhanced durability and specific trigger mechanisms.
What caliber are the M17 and M18 pistols chambered in?
Both the M17 and M18 are chambered in 9mm NATO, a standard cartridge used by many military forces worldwide. The M17 9mm NATO Military-Grade ammo is designed to maximize the pistol’s performance. SIG Sauer has also developed their first +P 9mm cartridge specifically for use with the M17, although their standard pressure 9mm loads also perform admirably in these pistols.
Why did the military replace the Beretta M9?
The military replaced the Beretta M9 after 35 years due to a variety of factors. The M9, while a reliable sidearm, was beginning to show its age in comparison to more modern designs. The SIG Sauer P320 platform, which the M17 and M18 are based upon, offers modularity, allowing customization to fit individual needs. Additionally, the M17 and M18 offer improved ergonomics and handling characteristics compared to the M9, which translates into improved performance for the user.
What is the difference between the M17 and M18?
The primary difference between the M17 and M18 lies in their size. The M17 is the full-sized model, while the M18 is the shorter, more compact version. This compact nature of the M18 makes it easier to carry and conceal, especially for personnel who have other gear and equipment to carry. Functionally, they are the same, sharing the same modularity and performance characteristics.
How does the modularity of the M17 and M18 benefit the military?
The modularity of the M17 and M18 provides significant benefits by allowing for easy customization. With the removable trigger module, personnel can swap out different frames (grips), barrels, and slides to adapt to various mission requirements and personal preferences. This flexibility allows for one pistol to be effectively used by multiple individuals or in a variety of conditions, reducing overall maintenance and training needs.
What other handguns do specific military units use?
While the M17 and M18 are now the standard, certain special operations forces still employ other handguns. Notably, the Glock 19 has been adopted by various units, including Navy SEALs (Mk27), Delta Force, and Army Special Forces. The SIG Sauer P226 was previously the primary handgun of the SEALs, and the CIA also favors the Glock 19, although operatives have access to a wider range of calibers.
Why do some special forces prefer the Glock 19 over the M17/M18?
The Glock 19’s popularity among special forces units like the Navy SEALs stems from several factors. Its slightly smaller and lighter design makes it easier to carry alongside other mission equipment. Also, the Glock 19 has a proven track record of reliability and simple operation. The Glock 19 is not considered a compact platform, but a mid-sized platform. This balances accuracy and concealability.
What kind of ammunition does the military use with the M17/M18?
The primary ammunition used with the M17 and M18 is the 9mm NATO round. As mentioned previously, SIG Sauer also produces a specific M17 9mm NATO Military-Grade ammo designed for optimized performance with the pistols. Standard 9mm loads also work very well in the firearms.
Is the Glock 34 better than the Glock 17?
The Glock 34 is generally considered better than the Glock 17 for accuracy, primarily due to its longer barrel and slide. The Glock 34 has a nominal radius of 7.52 inches while the Glock 17 is 6.46 inches. Although the difference seems small, it leads to noticeable improved accuracy, particularly preferred in shooting competitions. The Glock 17 is the standard model in the Glock lineup, while the Glock 34 is a competition-focused design.
What is the FN Five-Seven and is it used by the military?
The FN Five-Seven is a handgun known for its 5.7x28mm caliber, high velocity, low recoil, and accuracy. Although it’s not the standard sidearm for the US military, it is used by some international military and law enforcement agencies, like the U.S. Secret Service and the French National Gendarmerie. Its unique features, combined with its higher cost, make it a popular choice for specialized applications, and it is available for civilian purchase as well.
What kind of 9mm ammunition does the FBI use?
The FBI uses Hornady Critical Duty® 9mm+P 135 gr FTX pistol ammunition as its contracted service ammunition. This ammunition is noted for its Hornady® Flex Tip® bullet, designed to prevent clogging and ensure consistent expansion upon impact. The FBI’s shift to 9mm was based on the enhanced terminal performance of modern 9mm rounds with high capacity.
Do Special Forces use 9mm or .45 caliber pistols?
While some may believe that U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) have returned to using .45 caliber pistols, the reality is that most SOF units primarily use 9mm pistols. There have been instances of .45 caliber pistols being used, but 9mm is the predominant caliber for most special operations.
Are Navy SEALs allowed to keep their issued firearms?
No, Navy SEALs are not allowed to keep their issued firearms. All weapons and attachments are the property of the U.S. Government. Any attempt to remove or keep such items can result in prosecution in a military court.
Why is the Glock not as popular for military use?
The primary reason that Glocks are not the standard issue pistol for the U.S. military is the lack of an external safety. The standard Glock only has a trigger safety. It is a lever mounted in a slot in the trigger. That means if you brush the trigger, the safety will be activated, causing a round to go downrange. This has been cited as a potential safety concern for military applications.
What sidearm does LAPD SWAT use?
The LAPD SWAT team uses the Kimber Custom II .45 ACP pistol. This elite group of law enforcement officers chooses this .45 caliber weapon, demonstrating a preference for a higher caliber sidearm in specialized roles.
This concludes the overview of the current U.S. military pistol, alongside comprehensive FAQs related to current and historical sidearms used by military and law enforcement agencies.