PMCI - May 2021

contemporaries follow suit until the ammunition shortage was
well into its second full quarter. Even now, I would say only 30%
of trainers have embraced the benefits of “6mm training”. For
the purposes of this article, the ability to spend more time with
the gun in hand, working around barriers, inside our homes and
businesses with a tool that feels and looks the exact same has
been invaluable!
While the traditional curved trigger of the M18 felt a bit odd
to me in the beginning of training after a year of only shooting
flat faced triggers, the 6mm M17 helped these issues become
second nature. I noticed my overall performance working
with the M18 increase to that of the LEGION X5 as well due
to working regularly with both the 6 mm and the 320 version
of the SIRT pistol from www.NextLevelTraining.com . This
specialized trainer shoots a laser rather than a plastic bb and
can be used in conjunction with computer programs such as
the LASR shot recorder system and the highly advanced video
simulation system called the Smokeless Gun Range from the
folks at www.LaserAmmo.com . While the SIRT can be viewed
as a pricey initial investment, the manufacturers, Next Level
Training were kind enough to offer our staff, students and you
the readers a 10% discount via code: STG2020 to save money
where we could in our endeavors to reduce our learning curve.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Over the past twenty-five years or more, I have shot a lot of
striker fired guns. Hell let’s be honest, not only have a shot them,
but I also even bought a lot of striker fired guns. Some touting
to be the “next big thing” only to end up a disappointment as
others proved to simply being a “one off” from a generic design
leaving me grossly underwhelmed. I have carried polymer guns
as a professional and civilian up to and including betting my life
on them and the safety of others. Please take note when I say
the SIG M18 320 is the REAL DEAL. Despite early valid issues
with accidently discharges when dropped on their rear with
other unwarranted claims by soldiers attempting to cover up
what is later discovered to be negligent behavior and not faulty
equipment, the M series is now solid and here to stay.
In comparison to the X5 LEGION and even the M17, I
found the M18 balanced better in the hand and rode more
comfortably in a inside the waistband holster from good friend,
John Phillips, aka the “King of Kydex” at Survivor Creek Tactical.
Loaded for carry with the 17 round magazine, a simply stuffed
a spare 21 round mag in my front left pocket to be accessible
with my non dominant hand for easier reloading. As the Florida
spring begins to heat the world back up to high humidity
and roasting range sessions, the M18 will start to pull duty
alongside my P365 XL. When dress code dictates, the M18 will
ride in the steel console lock box with the smaller P365 XL in
my waistband. This rotating combo both compliment the HSP /
Toor Darter fixed blade knife carried on the belt opposite the gun.
In my opinion, the only real competition the M18 has in
the civilian compact striker fire market lies in other models
of the P320 series. Some prefer the larger frame of the M18
while others may prefer the Tungsten impregnated weight of
the Legion versions. Until a few months ago, I was 100% on
board with the M18 320 as my favorite until SIG refused to rest
on their laurels. In our last issue of PMCI Magazine, I reviewed
the most recent in the P320 series named the AXG series. What
makes it different is the implementation of a metal frame
instead of polymer while retaining the benefits of a striker fired
system.
Depending on your preferences, I believe the M18 is a front
runner for many in a 320 series that may truly offer something
for everyone. The selection seems to only continue to grow at
an impressive pace. To find out what is currently
new with the series or to learn more about any
of SIG’s line of handguns and rifles, visit www.
SigSauer.com and find out firsthand why this
company is widely regarded as the “professional’s
choice”. Until next issue, just remember, “In a
world of sheep and wolves, be a Lion”!!
FIREARMS - SIG M18 320