Striker Safety Lock Failure Raises Alarms for Law Enforcement
A July 31, 2024, incident where a Michigan State Police officer’s Sig Sauer M18 discharged without trigger activation prompted an FBI Ballistic Research Facility investigation.
The report revealed a critical flaw: the striker safety lock, the M18’s final safeguard, can fail during routine officer movements like running or jumping, allowing the striker to impact a chambered round.
Testing showed the safety failed in 9 of 50 attempts, with one failure occurring without manipulation.
A new M18 also failed on its second test, confirming a design vulnerability.
The report, obtained by Portraband through a FOIA request, notes worn sear notches and a poorly secured striker safety lock spring as potential contributors.
While the Alien Gear Rapid Force Level III holster was cleared, the findings urge further scrutiny of the M18’s reliability, echoing concerns from the firearms community about the Sig Sauer P320’s safety.
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