Compact XM18, above left, and the full-size XM17, lower right. (Army Photo)
We now have an indication that the Coast Guard may be following the Army and Marine Corps in replacing the M9, 9mm, made by Beretta USA. with the Sig Sauer Modular Handgun System.
“The U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Coast Guard all have orders that will be fielded starting later this year and early next year.”
Unit cost is $180. We do not yet really know if this is a move to replace all the Coast Guard’s hand guns or only those for select units, but there may be reason to believe it will be a wholesale replacement. .
The Army’s 10-year MHS agreement calls for Sig Sauer to supply the service with full-size XM17 and compact XM18 versions of its 9mm pistol. The striker-fired pistols can be outfitted with suppressors and accommodate standard and extended-capacity magazines. There is also an accessory rail for mounting accessories such as weapon lights.
So what happens to all the Berettas? Hopefully they don’t just ‘disappear’ and end up in the wrong hands…
They’ll go into the warehouse where all the M-1911s are being cleared out to send to CMP…
The problem with the USCG is that they use the .40SW and not the 9mm, and that they already replaced their M9’s 13 years ago with the Sig P229.
It makes sense to go back to 9mm. Cheaper/better logistics, as the military supply system can be tapped vs. going through civilian channels for .40S&W…
The Air Force is also moving to these weapons, but will only use the more compact XM18. No comment from the Coast Guard. https://www.military.com/kitup/2018/03/30/air-force-follows-navy-adopting-new-army-sidearm.html
Another indication the CG will be getting this weapon. https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2018/04/04/the-marines-and-air-force-want-the-armys-new-handgun-who-else-is-next-in-line/