Nearing the end of 2019 Sig Sauer introduced its commercial variant of the military-based compact P320-M18 (below). In June of 2019, the Marines adopted the M18 to replace the M9. Shortly after, Sig Sauer made a few minor adjustments to make the platform available to civilians. However, it was still not available to Sig enthusiasts in California—until now.
The California-Compliant SIG Sauer P320-M18
Sitting within the coyote-tan polymer grip module is the P320 Fire Control Unit (FCU). However, for the California-compliant version, the FCU is slightly different, making it legal in the state. Specifically, for the California-compliant version, the FCU has a magazine disconnect. As a result, the trigger is deactivated when the magazine is removed, as per California law.
Another feature that keeps the newest P320-M18 compliant is the loaded chamber indicator. But, this isn’t a new feature on the pistol because this is also a requirement from the DOD. Although it is already a feature, it is worth mentioning here, as it is a California requirement.
The final piece of compliance with California law is the 10-round magazine, in place of the 17- and 21-round magazines. Where the original commercial P320-M18 received one 17-round and two 21-round mags, the California-compliant model ships with three 10-round magazines. However, if you move or laws change, standard capacity magazines will work with the pistol.
Other than these minor changes, the pistol features remain the same as the commercial model (below). Chambered in 9mm, the striker-fired pistol enjoys the same modularity as the original. So, the P320-M18 CA FCU can be exchanged between grip modules, slides, and other accessories. Likewise, the stainless-steel slide features an optic-cut for mounting a red-dot sight.
“The California P320-M18 is an exciting, long-waited, new release from SIG SAUER as it’s the very first opportunity for California enthusiasts to finally own a P320,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales. “Additionally, Californians can now own the sidearm of the U.S. Military. The P320-M18 CA shares the same features as the firearm that was awarded the U.S. Army contract for the Modular Handgun System (MHS), and is in service with the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines.”
Availability
The California-compliant SIG Sauer P320-M18 is available now with an MSRP of $699.00. For more info, please visit SIGSauer.com.
On December 3, 2019, Personal Defense World reported:
SIG Sauer just announced its civilian variant of the popular U.S Military Modular Handgun System M18. A smaller version of the M17, the P320-M18 features a 3.9-inch barrel, compact slide and carry-length grip module.
SIG Sauer P320-M18
The Marine Corps recently chose the M18 as its official sidearm. Meanwhile, all branches of the U.S. Military have issued the full-size M17 following the MHS contract award.
“Since the official selection of the M17 and M18 by the U.S. Army for the Modular Handgun System (MHS), we’ve seen significant civilian interest to own both variants of the handguns,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer, Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales. “The P320-based M17 and M18 are among the most tested handguns in history and the pair has been proven to be unmatched in both accuracy and reliability. We are very proud that with the P320-M18, civilians can now own the same innovation and versatility that has made either the M17 and M18 the handgun of choice for all branches of the U.S. Military.”
The P320-M18, a 9mm striker-fired pistol, comes with an exclusive “M18-XXXXXX” serial number. It includes one 17-round magazine and two 21-round magazines. The pistol features a SIGLITE front night sight and a removable night sight rear plate, as specified by the MHS contract. Additionally, the slide comes optics-ready. With the rear sight assembly removed, the SIG Sauer Electro-Optics ROMEO1Pro Optic mounts directly to the slide.
The pistol comes configured nearly identically to the U.S. Military’s models. It features black controls and a carry-length coyote-tan grip module. The slide comes coyote PVD finished, with an ambidextrous manual safety. The P320-M18 is also available in a state-compliant version and is currently listed on the Massachusetts handgun roster.
P320-M18 Handgun Specifications
- Overall Length: 7.2 inches
- Overall Width: 1.6 inches
- Weight (incl. magazine): 28.1 ounces
- Overall Height: 5.5 inches
- Barrel Length: 3.9 inches
- Sight Radius: 5.8 inches
For more information, visit sigsauer.com.
