BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. —
Air Force Global Strike Command has completed a comprehensive inspection of its 7,970 M18 Modular Handgun Systems, following a directed pause on July 21, 2025.
The pause was initiated out of an abundance of caution following a tragic incident at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, and reflects AFGSC’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of its Airmen.
“It is paramount that our Airmen trust their weapon systems,” said Gen. Thomas Bussiere, AFGSC commander. “This thorough inspection ensures the M18s in our inventory are in optimal working order, providing our Defenders with safe, reliable, and effective systems to accomplish their mission.”
The inspection process identified discrepancies with 191 weapons across the command’s M18 inventory. The primary discrepancy was related to component wear. The most frequent issues centered on problems with the safety lever, striker assembly and sear. Weapons exhibiting these discrepancies were immediately tagged and are undergoing necessary repairs.
The intent of this command-wide inspection was two-fold: first, to confirm that all weapons in service are in proper working order; and second, to analyze the data regarding any reported discrepancies and usage rates.
A review of weapon discharges in AFGSC showed that none were attributed to weapons malfunction.
“When we see a potential issue, we have a responsibility to our Airmen and the American public to evaluate, find any discrepancies, and act on them,” Bussiere said.
As part of its commitment to safety, AFGSC is implementing enhanced inspection procedures for the M18 pistol. The command’s bases will include additional inspection criteria for the areas where potential issues were found during the M18 pause.
“By incorporating these added measures, we assess that any issues found with the safety lever, striker assembly and sear will be identified during semi-annual and annual inspections,” said Lt. Col. George Hern, AFGSC chief of security forces. “As we execute M18 inspections in the future, we will be taking a particular interest in these components to ensure these methods address the issues we found and make adjustments as needed.”
Air Force Global Strike Command Security Forces Defenders are resuming arming with M18s that have successfully passed inspection – deeming them safe and reliable for use – on Aug. 25, 2025.
Further, Security Forces squadron commanders, senior enlisted leaders and combat arms training and maintenance personnel are taking the time to meet with Airmen following this inspection. These leaders are discussing inspection findings, explaining the enhanced inspection procedures, reinforcing muzzle discipline, reviewing reporting procedures for weapons of concern, and providing Airmen the opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns.
The M18 is specifically designed and rigorously tested to meet stringent environmental, endurance, and drop tests unique to the military.
By Air Force Global Strike Command
Air Force Global Strike Command
Scattered Shots 
So, 2.4% were found to have problems.
That’s interesting.
I wonder how that compared to the 1911A1, M9 and whatever the air farce called their Model 15 revolvers.
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Remember the early exploding slides on the M9s?
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I’d forgotten hearing about those. The M9 came along after my tenure, and I never really assimilated it. I did eventually buy a 92 and it’s an OK gun, but not my favorite.
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looks cool in die hard and lethal weapon
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Funny how now all the people are clamoring for the “old sturdy M9”
Yeaaaah, I’m old enough to remember how much people complained about them back then.
Same with glocks, “glock leg” when all the cops kept having NDs since they kept just using the trigger as a finger rest or something dumb like that. Everyone hated glocks and now they’re everyones golden calf.
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The majority of the US Military carry their handguns with a full magazine inserted and the slide closed on an EMPTY chamber. I shudder to think about how many ND’s would occur with the M17/M18 series weapons if they were all carried by the military with a chambered round.
I was issued both an M9 and Glock 19. My M9 was easier to shoot fast and accurate on the range, but it lacked night sights and a weapons light rail so i carried my Glock 19 on missions outside the wire.
Towards the end of my military career, we kept our Glocks but had to turn in our M9’s for M17’s. I never had the chance to deploy with the M17, so i don’t know if it’s superior to the Glock as a combat weapon. With all the publicity on uncommanded discharges, I would be hesitant to carry an M17 over a Glock. I’d be even more hesitant if one of the generals involved with the adoption or procurement of the M17 retired and gets hired to be on the Sig Sauer board of directors.
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funny you mention retired generals and sig…
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