The US Air Force Global Strike Command has temporarily stopped using the M18 pistol following the death of a Security Forces airman at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming this past Sunday.
In a statement released Monday, the command called it a “tragic incident” and said the pause will remain “until further notice” as officials look into any potential safety issues with the weapon.
The airman, whose name hasn’t been released, was a member of the 90th Security Forces Squadron. Details around the death haven’t been shared, but the base said it was an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public.
The M18 is a military-issued version of the Sig Sauer P320, a handgun that’s faced multiple lawsuits over claims it can fire without anyone pulling the trigger. Sig Sauer denies the gun is defective and blames the incidents on user error, though some lawsuits have already moved forward.
The company did issue a voluntary upgrade in 2017 to adjust the trigger and internal mechanics after early complaints, but legal challenges have continued — especially from law enforcement officers who say the issue remains.
Right now, this pistol pause only affects Global Strike Command, which includes over 33,000 Airmen and civilian personnel. Other parts of the Air Force and US military haven’t suspended use of the M18 — which, according to Sig Sauer, is now the official sidearm across all military branches.
Meanwhile, combat arms instructors at all Global Strike bases will be doing full inspections of every M18 to check for any immediate safety issues.
Sig Sauer posted a statement on Facebook saying:
“Our hearts are with the service members and families impacted by the recent reported event at F.E. Warren Air Force Base.”
The gunmaker also said it has offered to help the Air Force with its investigation.
This incident is putting more scrutiny on Sig Sauer’s pistols. Since 2022, nearly 80 plaintiffs in multiple lawsuits have accused the company of negligence and unsafe design — some saying the lack of a mandatory external safety makes the gun inherently risky.
Earlier this year, Washington State banned the P320, M17, and M18 from police training use after a recruit reported an accidental discharge while drawing his holstered weapon.
Despite the controversy, Michigan State Police just announced they’re adopting the M18 as their new standard-issue sidearm.
The Air Force Office of Special Investigations is leading the investigation into the Wyoming death. Legal battles against Sig Sauer continue — including one high-profile wrongful death case.
New Hampshire just passed a law shielding gunmakers like Sig Sauer from certain liability claims, but it’s unclear how much protection it’ll offer in these pending suits.
The original story by Clair McFarland for Cowboy State Daily.
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