What pistol does the U.S. Army use? The U.S. Army has a long history of equipping its soldiers with reliable side arms. 

As a tool for close-quarters combat, the choice of pistol for the U.S. Army is a decision not taken lightly. 

With rigorous testing and evaluation, the Army has carefully selected a sidearm that embodies reliability, accuracy, and adaptability. But which one is currently in use?

Well, that’s what we’ll be discussing today. We’ll examine the U.S. Army’s pistol of choice and explore its features, performance, and why it was selected. 

Whether you’re a gun enthusiast or simply curious about military equipment, this article will provide the answers you seek. 

What Pistol Does the U.S. Army Use?

The U.S. Army uses the SIG Sauer M18 and M17 pistols. These handguns won the XM17 Modular Handgun System competition in January 2017. 

The M18 is the smaller-sized carry model, while M17 is the full sized model. They replaced the M9 and were planned to be issued to all Army units within a decade. 

Other branches of the U.S. military also intend to adopt them, with procurement plans totaling over 421,000 weapons.

More Information On SIG Sauer M17 American 9mm Semi-Automatic Pistol

The table below summarizes all the features and specifications of the SIG Saucer M17

Modular Handgun System Competition

When strategizing for a new handgun for the Army, they wanted to use a pre-existing model that met the XM17 acquirement criteria. 

SIG Sauer modified the P320 and entered it into the XM17 Modular Handgun System competition. 

Some of the modifications that were made include;

1. The slide was designed with a cutout to easily attach a reflex sight, a feature borrowed from the R.X. Series.
2. Included an indicator to show when the chamber is loaded.
3. Featured an upgraded slide sub-assembly that effectively captures small components during disassembly.
4. It was equipped with an ambidextrous thumb safety for enhanced user convenience.
5. Steel components would be treated with a physical vapor deposition for enhanced durability.
6. To use spanner screws in lieu of standard screws to deter disassembly by non-armorer individuals.

7. Incorporated an enhanced trigger with a “mud flap” to prevent foreign debris from interfering with the pistol’s action.
8. The full-size M17 barrel length was designed to be 120 mm (4.7 in).
9. The carry-size M18 variant barrel length was designed to be 98 mm (3.9 in).
10. Designed with a standard 17-round magazine, with an optional 21-round extended magazine available for increased capacity.
11. Chambered specifically in 9mm NATO, precluding the adoption of alternative calibers or frames due to the frame’s chassis spanner screw.

The SIG Sauer Won the Contract

The U.S. Army declared the SIG Sauer P320 MHS as the victor in the military’s Modular Handgun System evaluation on 19th January 2017.

It was renamed the M18 (Carry) and M17 (Full-Size) for the United States military service. The latter offered tighter dispersion,  improved accuracy and ergonomics compared to the Beretta M9. 

It was widely issued, including to squad and fire team leaders. Special operations forces and infantry junior leaders were also equipped with pistols and rifles. 

By May 2017, the 101st Airborne Division was slated to receive the M17. All Armed Forces also intended to adopt the handgun as a standard issue. 

Plans included procuring around 421,000 weapons and distributing them across branches. The Army focused on the M17, while the Navy and Air Force chose the M18. 

The Marine Corps opted for the M18, replacing several pistol models in 2019. Previously, other services primarily used the M9A1 and Beretta M9.

But the Corps also transitioned from the M007 and M45A1 to the M18. The Marines started M18 deployment in 2020. 

Initially, the United States Coast Guard intended to acquire the M17/18, but in Sept. 2020, they went for Glock 19 Gen 5 MOS pistols. 

SIG Sauer marked a milestone in Nov.  2019, delivering the 100,000th M18/M17 pistol to the military.

Standard Issue U.S. Army Sidearm Since the Revolution

What’s the Difference Between the M17 and M18?

The main contrasts between the M17 and M18 lie in their size and grip modules. The M17 features a full-size grip module, whereas the M18 sports a compact one. 

Moreover, the M18 includes manual safety, unlike the M17. Both models share a modular design, enabling simple customization and versatility.

M17 Pistol Available for Civilian Purchase

The SIG P320, available to civilians since 2014, gained immediate popularity. The military version, M17, was eagerly anticipated and released to the public, catering to collectors and handgun enthusiasts alike.

SIG’s innovation with the Fire Control Unit (FCU) chassis system in the P320 revolutionized the handgun market. 

This system allows easy customization without requiring background checks or transfers for most parts, contributing to the P320’s success.

SIG currently offers 25 factory models of the P320, including the military-inspired M17 and M18. 

The platform’s configurability, enhanced by aftermarket components and a unique Concierge Service, continues to attract users seeking a personalized handgun experience.

While the M17’s future with the U.S. military is uncertain, the P320’s popularity endures. As long as the military and NATO favor the 9mm, the M17 and M18 are likely to remain prominent in the firearm landscape.

Why Did the Army Choose SIG Sauer?

The military chose SIG Sauer because they specifically sought a “modular” firearm, a criterion only met by SIG. 

Despite Glock’s offering being more expensive, the military required modularity to suit a broad range of personnel. Additionally, the firearm had to feature an ambidextrous thumb safety, which Glock lacked.

An often-overlooked aspect of the requirement was that the chosen manufacturer had to provide ammunition specifically for the firearm to enhance accuracy. 

While some companies partnered with ammo manufacturers, SIG was the sole company with the in-house capacity to produce both the firearm and the ammunition.

The Department of Defense (DOD) proposal request seemed tailored for SIG Sauer. None of the other contenders possessed the native ability to supply both the firearm and the ammo. 

Some people believe there was a preference for SIG. Potentially influenced by familiarity with their innovative firearm. 

Which led to a deliberate framing of the bid request to align with SIG’s capabilities. But they all remain to be rumors and speculations.

Conclusion

What pistol does the U.S. Army use? The U.S. Army uses the SIG Sauer M17 and M18 pistols as their preferred side arms. 

These handguns were chosen as winners of the XM17 Modular Handgun System competition in 2017. The M17 is the full-sized model, while the M18 is the smaller-sized carry model.

They have replaced the M9 and will be issued to all Army units within a decade. The SIG Sauer pistols are praised for their reliability, accuracy, and adaptability, making them ideal for close-quarters combat. 

With procurement plans totaling over 421,000 weapons, other branches of the U.S. military also intend to adopt them.