Although the US military selected and fielded its first truly modular pistol, so far they haven’t taken advantage of the possibilities associated with the SIG P320 platform. All that is about to change.
Not long after the contract win SIG put together a custom version of the M18 which I called a SOPMOD pistol at the time. At the time, USSOCOM was keen to move on from their Special Operations Peculiar upgrades to the M4 carbine as it had become an Army common weapon and grated at my appellation. Likewise, the Army hadn’t started fielding yet and wasn’t ready to start making major configuration changes to a pistol that had just adopted.
During AUSA SIG showed three configurations of MHS up for adoption as additional authorized items which they are referring to as Modular Handgun eXchange or “MHX.” Evaluated under the Soldier Enhancement Program, once assigned National Stock Numbers, units will be able to procure the components with O&M dollars like the ROMEOM17 optic authorized in 2023.
The first option is closest to availability and is awaiting assignment of NSNs.
Intended for SOF use, the MHS-SOF takes a rack M18 and incorporates a Brouwer M1811 frame with its integrated flared magwell, flat trigger, safety delete pin to remove the manual safety, threaded barrel for use with a suppressor, and a gas pedal takedown lever, and suppressor height adjustable sights.
The next two options are still undergoing evaluation.
Intended for adoption by units equipped with the M17 or M18, this variant is called the MHS-GFC (General Forces Configuration). It features an improved grip module, Gaspedal takedown pin, and flared magwell.
Here is a shot of the adjustable rear sight.
The last configuration they exhibited is intended for undercover use and named the M18-CC for Concealed Carry.
Like the other options it retains the serialized FCU which is the core of MHS and transforms the pistol into a Black gun more commonly associated with law enforcement. The grip module is available in several size options and is combined with a 3.9″ slide and barrel as well as a flat blade trigger. The 15 round magazine fits flush with aluminum baseplate.
The pistol is also fitted with a compact red dot sight.
We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.
As someone who has used one, the Brouwer M18-11 grip module is outstanding.
Hands down the best grip module for this handgun, and would have really been something if it was available at the time of the competition.
I’m still awaiting their version for the 365 X Macro.
Most of these upgrades seem pretty reasonable (SOPMOD grip outstanding)
This “gas pedal” takedown lever…I’m just not understanding though.
Any idea if the Army is looking at putting any of the FCU’s into a chassis system?
As far as chassis systems, some of the Army Special Forces Groups already run Raider X packages for their M17s.
Can you buy the parts to make a m17 into this? I have a commemorative m17 and I want the gas pedal and flared mag well in fde instead of black.
Do the gas pedals also come with a coupon for a new holster?
That’s really the kicker… leather can usually accommodate a gas pedal after some break-in, but Kydex is going to have to have this built-in to the design.