Army begins distributing new standard pistols

(RNN) – The 101st Airborne is the first unit to receive the M17 and M18 pistols that will become the standard sidearm for the U.S. Army. The new pistol will replace the M9 Beretta, which has been the service’s primary handgun since 1986.

The 101st received more than 2,000 M17s and M18s, some of which have been unpacked and test-fired since their delivery late last month.

Selected soldiers fired the weapons straight out of the box and turned in glowing reviews.

“It is easier to fire and simpler to operate,” said Sgt. Matthew J. Marsh, a member of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, comparing the new pistol to the M9. “The pistol felt very natural in my hand. I am excited to take my experience back to my unit and share it with my soldiers.”

The Army calls the new weapons its Modular Handgun System (MHS). The military pistols are a variation of the Sig Sauer P320. The M18 is a smaller, more compact version of the M17.

All Army units will replace the M9 with the M17 over the next 10 years. The Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force are expected to follow suit.

The new pistols will fire 9mm rounds, just like the Beretta. But they can be easily modified to change caliber, size and fit based on the requirements of a specific mission.The military pistols have an external safety and integrated rail that enables the attachment of light and laser systems, as well as self-illuminating night sights that maintains combat effectiveness in all lighting situations. The pistol can also accept a sound suppressor.

Sig Sauer won a $580 million, 10-year contract to manufacture about 195,000 pistols for the Army. They will be produced at the company’s manufacturing facilities in New Hampshire, Sig Sauer said in a news release.

Copyright 2017 Raycom News Network. All rights reserved.

Local News

Imagine Thomasville celebrates ribbon cutting for the Army Recruiting Station

Local News

First Commerce’s Barbara Williams-Anderson named Imagine Thomasville’s Woman of the Year

Local News

Two new bronze sculptures unveiled in Downtown Thomasville

Education

Valdosta State University announces Fall 2024 graduates

Education

The Warrior dedicated to Ramsey

Education

Dining for Education Scholarship event sets new record

Education

Thomasville City Schools introduces Bulldog +1 Program

Education

CHS named Region 1-AAA Literary Champions

Local News

City to host stormwater utility public information session

Local News

Thomasville Chapter DAR features program by Thomasville History Center Executive Director Anne McCudden

Local News

Incident Reports & Arrests 03-12

Local News

FLOST Referendum early voting wraps up this week

Education

Rotary Club helps fund CyberStingers’ trip to World Championship

Local News

City of Thomasville’s Family Movie Night returns to Ritz on March 15

Local News

Unlocking financial freedom: How to protect and grow your wealth in uncertain times

Local News

Reps. Cannon and Taylor help pass 75 bills on Crossover Day

Local News

Continue to enjoy portable plants in the landscape!

Education

SRTC names Amy Carter Davis Vice President for Economic Development

Education

Second Graders complete 10th Annual “Ikidarod” Relay

Education

Brookwood School earns top honors at Region Literary Competition

Education

Shawn Diaz graduates from Georgia State University

Local News

Senators condemn closure of Thomasville SSA Office

Local News

Simmons, Webb recognized as Rotary Students of the Month

Local News

Thomasville Fire & Rescue trains at The Mitchell House