Overview
- AFGSC completed inspections of 7,970 M18 handguns and returned cleared pistols to service on Aug. 25.
- Inspectors found discrepancies on 191 pistols tied largely to wear in the safety lever, striker assembly and sear, and those weapons were pulled for repair.
- A command review reported no recorded M18 discharges attributed to weapon malfunction.
- AFGSC instituted enhanced inspection procedures and leader engagements to explain findings and reinforce weapons safety practices.
- The Air Force’s separate 60-day inspection of roughly 125,000 M18s across the service continues, as does the investigation into Airman Brayden Lovan’s July 20 death that led to an arrest on manslaughter and related charges.