U.S. Military affirms SIG SAUER M17 and M18 are safe and reliable

The U.S. Department of War (DoW) and the Department of the Air Force (DAF) have confirmed that the SIG SAUER M17 and M18 Modular Handgun System pistols are “safe and reliable” following an extensive inspection.

The analysis involved the methodical disassembly and examination of nearly 114,000 firearms. The DoW reported that testing included firing more than 1.5 million rounds. Investigations into alleged “uncommanded discharges” concluded that all such incidents were the result of the trigger being pulled rather than a mechanical failure of the firearm.

The DAF inspection of 113,479 M18 firearms found that 100% of the weapons showed no signs of conditions that could allow for an uncommanded discharge. This evaluation follows an order from the Air Force Global Strike Command in July 2025 to assess the pistols.