Test and Evaluation Completed, Handguns Declared Safe for Use
The Modular Handgun System (MHS) has received full-material release (FMR) from the US Army Program Executive Office Soldier at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ, SIG Sauer announced on 9 July.
The MHS consists of the SIG SAUER M17 Full-Size and M18 Compact handguns, with Winchester Ammunition M1152 Ball, M1153 Special Purpose, and M1156 Drilled Dummy Inert rounds.
FMR is a significant milestone for the MHS programme and is the official determination that the US Army has rigorously tested and evaluated the M17 and M18 handguns and associated ammunition, to determine it as safe for use when operated within its stated parameters. The official FMR notification, received by SIG Sauer on 27 June, states that MHS has been fully tested, meets all operational performance requirements and is logistically supportable within the environment in which it is intended to operate.
Ron Cohen, Sig Sauer President & CEO characterised FMR as “[…] a true testament to the successful collaboration of the US Army, SIG Sauer and Winchester Ammunition to deliver the highest quality MHS program to our soldiers in the field. The FMR notification really highlights the safety and quality of the M17 and M18 handguns, and the success of the MHS program in its entirety.”
To date, over 59,000 Modular Handguns have been delivered by SIG Sauer and over 44 million rounds of ammunition by Winchester Ammunition. In the next 5-7 years an additional 350,000 handguns and 100 million rounds are scheduled for delivery.