SIG Sauer M18 pistol used by U.S. Air Force security forces

The Sig P320 is back

November 04, 2025•5 min read

💥 A Tragic Morning at F.E. Warren Air Force Base

In the early morning hours of July 20, 2025, a tragedy unfolded inside the security forces squadron at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming.

Airman 1st Class Brayden Tyriq Lovan, a 21-year-old from Greenville, Kentucky, was accidentally shot and killed when a SIG Sauer M18 sidearm discharged on duty.

The M18 — the U.S. military’s service version of the popular SIG Sauer P320 — was immediately pulled from use across Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) pending investigation. This single event froze nearly 8,000 handguns and temporarily sidelined tens of thousands of airmen responsible for safeguarding America’s nuclear deterrent.

🕵️ The Investigation: What Really Happened?

At first, the discharge was feared to be yet another instance of the P320 firing without a trigger pull — something claimed in several ongoing lawsuits against SIG Sauer.

However, as Air Force investigators dug deeper, the evidence told a very different story.

🔹 Key Findings:

The alleged shooter was Airman Marcus White-Allen, a member of the same unit as Lovan.
Witness statements revealed that White-Allen placed his M18 pistol on Lovan’s chest in a joking manner — with his finger on the trigger.
The weapon fired, striking Lovan and killing him instantly.

Two fellow airmen, Airman First Class Sarbjot Badesha and Airman First Class Matthew Rodriguez, were present during the incident and initially lied to investigators.

According to testimony and Air Force records:

“White-Allen told them to say the pistol went off when he slammed his belt on the desk… and to stick to that story.”
— Air & Space Forces Magazine, Sept 2025

When confronted, both airmen admitted they had fabricated details to protect White-Allen.

⚖️ Accountability and Aftermath

By August, the Air Force charged White-Allen with:

Involuntary manslaughter
Obstruction of justice
Making false official statements

However, before his court-martial could begin, Marcus White-Allen was found dead in his dorm room on October 8, 2025, under investigation for apparent self-inflicted causes.

The other two witnesses faced disciplinary proceedings:

A1C Sarbjot Badesha: 30 days confinement, reduction to E-1, forfeiture of $1,545.
A1C Matthew Rodriguez: 10 days confinement, 15 days base restriction, reduction to E-2, forfeiture of $500.

Both were demoted and reassigned following their guilty pleas for falsifying official statements.

The Air Force confirmed that no mechanical failure contributed to Lovan’s death. Forensic inspection found the weapon functioned as designed — meaning the trigger had to be deliberately pulled.

🔧 The M18 Returns to Duty

After inspecting nearly 8,000 M18 pistols, Air Force maintainers discovered 191 firearms with minor wear on safety components but no critical defects.

By August 25, Air Force Global Strike Command lifted its pause on the M18 platform, reinstating it to full duty use under enhanced inspection and tracking protocols.

“We found no evidence that the firearm itself was at fault,”
said Lt. Col. Justin Brockhoff, AFGSC spokesperson.
“Our focus is on discipline, accountability, and weapons-handling excellence.”

🔫 The Civilian Connection: The SIG P320 Debate Continues

The M18 is the military version of the SIG Sauer P320, one of the best-selling striker-fired handguns in America.

Despite the Air Force clearing the weapon, public debate continues due to:

Ongoing lawsuits alleging “uncommanded discharges” in civilian P320s
The ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) ban on P320 pistols in 2025, citing safety concerns
High-profile claims from law enforcement officers in Houston, Philadelphia, and Dallas

SIG Sauer has repeatedly defended the platform, emphasizing that all P320/M17/M18 models meet or exceed military and SAAMI standards, and that testing has never confirmed a spontaneous discharge under proper use.

🧭 What Gun Owners Should Learn from This Incident

The Air Force’s investigation makes one thing clear: safety begins and ends with the person handling the firearm.

Here are key takeaways for every responsible gun owner:

✅ 1. Inspect Regularly

Check your striker assembly, sear, and trigger components for wear or debris. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.

✅ 2. Choose a Proper Holster

Use a holster that completely covers the trigger guard and prevents accidental pressure on the trigger.

✅ 3. Get Familiar with Your Gun

Dry-fire training (with an unloaded weapon) builds muscle memory and confidence in your firearm’s operation.

✅ 4. Stay Updated on Factory Programs

SIG Sauer offered a voluntary upgrade program in 2017 to reduce trigger sensitivity. Always confirm your pistol has the latest upgrades or service bulletins applied.

✅ 5. Keep Training

No amount of hardware replaces proper handling discipline. Seek certified training for drawing, holstering, and carrying your firearm safely.

🔒 Final Thoughts from On Target Guns

This case was tragic — but it also underscored a truth that every gun owner knows: a firearm is only as safe as the hands that hold it.

The SIG Sauer P320/M18 remains one of the most reliable modern pistols on the market. But the events at F.E. Warren remind us why vigilance, honesty, and training matter just as much as the firearm itself.

At On Target Guns in Hudson, Florida, we stand by responsible gun ownership, continuous education, and transparency — values that protect lives and preserve our Second Amendment freedoms.

🗞️ Sources

Scott Maurano

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