SIG SAUER announced that the United States Army was now issuing the M17 and M18 pistols to combat troops. The first to receive the new pistols is the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st ABN DIV (AASLT) in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

The new M17 and M18 pistols are variants of the striker-fired P320 pistol made by SIG SAUER. These new pistols are expected to replace all of the Beretta M9 pistols that are currently in service with the US Army. This replacement process will take up to 10 years to complete.

These pistols are equipped with an external safety that can be operated with the thumb and night sights. One of the differences between the M17/M18 and the standard P320 is the rear sight mounting plate. The M17/M18 have a protective plate that the rear sight is mounted to. This plate can be removed for the attachment of a Leupold DeltaPoint Pro optic.

It was previously announced that the first M17/M18 pistols would be fielded before the end of the year.

“The world has changed since the strength and resilience of this division was forged during the maelstrom of World War II,” said Maj. Gen. Andrew P. Poppas, 101st ABN DIV (AASLT) commander. “In order to maintain our decisive edge, we must continue to outpace our potential adversaries with more lethal capabilities, from the modular handgun system we fielded today to the innovative and adaptive air assault concepts, equipment and training the 101st continues to perfect.”