SIG M18: New USMC Service Pistol (and Little Brother of the M17)

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The SIG 320 was adopted by the US Army as its new M17 full-size service pistol, but that was only have of the Modular Handgun System. The other half was the M18, a compact version of the same pistol, with a 3.9" barrel (compared to the 4.7" barrel of the M17). The Army did also adopt the M18 for MP and CID personnel, but the other service branches chose to go with the M18 as their standard sidearms. Notably, this includes the Marines, who will be using the M18 to replace the M9, M9A1, M007 (Glock 19M) and M45A1 (1911).
Being a highly modular design, the M18 uses the same basic fire control module as the M17, as well as the same magazines. The slide and grip module are shorter to match the shorter barrel, and multiple different sizes of grip module are available to reasonably fit anyone between the 5th and 95th percentile of hand size.
While the initial batch of M17s were made with tan controls and subsequently returned and sold on the civilian market, no M18s appear to have been returned from service. However, SIG continues to run the military M18 production line making "contract overrun" pistols exactly to military specification, and that is what we are looking at in today's video. These have TC serial number prefixes, along with other military features:
Single-screw optics plates
Braided recoil springs
Tool-based takedown
Military slide markings
Contact:
Forgotten Weapons
6281 N. Oracle 36270
Tucson, AZ 85740

[@ForgottenWeapons]

THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO WIN! go.getenteredtowin.com/forgottenweapons DEADLINE to ENTER is TONIGHT 04/28/23 @ 11:59pm (PST).

[@beefmaster3196]

I'm french so if i win i'm pretty sure i'd go to slammer for illegal weapon. I shan't participate but i appreciate it

[@frisk3320]

@@beefmaster3196 dude go for it good luck

[@beefmaster3196]

@@frisk3320 lmao I'm pretty sure they wouldn't pop a pistol in a box and send it over the mail

[@oldesertguy9616]

I live in Commifornia. I'm retired law enforcement but can't purchase off-roster guns. I really need to move.

[@verrueckteriwan]

Does the Weapon, packaging or something else with an autograph of Ian Mccollum? :D (not that I can enter, I am living in the worng part of the world for that :( )

[@xpreame3406]

I spent many years in military logistics and seriously doubt that your will ever see the modularity of the system used.

[@FowCowMow]

We've seen it pretty much every time a military adopts a "modular" system, with a few exceptions

[@richhardie6897]

Only when the 92Y, through no fault of his or her own, inevitably requisitions the wrong NSN and the armorer has to kludge them together

[@rubiconnn]

I wonder who in the military command suggested that "add on feature" to line the pockets of the contractor. Along with the need to use very specific ammo lol.

[@stevenbobbybills]

​@@Conan361 ahh, bureaucracy.

[@sladeoriginal]

Agreed. Modularity is dumb.

[@Chlorate299]

"What kind of idiot is going to leave the gun loaded and pull the trigger when they go to disassemble it" - clearly these people have not met soldiers.

[@fredbecker607]

Or cops, or civilians....

[@resolute123]

For all the perception people have of the military, not all are trigger pullers, and even less train with pistols or even issued to trigger pullers. Field grades, First Sergeants and above, aviation units, and even tank commanders are issue pistols, but how of them actually practice with pistols? I was taught the stupid tea cup method and shot the M9 only a handful of times. It wasn't till I got out the military did I really started to understand firearms including pistols.

[@grammar_shark]

@@resolute123*issued

[@Dan-56]

The true “Forgotten Weapon” is the predecessor to this series of pistols, the SIG P250. It was a hammer type DA only using a similar fire control group. Available in subcompact, compact, and full size, with three grips for each size in small, medium, and large. It was available in all the different sizes in 9mm, .40 S&W, .357SIG, and .45ACP. After the initial purchase from your FFL you could order different size and caliber “kits” direct from SIG. The .22lr was only sold as a complete pistol.

[@KingPhilipsRideshare]

A SHAME that’s not THE go to pistol for the loser states like CA MA.. it’s like a 15 round k frame it was beautiful

[@theodoreheintz7891]

There was also a p250 in 380 auto that was a locked breach like 12 or 15 round 380 if I recall.

[@TheBulap]

Always did find those kinda interesting. As far as I can recall, they were barely adopted by anybody except the Hong Kong police, and I believe that was mostly just the Triad investigation unit.

[@regularguyprepper2993]

No matter what sig says, they based their 320 on the 250. They turned a 250 into a modular striker fired pistol.

[@theodoreheintz7891]

@@regularguyprepper2993 and they stole the modular chassis system from Steyr.

[@t4nkychannel921]

"What kind of idiot unloads the gun with a round in the chamber?" An 18-year-old who's been in combat/training for 20+ hours with little prior experience with weapons.

[@JD-tn5lz]

Yep. Folks who don't understand or appreciate the effect of fatigue and stress and maybe don't always work under the nicest LED lighting. Plus, simply. That it may be an 18yoa E-1 from Newark taking the handgun apart and he's scared to death of it anyway.

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

Never underestimate the abilities of an E-1 to break their equipment.

[@danielburgess7785]

"with little prior experience with weapons." Or a know it all who is convinced he's the reincarnation of the perfect Marine.

[@engrs4wrd2]

I agree. I've seen "experienced" officers and senior NCOs have NDs because they thought that they had cleared their weapons. Add in fatigue and/or inexperience, and you have a recipe for it to happen.

[@leonardwei3914]

It's not just some 18 year old, E-1. Not to cast dispersion against my Polish Brother in Arms, but one of their officers discharged a round (luckily into the clearing barrel) before entering our TOC years ago when I was in Iraq. It just so happened a few weeks prior, one of our guys came off of guard duty as they arrived, shaking his head and asking out loud "Have you ever seen their officers clear a pistol? It's a s-show."

[@idontcare-ct7jm]

The Army never even told Veterans that the M9s mag release is reversible.

[@PrezVeto]

Would seem kinda cruel to tell em only after they'd left service, after all. 🤭 Better they just never knew.

[@andrewspohrer7183]

They never told the unit armorers either, hahah

[@acemace3618]

Turns out Beretta didn't even know either, their engineers never told them

[@kiloalphasierra]

@@acemace3618it’s mentioned in either the M9 field or maintenance manual and all the Beretta 92 users manuals I’ve seen. If I remember correctly reversing the mag catch is a USCG authorized modification only.

[@bobbertbobberson6725]

Then you had a shitty armorer then. The company level armorer is taught how to during the armorer course and has the authorization to.

[@coreybenson3122]

Love my M17. Have a RMR & Wilson Combat grip module on it. Slick shooting.

[@nomad753]

I have one with a Wilson Combat module too. I swapped it out for a P80 one. The texture on the P80 is better in my opinion . I bought the OD green , and it looks sick with the tan slide .

[@alexmeaney1821]

Just completed my USMC combat marksmanship coaches course with the m18, absolutely loved the gun.

[@The_Assassin_of_The_Gray]

Fun Fact™: It does not matter how many grip sizes are available. The Sergeant Major is going to say *_"ONE_* is all you need, this *_AIN'T_* Burger King where you have it *_YOUR_* way!" Never underestimate the ability of a Senior NCO to meddle in a decision-making process where he *_DOES NOT BELONG_*

[@newdefsys]

He's just making excuses to cover for the CO who redirected that funding to buy new office furniture for his staff.

[@chrissinclair8705]

US military: "Hi SIG we really like your pistol but can you make it for dwarves and wookies?" SIG: "Ahhhh, ok"

[@HalooINC]

It needs to fire from an open bolt as well, in case we get Jerry Miculek in the service and need to cool it down.

[@eight-cloudspurple5871]

Smh my head inclusive wokeness is out of control. We are accepting them now too...😢

[@darthhodges]

"What kind of idiot?". It happened in the parking lot where I work a couple years ago. An employee was showing another employee his Glock and wanted to take it apart to show him the aftermarket upgrades he had made. He didn't clear it properly and when he pulled the trigger (a required step in taking apart a Glock) he put a bullet in his leg. Interestingly I work at an internet retailer that sells, among other things, firearms.

[@3.2Carrera]

My son is in the USMC in the infantry and he inherited my late father's M18 last year. I didn't want to like it with the strange trigger, but in use it was fantastic to shoot in practice. Comfortable like driving a luxury car and super accurate. I was amazed. But I really wanted my son to get the edge when he was on leave for a possible pistol qual and a few weeks ago he earned expert while deployed. We appreciate marksmanship in my family too so we're super proud of this.

[@sunlight-sky151]

Grandpa passing down a polymer striker fired guns sounds weird

[@dawnkeyy]

​@@sunlight-sky151 Right? Makes you remember 80s were over 40 years ago

[@TheWellDweller]

I was a Combat Marksmanship Trainer at Camp Lejeune at the end of my enlistment and was an instructor for Coaches Course, and we were part of the rollout of the M18 at Lejeune which was a really cool experience. One standout issue we had with them was that the single torque screw wasn't good enough to hold the rear sight in place so I had one student firing and suddenly the optics plate and rear sight went flying. According to the armorer we brought over to inspect it wasn't an isolated issue either. Otherwise, from the Marines we taught on the M18 is was received extremely favorably and I certainly preferred it over the M9.

[@OspreyKnight]

Sounds like they just need to ditch the rear sight and fit them all with optics from the get go. Haven't gotten to play with one yet beyond just cleaning but overall I like the feel a lot better than the m9. Also I have tiny hands.

[@sloeginandsleep1170]

That brings back a core memory of my range duty in the British Army. A new qual was firing his Browning (just a few months before the full rollout of the Glock as the new standard sidearm), I walking the line and heard a metallic 'Ping' instantaneously followed with a 'Fu**ing hell Staff Sgt!' Slide failed and smacked him in the face. No injury, but did give him and me a laugh at unintentional firearm dismantling at high speed!

[@superfamilyallosauridae6505]

At the time, I didn't think MHS was a big failure. But now, I really think we should've just selected the glock. A more known quantity does not exist. Sig (mostly due to their president randomly making people delete features AHEM safety features) makes a bunch of rolling changes, has a bunch of random problems on basically any particular 320. They're fine pistols but there's just so much random stuff to worry about. I can't trust any particular 320 I haven't used before. They have several different skus for things that you would think would be universal to all 320s of a given configuration... there's a bunch of tiny differences. It's literally like WW2 German manufacturing. INFINITE ROLLING CHANGES ALL THE TIME

[@mikeschotte9480]

Do you have any stories re: the M45A1? I have a “schoolhouse” decomm from Lejeune. Always wondered how many rounds went through it.

[@TheWellDweller]

@@mikeschotte9480 Coaches Course POI didn't involve M45A1s when I was an instructor, when I went through Combat Marksmanship Trainer's Course we did pull some competition-spec Caspian M1911s (Don't remember the manufacturer) from the armory for basic familiarization though we didn't get to shoot those. The POI for CMT course actually included a class on basic disassembly and familiarity with every individual small arm in the USMC to include M4/M16A4/M27, M1014, M500, M18, M9, various Glocks (Didn't have any on hand though since those were basically CID-only), and M45A1s (We used the Caspian M1911s as a stand-in since we didn't retain M45s but did have the Caspians for competition shooting at WTBN).

[@andrewspohrer7183]

Some of the M17s have been losing rear sights. Make sure they're tight and don't let your officers mess with them (namely medical providers)

[@great_deception]

Army released a PSA on this recommending loc tite on the screw and updated torque spec, I believe it was published in '21.

[@Ezekiel_Allium]

Wait, why are medical providers messing with handguns in the first place?

[@jason-yi1sl]

Wait medics? Why them?

[@nils-petergustafsson1064]

What

[@FFSteveEMT]

Definitely don’t let MOs (medical officers) mess with their weapons. They get to shoot for qual, then it goes right back in the armory.

[@shanemjn]

I was in the British army when we were still using the Browning hi-power, there were quite a few stories of guys stripping them down, reassembling them and when doing a function check, because of the magazine disconnect, putting the mag in before dropping the slide and firing off a round. I can understand the requirement to be able to remove the slide without pulling the trigger.

[@DuaneThomas1963]

Having spent ten years on active duty in the Army, I can tell you, with absolutely no worries of being wrong, that, while modularity/fit the grip to the user is a nice idea, anyone who goes to their unit armorer - unless they happen to outrank him - and says, "I want a different grip module for my gun," is going to be told, "Shut the fuck up and move out."

[@Callsign_Sam41]

Fun fact, I was the lead instructor in the Marine Corps on this pistol for a while. Quantico never gave out any training guidance for our marksmanship instruction. I had to use my own prior knowledge and help from Sig experts in order to create proper class material for it. Another fun fact, we got the wrong sight package for them. So we didn't get the intended #8 front and #8 rear sight. Instead of "building the castle" and lining up a normal combat sight picture, aligning the tops of the front and rear sights, you had to "build the pyramid." You had to bisect the dot on the front sight with the top of the rear sight or you'd be hitting the pelvis when aiming at the head at 25 yards. We also cheaped out on our order when it came to glue for the screw on the rear sight. The regularly flew off in the middle of live fire training because the Marine Corps was too cheap to pay for the actual Loctite that was intended to hold the screws in place. I absolutely love this pistol.

[@dotheymakethatformen]

USMC 01-06 here, now Army National Guard, got to try the new sig's out a couple years back. Our sights are wrong as well. But that can and was fixed with training.

[@Appalachia_Ape]

Good to hear. I have one enroute to my ffl now.

[@great_deception]

Thank you for shedding light on the rear sight Loctite situation. Most people here are the first to blame SIG for everything from their stomach ache to their car breaking down.

[@frankcastle4435]

My wallet is broken because Sig

[@DonavynEstep]

That rear sight comes off really easy during firing as well.

[@unclefreedom213]

Yeah I've seen them come off but usually because they weren't torqued to spec. They don't just yeet off the gun because you fired it. Like most things with guns usually the user did something and didn't put it together right. Otherwise I would have seen them come off one of the 3 I own with the plate rear sight still on. All over 3 to 5k rounds sight isn't even loose

[@great_deception]

Every optic ready gun with a plate will have this happen if not torqued and/or toctited on well. Same happens with Glock MOS.

[@DonavynEstep]

@@unclefreedom213 all of the ones in out Armory are straight from sig. We don’t use red dots on them so we have never had the need to remove the sight. I understand why sig wouldn’t use thread locker on them in the factory, but they come off regardless on military ones. Maybe they stepped their game up with the civilian ones.

[@mattbest1197]

I worked at Sig Sauer at their main plant in Newington NH between 2019 and 2022, and my favorite job was performing the final inspection of these very firearms for our military. Now I work for the U.S Navy as a civilian and I am protected by these very same weapons everyday I go into work! Thank you for the run down memory lane!

[@minipeka2000]

Ian's voice always sounds so happy whenever he's reviewing these guns😂

[@ShersGarage]

After many many hours of watching Ian's videos, I would like to say Thank you! These videos are not easy to make ans most get demonetized. I bought the mug with Ian's mug. I am happy to support the channel. Thank you and I hope you keep making these videos!

[@pappaflammyboi5799]

To hit a target with a group-size of 4" at 35 yards, 90% of the time, is approximately 11 MOA.

[@JamesLaserpimpWalsh]

Ooooh I really like that. I loved the colt commander. The shortened 1911 that air crew used to carry. Nice Cheers Ian.

[@snoke5567]

Its pretty funny hearing you say that the M18 was adopted by the USN while I'm currently armed up on my ship with an old ass M9 still. I want my M18 😭

[@JD-tn5lz]

Don't feel bad. My son is a Navy O-3 and he doesn't have an M18 yet either. Time.

[@jonnytestnj2668]

I’m currently deployed with an expeditionary security unit and we still have M9s and so did the ship I was attached to. It was annoying to see base security everywhere have M17s when we don’t and our training requirements are much higher. At least the M9s we had were in pretty good shape.

[@Ideo7Z]

It sounds about right. We had ancient 1911s in Korea 7 years after the M9 was introduced. We also had M16A1s only getting the A2 in 1992...

[@snoke5567]

@@jonnytestnj2668 yeah, it's hilarious when I'm standing watch and I see the base security guy pull up with his M17 and I'm standing there with my M9 lmao

[@gabrielgallegos3321]

They are great and we can select from different grip sizes too. Great shooting with them.

[@joecool509]

great firearm! I carry a compact p320 during the winter and a 365 in the summer with zero issues.

[@H4FF]

Just out of curiosity as a Western-Europea with interest in firearms but no way of using them, why do you use the different guns in different seasons?

[@KingPhilipsRideshare]

@@H4FF width and girth of the grip makes it easier/more difficult to conceal with different seasonal clothing. A grip for a 17 round pistol make disappear under a winter coat, not so much under a white t shirt. The smaller 10+1 round 365 (my assumption on capacity) can disappear in summer clothes in a way the p320/m18 just can’t. Printing (being able to see that you have a gun under your clothes) is not proper CCW etiquette and is often illegal.

[@H4FF]

@ClassWarDesirer Ohh right, interesting! Especially also the legislation aspect - seems somewhat counterintuitive, when you know concealed carry is allowed but you're not supposed to be able to tell.

[@KingPhilipsRideshare]

@@Nadaters 100 percent agree

[@KingPhilipsRideshare]

@@H4FF yeah well cops need something to do and people love to be scared of bumps in waistbands. Printing reports likely get some number of people killed yearly by cops who get scared approaching a dude at the wholesale club

[@Duty2Domicile]

The first original M18s issued also had tan controls (very few units got these) but were replaced within a couple of months for the newer ones that had the black controls. Good guns overall, the marksmanship scores went up as well as the smaller framed soldiers didn’t have to deal with the double action trigger for the first shot on the M9s and M11s (sig 228, West German made). The optics plates with the screws attaching it at the bottom were the only issue I know of.

[@eNoble-US]

I agree that they’re good guns, but in my own personal experiences marksmanship scores went down. The pistol is noticeably snappier in recoil compared to the old school Beretta M9. The magazines are considerably better on the new sig models though. My unit ran pistols hard and a majority would’ve appreciated updated berettas or glocks over M17s, but opinions of soldiers don’t mean much anyways and the grass is always greener on the other side.

[@Duty2Domicile]

@@eNoble-US that’s the difference, I was talking about the M18s which are better balanced than the M17s. I don’t know why, but I had a difficult time grouping with the M17 vs the M18 was very easy and it had a nicer recoil impulse than the M17. It defies logic as the longer sight radius and longer barrel would in most cases be better, but I think the balance was so off it created more issues. Plus it depends on which shooting quals you are doing and how strictly enforced some of them are. The M18 definitely helped in the one handed shooting tables and not having to deal with the first double action trigger pull at the beginning of each table (which was enforced) aided in more hits on target, especially when timed. Now I will say when the legacy pistols, either the M11 or the M9 when in SA, they were nicer to shoot. And I do believe the berettas are better shooting guns once a better and lighter trigger system is installed, but you would never see that in the military.

[@eNoble-US]

@@Duty2Domicile I agree, good talk man.

[@danielbeck9191]

Thank you for this great video. It is nice to have the differences between the M17 and M18 laid out so clearly.

[@markjmaxwell9819]

If a round is needed for superior vest or barrier penetration a caliber conversion kit to swap to .357 SIG can be used in both pistols. They won the Modular Handgun competition for a reason with the modular nature of the handguns taking precedence. 😎🇦🇺👍

[@KillrMillr7]

Sig makes, imo one of the best handguns I’ve ever used. I love my P250.

[@PatriotSteve]

they even shoot all by themselves!

[@reachblowsdick7222]

Not really, HK make far more durable and better performing pistols than Sig and have the history to prove it.......and HK don't shoot on their own like the P320 do.

[@RubenKelevra]

Actually would be pretty dope to have a series about military tries. So which guns were send in and which one was finally chosen with which "rationality"/"reasoning". You sprinkle in these details often on individual weapons, but often I'm missing the context to understand this fully.

[@Tadicuslegion78]

I bought one because it was the only one I could find that could allow me to use winter gloves

[@Gunbudder]

7:45 the scan code being etched on there is AWESOME. think of all the logistics and automation you can do! think of the reduced human error!!!

[@sean_before8807]

I can only imagine that you would be only given a pistol that would not fit your hand

[@speedythree]

(@7:39) Ian was comparing the M17 & M18 pistols: I think he meant to say, “so you won’t see any non-black ones” (M18’s), rather than “so you won’t see any black ones.”

[@dizdizzy8937]

Thank you for sharing! Love your work

[@grbdevnull5611]

My theory has been that the military will issue a grip module of the appropriate size to each soldier with their TA-50. This, then makes it incumbent on the soldier to replace it if it gets damaged, but could also make it viable for the solider to make authorized changes in order for the pistol to better fit them if needed.

[@dotheymakethatformen]

Most soldiers and Marines won't carry the pistol, it's typically issued to officers, medical personnel and senior NCO's. I still am responsible for gear I was issued in the early 2000s right before molle came out. Such as an Alice Pack, the old style sleeping gear, etc. I like how you're thinking, but I really don't want any more gear to store.

[@bower31]

This won't happen because it would have to come from the armory. Thusly having to be turned back into the armory when changing duty station. At that rate the armorer may as well do it when it's issued.

[@montevallomustang]

I keep an m18 in my car all the time. It was the first pistol i shot with a red dot and im just comfortable with it. I carry a 365xl with a romeo zero and it takes more focus to shoot accurately.

[@jerrycomer711]

I was attached to the 101 during Operation Desert Storm. Unfortunately I was injured and sent home. I missed being there for my men. I was their Ssgt their leader. Thank God all of them came home alive. I also was a cop in the USAF for 9 1/2 yrs. We carried the .38 & 92f Berreta.

[@Salieri47]

Another informative vid from Ian. As usual.

[@joshuajohnson7269]

I just purchased one of these bad boys and can’t wait to go shoot it and break it in this weekend!

[@priderunsdeep123]

I still believe the M18 wasn't the best option. Im pretty sure there were some sneaky back door deals for sig to get the contract.

[@reachblowsdick7222]

Lot's of Army government officials got paid extra cash to pick the Sigs.

[@factsoftheconfederacy7151]

RIP M45A1/1911. I’m sure it will still be used in very small numbers, but I can’t help but be saddened over that workhorse being retired. I understand it though. I’m not even a 1911 carrier. I love my P320 and my P220 pistols.

[@CrunchBite319]

The 1911 got retired back in the 1980s. The M17/M18 are replacing the M9.

[@drewvanduyn7571]

@@CrunchBite319 the M45 is a modernized 1911, its still used by some recon and raiders

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

​@@drewvanduyn7571 M45 A1 Life was pretty short. It won't be missed.

[@gameragodzilla]

@@WALTERBROADDUSI thought that too but I actually saw photos of Marines training with it even just a few years ago, so evidently they still have some in service. Even talked to a gunsmith who was a former Marine that confirmed there were still 1911s there. How often they’ve actually been issued in the field, not sure, but that is impressive staying power for a 100+ year old design. lol Wonder how well the various double stack 1911 upgrades would do now.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

@@gameragodzilla kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHXCcnqoYrKGhNU

[@The_Codstero1]

My first and only conceal carry pistol

[@philipkeohane2652]

Next: the mud test on that trigger group.

[@aluminati9918]

Great vid, Ian! My son is purchasing the civilian version, so I had the chance to check it in person. Gotta say, awesome gun. Simple and intelligently laid out.

[@TadDactical]

I just bought this on Wednesday. Was interested to see what your thoughts were. You sir are a wealth of knowledge. Thank you for all the years of stellar content.

[@joecarlson5418]

Great vid. Enjoyed the breakdown.

[@bobhill3941]

Thanks Ian for the indepth review. We just recieved this exact (Sig P320) gun-for the exact reasons-to replace our aging HiPowers. 🇨🇦

[@speedythree]

Finally!

[@bobhill3941]

@@speedythree That's what I said, I don't remember the whole adoption period, but it was alot longer than Ian mentioned for the American military. Our HiPowers were so bad, a bunch were kept around to rob parts from to keep the "main" ones in the field!

[@speedythree]

@@bobhill3941 I remember firing them back when I joined the Reserves, back in 1977! And they were roughly 30 years old back then! Our adoption process had a few hiccups in it; it began in 2011, had to be restarted in 2016 and then again in 2020! Third time is indeed the charm.

[@bobhill3941]

@@speedythree Thanks for the reminder, I remembered reading about all those trials.

[@bobhill3941]

@@speedythree I remember in 2011 reading in the paper on my lunch break at work when these were being surplussed. Dad and I talked about how cool it would be if we both had one.

[@benjamin3290]

Big fan of *some* of Sig’s products. I own two P320’s and I honestly regret buying them (and spending money on pointless mods). Would have been better off putting that money into a P226 Elite and more ammo.

[@youtubeisasshoe69]

I love the P3 series. There's been years of R&D on it now, and they are some really nice running guns. The FCU is doing some really cool things with levers and pivot points that make a transfer bar style "mil spec" trigger so dang good out of the box. I also think it's one of the better looking pistols on the market currently. I started with an M17, and got a lot of different compact brands before returning back to sig for the p365. It's more than good enough to trust it with your life, and it's good looking. A winner in my book.

[@Captain_Bad_Bill]

I see Sig came out with a military red dot for the M17/18 only. Priced a bit over $800.00

[@jezjukes]

Did you get your words mixed up? Priced OVER a bit ....$800!!

[@Captain_Bad_Bill]

@@jezjukes 🤣🤣

[@jameswhitaker1324]

You gotta hand it to Ian for covering weapons before they’re forgotten.

[@TheDucatiPilot]

Nothing beats the SIG M11 I had the privilege to carry while deployed.

[@aplusservice]

After watching too much Forgotten Weapons, I don't consider it a REAL military service pistol unless it's issued with a holster that attaches as a stock.

[@vizzy61]

very good point

[@Metikoi]

You forgot the ludicrously ambitious sights

[@scottjurrjens8954]

​@@Metikoidefinitely gonna be hitting things at 2,500 meters with your Luger.

[@kevinoliver3083]

As a Brit, I don't consider it a real service weapon until it has been rebuilt to a new specification at least twice.

[@herschelschueler]

This comment scratches my gun-nerd itch.

[@scruba_dub]

These are so badass! I really like the feel of sig pistols in my hand.

[@kolober2045]

What drives the military's decision to adopt both of these pistols? The difference in barrel length is less than 1". Wouldn't it be cheaper and simpler to supply everyone in the military with the compact version?

[@timothyedge6100]

Probably not the first to post this, M18 was adopted for protective services detail(MP), Criminal Investigative Division (CID, also MP). and Counterintelligence agents (Military intelligence). The Standard MP, Department of Army (DA) Guard and DA Police sidearm is the M17. M18 is also used as a general officers pistol (I am sure unless they secure another through different means) and I am sure there are a few more plain clothes organizations using them around.

[@glenndean6]

You're correct ... the GO pistol is the M18, procured off the same contracts but with the GO-specific serial numbers.

[@Torqd_Off]

Looks like the ones you have the finish is coming off the slide, also... I hope they have a better finish on the ones that actually went to the military cuz they're definitely going to be a LOT harder on them than I was. I love everything about my M17 except the slide finish. I'm either going to complain to Sig and see if they'll do anything about it and if not, I'll probably Cerakote it!!! My P365XL isn't having any problems with it's finish. Why couldn't they have used the same on the M17/18???

[@mako2534]

I like carrying the M18 much more but as an armorer it’s been a bitch to deal with. The slide release bent into the frame on a handful and would render them useless because the slide wouldn’t be able to move properly. The sights also came loose here and there.

[@OttoTheWeim]

I love my M18. I actually use it for CC mounted with the Romeo Pro designed for it and it is great when heavier clothing allows.

[@bankruptsee]

Love my P320! Favorite gun to hold and shoot. The AR of pistols

[@PatriotSteve]

so advanced it even shoots by itself!

[@BlueJayWaters]

I remember the M9 fitting like a glove in my hand. Though my palm size is small, my fingers are very long. It's very difficult to find a proper glove size, and when choosing a CCW, I genuinely can't use anything smaller than a compact because my fingers get in the way of a proper grip. I have oversized grips on my taurus public defender poly and they are just slightly too big palm size, but I have plenty of grip due to my fingers. Sucks for shooting but makes playing guitar pretty easy lol

[@kogashinobi1]

I just left the 101st a half year ago and was there when we received the m17. We received two holster types. One for light and laser the other a pretty decent kydex double retention holster. It came with two magazines per unit. No one in my battalion used the light and laser because the Recon, AMU and 5th group guys always preach pistol is to get to your rifle. For my brigade team leader and above, 240 gunners and mortar men all carried or could carry the M17. It is a part of the training quals consistently for mortars and 240 Gunner's. Also the holster was extremely modular as far as using a drop leg harness or not. I know guys who came from SFAB to us prefer to carry it on their belt and not the leg holster. I'm guessing for conceal ability for KLE's.

[@Soldier4USA2005]

I'm looking to get an M18 as a CCW pistol. You talked about how it's a bit big for such an application and I agree, but a 1911 is really long and heavy, with a low round count. And given how this video talks about +P 9mm ammo being made for it, I'm not worried about pen issues. I chose the P320/M18 due to the shorter slide/barrel, thus significantly reducing any chance of the slide/barrel being push up when I'm sitting in my car. The M1911 would have a big problem doing that. Also, less barrel flip/rise when fired. Thank you so much for such an informative video, especially the ammo part as I didn't know the gun had specialized ammo for it. 🙂👍

[@MrSmith-zy2bp]

I like how the M18 is basically the military finally accepting the "commander" size pistol from the 1949 handgun trials that didn't go through.

[@therideneverends1697]

they got around to it, eventually

[@KowOneOhTwo]

I cannot imagine a scenario in which any of the "modularity" is actually used to fit someone's hand. Anybody saying they want to use a different polymer frame in the Army will be told to get bent.

[@russelsellick316]

Like the uniforms etc - you'll grow into it etc.

[@ayylmao182]

duty carry the m18 everyday, i just need to ask the armory for a bigger or smaller grip/ grip tape if i wanted to swap them out

[@alexreams1060]

In my unit at least, we got spare frames along with the M17s, and you can ask for one of the frames at the arms room. Not something a lot of people care about, but it's available.

[@Stuck_In_The_Ice_Box]

Won't it just become like other kit where people just buy their own shit and hope their COC doesn't nail them for it?

[@kyrenegade858]

Oh, like those of us that swapped parts on our own for the M9? Recoil spring/rod and grip panels were the first most of our unit swapped before we went to Iraq. I would be buying and using a Wilson Combat grip module for my M17/M18 now if I was still in. Same as I did with the M18 I carry daily now.

[@davidt3563]

People with small hands, will love this! I can think of at least a few people who would love this.

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , Ian . 🐺

[@jess_o]

I would have loved to have this over the M9 when I was in 👀

[@Atlas60308]

Not in the military, but I picked one of these up at a gun show a year or two ago. Went from just another gun I own to my edc. It shots great and the red dot cutout is a great addition. Plus wilson combat grip and it's overall a great gun!

[@kawaiiarchive357]

Imagine you couldn't shoot a gun because you're not legally allowed to mod the grip. Good thing SIG thought of that ahead of time.

[@rn9173]

I didn't realize the millitary was being held back by the same red tape as civilians. Pretty odd

[@Penfolduk001]

​@@rn9173 The military may end up with similar regulations, but for different reasons. For example, they may decide not to have every single grip mod available in order to save money. Or to ensure troops can still be combat effective with stock configuration firearms.

[@bobbertbobberson6725]

It's as simple as asking the company armorer on to put on the large or small grip for you. Takes him 15 seconds. Source: I was a company armorer for a couple years and changed out a few grip modules for people.

[@OspreyKnight]

Its not your gun, its the military's gun. Additionally most people don't know they can ask for things to be modified. Furthermore some commanders are major fuckups and put blanket prohibitions on modificaitons... even with the m17... Its the same bullshit as issuing us gloves and a jacket with a hood and then forbidding us from wearing them.

[@bobbertbobberson6725]

@@Conan361 units mistreating their men isn't something I could control. I try to set my people up for success, I guess the cofps is different

[@quentinjackson2721]

Got my M18 a few months ago used. Went to the range and tested her out a few days after and loved every second. Zero malfunctions, smooth trigger and pretty good accuracy at 50yds. Love my P320 and look forward to every trip to the range with her. Now I’ll wait for the Sig haters to flood this comment 🤣

[@grammar_shark]

8 months later, there have still not been any Sig haters flooding your comment.

[@quentinjackson2721]

@@grammar_shark That’s a good thing

[@scareypete13]

MA1 on my ship had hands in the 99th %tile. Too big for the M9 (original grip) during qualifying shoots he would always get gouges out of his hand from the slide. My job as the Range Corpsman included cleaning blood off his gun after he shot and bandaging his hand .

[@OspreyKnight]

Push comes to shove he can get a custom 3d printed frame these days.

[@scareypete13]

@@OspreyKnight I'm sure he's retired now. This was 2005. So unless he went Mustang or master chief he'd be at least 28 years of active duty and forced to retire Back then we probably could have gotten him Mec Gar 20 rd magazines and some sort of Hogue overmolded grips. I think he was just trying to get permission to carry a S&W 686 on duty instead of an M9 There were a few rare incidents of people with abnormally large or small hands just being issued non-standard side arms. For a while women were given 1911s because the Beretta grip was too chonky

[@rodchapman4556]

Will have to keep an eye out for the m18.

[@donalgoan5083]

Good thing there is a safety on it.

[@sealove79able]

A great very interesting video and pistols GJ.Have a good one. Can you believe that once Zastava Kragujevac was on the brink of winning the pistol contract for the US Army against the competition of such as the Beretta and SIG?Can you compare somehow the modern pistols of these companies?

[@Techcensorshipbot]

X compact series guns have the double wound rear spring as well (at least mine does). I guess they decided to change that in that series as well.

[@lima2869]

As someone who likes Sig pistols and is familiar with how government acquisitions for weapons work I found this video to be especially entertaining.

[@rosswingo8714]

I bought my M18 just yesterday so this video is a welcome surprise lol

[@a4channoob]

I have big palm but short fingers. My m9a1 I hated. I put skinny aluminum side grips on and it helped but still can't shoot it straight. My 1911s just fits soo well in my hand I can shoot very effective. I feel if I were under combat stress I would do better with a 1911 even with less capacity

[@therideneverends1697]

yeah its kind of an irony that the 1911 which has more notable recoil, fits better in smaller hands

[@petesheppard1709]

I think the military missed a beat when they used the same grip frame for the M18. When I heard 'compact', I thought the grip should have been a bit shorter for concealability, even if it meant giving up a couple of rounds. ---- As an aside, Ian, would you consider doing an episode on the development of the Kel-Tec P-11, since that was the original 'chassis-in-grip frame' pistol? While Sig has greatly refined the concept, they were not the first.

[@geodkyt]

If the grip frame was shorter, they would have magazine incompatibility issues. Amd since the frame size chosen for the full size M17 was basically already the *compact* sized frame, it works out really well for the *compact* M18 variant of the full size service pistol. It's only a skosh taller than the standard civilian compact frame (½" or so), and just allows my not-particularly-large hands to fully sit on the frame (while my P250Cs - which use the same frames as the 320 series - has half my little finger off the grip and on the front of the floorplate). It's basically the same size as the P228/M11 the M18 was intended to replace. The military *didn't want* a subcompact or microcompact standard issue pistol for concealed use. For folks who legitimately need even deeper concealment than that, well, that's what "unit discretionary funds" are for.

[@petesheppard1709]

@@geodkyt Good points! 😎

[@Cartzie]

I conceal carry it daily and its an conceals very well with the right holster

[@machinemaker2248]

If you don't mind, what holster?

[@Cartzie]

@@machinemaker2248 the tier one concealed axis elite. Im really skinny but it still conceals amazingly and it suprises everyone. I carry at work and all and none of my co workers have even noticed a print or atleast not enough to tell im carrying

[@eyeroll5060]

Still sticking with the mk25. Taurus g3 and canik tp mags r interchangable with 226 mags. Canik mags wont lock the slide back tho

[@lornenoland8098]

I still prefer the Beretta, but I understand why they went with Sig for the modularity

[@MrSmith-zy2bp]

The APX? Because the APX, the pistol Beretta submitted for the trials, has a removable chassis system just like the M18 (P320).

[@Gearedfilm57]

Hey Ian you should look into the Steyr IWS 2000. Smooth bore anti material gun.

[@MrLM002]

I concur!

[@roadscholar9323]

I suggest you show the reverse procedure of putting the pistol back together. If you get the barrel spring in the wrong vertical vs horizontal position it the slide will not go on correctly, and pushes out the forward part of the pistol spring, causing it to not lock.

[@Codevil.]

I like every video by Ian, before I start

[@cariboupetepeterson3711]

Wow! I can't help but wonder what John Browning would think of how much handgun technology and production has changed since his designs were state of the art!

[@max-zv7sf]

Mechanically speaking, this gun uses the locking system he invented fot the hi-power and the internal percussor he invented for the FN1903, just slightly modified. Still, he would be amazed by modern manufacturing and materials. He was also a very good shot, i wonder what would he think of modern competitions and training.

[@HanJia879]

Browning looks at the tilting barrel "Yep, still mine... you guys have nothing new in over 100 years"

[@trioptimum9027]

@@HanJia879 I'm sure he would take a moment to be satisfied that his work is still state-of-the-art, but the man seems like a tinkerer: I don't think he'd sit back and puff himself up for long before he spotted something new to play with.

[@squidwardo7074]

@@HanJia879 if it aint broke dont fix it

[@dak4465]

In terms of use its just m9 2.0 They dont get used except for qual ranges and theyre already beat to shit.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

The difference is that you can replace the frame that gets beat up.

[@dak4465]

@@WALTERBROADDUS except that the army isntnwillingnto pay for that. The M17s in my arms room are absolutley beat to hell

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

@@dak4465 well, when your $31 trillion in debt....🙄 there's going to be some budget priorities.

[@Warmaker01]

I retired from the Marines in 2014 and at the time there was no talk of replacing the service pistol. I stumbled upon this video, so the news of not only the Marines, but the other services finally moving away from the Beretta M9 stands out.

[@chrissheffield5468]

M11 series pistol has left the chat.

[@johnw4999]

I love the guns, and they are very easy to carry concealed. From AIWB, I’m consistently .25 of a second faster with my M18 over my M17… from concealed AIWB, hands off the cover garment, draw and fire one shot on an 8 in target at 7 yds. in less than 2 seconds - the time is for newer shooters to get down to, then press on to ~1.25 or have multiple hits in sub 2 seconds or hit multiple targets in sub 2 seconds.

[@SSgtCalebP]

I bought a M18 frame but found it too big in clothes. Just a little fat, but it might be just personal opinion. Mine quickly found its replacement in a SIG P365 it’s not like I went much different. However, I did find the P320 is a fantastic holster gun.

[@johnw4999]

@@SSgtCalebP Well you definitely have two great handguns. What to carry and how is definitely personal choice, preference etc. When I buy clothes, I’m carrying my EDC gear (at the time) while trying on clothes. Most often, my shirts and pants/shorts are a size larger to facilitate comfort and concealment for my AIWB preference. This is how I’m able to conceal my EDC XTEN for the last 10 or so months without issues. M18 before that… Tip, I’ve found button downs to be faster (than t-shirts, polos type shirts etc.) in that the support hand does a beer can type grip on the button line and rips upwards exposing the gun while the other hand is moving to grab the pistol’s grip. I’m about a .25 of a second faster w the M18 over the longer M17/XTEN. However, I struggle with shorter grips like the P365/Glock 19 etc.

[@ericbergfield6451]

Anyone else wonder why the slide looks very tall, like how high is that bore-axis?

[@geodkyt]

The bore axis issue is more a theoretical than a practical issue. Grip shape and contours matter more - I find my M18 to be less flippy than my Glock 19, entirely due to the grip frame allowing me to get a better handle on the gun.

[@basketcase1235]

it is a bit tall, but that would only be an issue if you're firing your sidearm very fast, which you shouldn't really be doing anyway.

[@great_deception]

@@geodkyt Don't forget the Beretta 92 has the same BA as a P320 or a P226. The 1911 even has a BA very very close to the M9 or P320/P226. Yet no one complains about shooting a B92 or a 1911. Just shows you how full of s*** people are.

[@noturfather1106]

​@@great_deception those both have more weight to soak up recoil

[@great_deception]

@@noturfather1106 Then that is physics, heavier guns dampen recoil more. Nothing relating to BA. The M9 and P226 are both aluminum framed with basically the same BA. Yet people say "only" the P226 has a high BA and is not shootable. this is getting ridiculous.

[@Obelisk57]

Why is M18 a forgotten weapon? It's very much in our memories.

[@RandomFandomOfficial]

I like the captive spring.

[@mattfleming86]

I'd say the smaller frame might help a little for concealment.

[@newdefsys]

The grip on the M17/M18 is just as long as the M9. Both versions are full sized guns.

[@mattfleming86]

@@newdefsys Part of the 320's problem is the girth. I agree handle length is one of the primary factors of concealability but the width cannot be ignored, especially on the parts above the beltline.

[@EventHorizon1776]

And people say glocks are ugly.

[@koushiro86]

Now, now, children - you’re both hideous

[@warmongerairsoft]

The only Marines authorized in the entirety of the corps to conceal carry are Security Forces Marines who are assigned to PSD (Presidential Security Detail). The M007 was theirs, not special forces

[@towdjumper5]

Great stuff

[@oldesertguy9616]

I'm wondering, considering they are restricted to fmj bullets, if it was worth using the higher pressure 9mm rounds? You get more recoil and shorter service life, but I'm not sure the terminal performance is much improved. If they were carrying expanding rounds, then I could see it. Maybe I'm wrong and there is some noticeable difference?

[@glenndean6]

The US military is no longer limited to FMJs. The new +P rounds are hollow points.

[@geodkyt]

1. They do issue expanding ammo for situations where even Hague signatories aren't restricted (and while the US isn't a Hague signatory WRT to expanding ammo, we do voluntarily comply). For instance, the Hague Conventions *only* apply in international wars where *all* combatants in a particular theater are either Hague signatories or formally agree to abide by them for *that* theater, *and* everyone is actually complying. Anything else (such as combat involving non-state actors like terrorists, or a war where a single participant isn't a Hague nation - even temporarily), the FMJ restriction doesn't apply. 2. Hague doesn't apply where the purpose of using "non-Hague" ammo is for legitimate mikitary purposes other than increasing wound channels. Such as when used to limit collateral damage in built up areas by limiting penetration. 3. Most rounds fired by these pistols will be in "non-Hague" environments anyway, such as MPs standing guard outside combat zones. Thus, the majority of Real World use will be the "non-Hague" ammo... so it would be nice if the pistols were designed for a steady diet of that. And if they are, might as well tune up the FMJ to similar pressures to ensure reliability and maximize penetration. 4. Even with (especially, actually) the ball ammo, penetration is key, becayse the targets will generally be farther away than typical civilian CCW or police encounters, *and* more likely.to be wearing a bunch of crap other torsos you have to get through (like web gear with things in the pouches). You don't LOSE anything with FNJ pistol ammo making it pemetrate *more*, and you might just gain an advantage if it turns out you need a skosh more "oomph" to blast through to the juicy bits than standard pressure ammo (and US SAAMI specs for.9mm are laughably weak - SAAMI pressure ammo is well known for sometimes having reliability issues in European 9x19mm guns due to low power). US SAAMI spec is practically Glisenti pressures, due to fears of liability (like someone running 9x19mm Parabellum through a ratty Italian pistol never spec'ed for real 9mm Parabellum) That's why standard military 9x19mm ammo around the world tends to run near SAAMI +P or +P+ pressures - just like the new rounds selected with this program.

[@socmonki]

@@geodkyt Ian covered the ammo. The standard ammo for the m17/18 is 115gr at 1320 fps. That is +p at least. Normal 115gr fmj is around 1100-1150 fps. The special ammo is 147gr hps, and are also +p. These pistols are rated for a 35000 round service life using the supplied ammo. The barrels are made to withstand a steady diet of it, and are different than the commercial barrels.

[@oldesertguy9616]

@@geodkyt good points. Thanks.

[@therideneverends1697]

The US doesent actually follow the rule for that, since we also enforce the rule lmao the ball ammo is to look nice on paper for service use they get hollow points