Today’s feature comes to us from our companion service, Shooting News Weekly.

The Air Force’s Global Strike Command has issued an order “pausing” the use of all SIG SAUER M18 pistols after a reported fatal uncommanded discharge that took place at Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming. The Global Strike Command is the branch of the Air Force that’s responsible for the military’s intercontinental ballistic missiles and long range bomber forces.

The order by USAF General Thomas A. Bussiere was issued after a fatality that occurred on July 20 when a security forces airman reportedly removed his M18 pistol while still in its holster and placed it on a table. The gun reportedly then fired while in the holster, striking the officer and killing him. The details of the incident have not been confirmed but have been widely reported.

The “pause” on the use of P320-based modular handgun system pistols such as the M17 and M18 will remain in place until the incident is fully investigated. Here is the order issued by General Bussiere . . .

This latest incident follows action by DHS’s Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement pulling SIG P320-based pistols from use about two weeks ago after an FBI evaluation concluded that P320 and M18 pistols can, under certain circumstances, fire uncommanded. SIG SAUER has insisted that isn’t the case and that no one has every been able to demonstrate that P320-based pistols can fire without a pull of the trigger.

Reports of uncommanded discharges, however, have continued and more agencies — both law enforcement and now military — have pulled the pistols from duty and training use. Given the increase in these reports, it’s only reasonable to conclude that the ongoing controversy surrounding the P320 is becoming an increasing problem for SIG SAUER in terms of legal costs, likely reduced sales of P320 platform pistols, and the inevitable reputational hit that will result from such reported incidents. The Outdoor Wire Digital Network has reached out to SIG for comment on the matter and will update you if we receive one.

– Dan Zimmerman, Shooting News Weekly

On the heels of recent official announcements by the Air Force’s Global Strike Command and Department of Homeland Security’s Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Gunsite Academy, one of the most recognizable and most respected names in the firearms training business, announced on social media that use of the Sig Sauer P320 will no longer be permitted in classes.

Gunsite will allow Military or Law Enforcement students to use their P320 government-issued duty pistol, but will try to discourage those students from using it.

The full statement from Gunsite is below:

Gunsite Academy has always placed firearms safety as paramount.

Currently, there are significant questions being asked in our community about the operation of the SIG 320 Pistol.

After much consideration, we have decided that until these questions have been answered to our satisfaction, Gunsite will no longer allow the SIG 320 Pistol to be used in classes, effective immediately.

If the SIG 320 is a government-issued duty pistol for Military or Law Enforcement students, we will allow - but discourage the use of - the SIG P320 for that student.

Other SIG platforms continue to be welcome in classes.

SIG is a well-known leader in our industry and we are confident they are working diligently to investigate the possible underlying problem.

Once the issue is resolved, we will reconsider our prohibition.

Respectfully,

Ken Campbell
Chief Executive Officer
Gunsite Academy, Inc.