Following the tragic death of an airman at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, the Air Force Global Strike Command has suspended all use of the Sig Sauer M18 pistol. The decision comes amid ongoing investigations and growing scrutiny surrounding the P320 platform’s safety record.
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CHEYENNE, WY (3-minute read) — The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command has temporarily removed all Sig Sauer M18 pistols from operational use following the death of an active-duty airman stationed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming on July 20.
The airman, whose identity has not been released, was a member of the 90th Security Forces Squadron. Officials confirmed the death but withheld further details while investigations are ongoing. The Air Force Office of Special Investigations and internal safety teams are now examining the incident, with a focus on the M18 pistol involved.
A leaked memo dated July 21 confirmed that the M18 has been sidelined “for all operational and training activities” until further notice. During the suspension, M-4 rifles will temporarily replace the M18s in use. Additionally, the memo mandates thorough inspections of every M18 firearm assigned to units within the 90th Missile Wing.
Charles Hoffman, spokesperson for AFGSC, confirmed the authenticity of the memo, stating that the suspension is a precautionary measure “to ensure the safety and security of our personnel.”
The M18 is the compact variant of the Sig Sauer P320, a modular striker-fired pistol adopted by the U.S. military in 2017. Despite its official status as a standard sidearm across military branches, the P320 has long been the subject of controversy. Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Sig Sauer, alleging unintentional discharges and faulty design, concerns the company firmly denies.
“The P320 cannot discharge without a trigger pull — that is a fact,” Sig Sauer stated in March. “The allegations against the P320 are nothing more than individuals seeking to profit or avoid personal responsibility.”
Nonetheless, growing apprehension around the P320 design has led several law enforcement agencies, including departments in Dallas, Milwaukee, and Philadelphia, to discontinue use of the firearm. Washington State’s training commission banned the pistol entirely, and in July, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued a directive to replace all P320 models with GLOCK 19 MOS pistols.
Growing Pressure on the P320 Platform
While the current investigation has not confirmed whether the M18 malfunctioned in the airman’s death, the scrutiny adds pressure to Sig Sauer and its controversial P320 platform. Many gun owners and law enforcement agencies have debated its safety for years. For concealed carriers, it’s a reminder that even widely issued military firearms can be subject to reliability concerns.
As the investigation continues, the Air Force’s move to suspend the M18 sends a clear message: when it comes to safety, caution takes priority.
Safety Tip: Always perform regular function checks and follow all manufacturer guidelines for maintenance and inspection. Even modern firearms can experience issues if neglected or modified improperly.
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