When we showed the new Pistol Aiming Light (PAiL) by LaserMax Defense for the M17/18 Modular Handgun System, there was a lot of concern about there not being a holster for the PAiL equipped pistol. Since the US military plans on buying pistols in the tens of thousands per year and each will be equipped with a holster, this really wasn’t the disaster so many made it out to be. Of course, the Army and industry have already developed a solution.
This is a first look at what will become the new holster for MHS. Because the basis of issue for MHS goes all the way down to Squad Leaders, and the PAiL will go on pistols issued to all Close Combat Forces, this PAiL compatible holster will become the standard Army holster.
A modification of the current interim MHS Holster, it is designed and produced by Safariland.
I picked a PAiL up off the table and thought it was a display model without any guts because it felt so light. It’s only 2.6 oz with battery. Here are a few shots of the PAiL. It’s capabilities include White light, IR Laser and IR Illuminator.
An interesting thing about the size and shape of the PAiL is that it mates with the MHS Trigger Guard to offer a continuous flat surface.
PAiL will commence fielding with the MHS later this year. Additionally, PAiL is already loaded on GSA for those organizations who wish to purchase it.
Contact LaserMax Defense for details.
Tags: LaserMax Defense
I spent my entire Military career with an issuer pistol. There were some 1911’s still in the Arms room although I was never issued one. I spent all my time with the M9. A lot of times overseas it was concealed and my only weapon. I lived with the Bianchi Holster, an Eagle Industries SAS Mk3, a Safariland SLS and a Fobus paddle and Uncle Mike’s IWB. I never felt undergunned with the M9 (with good mags) although it was never the pistol I’d wanted. That being said I’m really jealous of the guys getting a decent pistol with some better than average capabilities and first class support gear. It’s about time we issued our privates a pistol as capable as one that private citizen could buy.
Serious question: Why only 175 lumens? I presume that was asked for in the spec. I also don’t see any information on candela, so I can’t completely judge the effectiveness.
I was issued one of the newer Surefire X series lights on my duty 320. Not sure if it’s one of the 600 or 1000 lumen models but I’m finding it too bright for use on building searches. Aside from reflections off mirrors and windows, even illuminating a white wall can be disorienting in low/no light searches.
I would encourage you to look into some current low light training for yourself/ co workers/ organization. The answer to the issue you raise is better technique, not worse equipment.
(Intended to be helpful, no internet jabs being thrown)
For the love of god, please stop perpetuating this idea of “too bright”. Search out some good instruction… if you’re blinding yourself you’re doing it wrong.
Light down, eyes up.
Maybe use a handheld during a search? Buy a DG switch for your Surefire and life will be so much easier.
That holster does not allow for the use of a MRDS. So will they have to modify again? Does the Army still plan on fielding MRDS for M17?
As of right now they don’t.
Nothing an exact knife that has been heated properly cannot handle?
Not quite. The MRD won’t clear the SLS hood as it sits.
there are worse holsters they could have picked, though just as I bought a 6series safariland to avoid using my issued serpas, I’ll likely do the same for this to avoid using a 7series as well…
Curious why the Army went with an IR laser that is not slaved to a visible laser to help zero.