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Michigan State Police Completes Transition to SIG SAUER Pistol Platform - Black Basin Outdoors
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Michigan State Police Completes Transition to SIG SAUER Pistol Platform

Author: | Publish Date: Jul 17, 2025 | Fact checked by: Aleksa Miladinovic

Department-Wide Adoption of Military-Grade Handgun Systems

The Michigan State Police has completed a comprehensive transition to SIG SAUER firearms, officially adopting the P320/M18 pistol as their primary duty weapon and the P365 as their secondary firearm. This strategic move positions the department with the same handgun platform currently utilized across all branches of the U.S. Military.

According to an official press release from SIG SAUER, the primary handgun system includes not only the P320/M18 pistol but also comes equipped with the SIG ROMEO-M17 red dot optic and FOXTROT2R weapon-mounted light, creating a fully integrated tactical solution.

Military Heritage and Proven Performance

P320/M18 Primary Duty Weapon

The SIG SAUER P320/M18 pistol represents the commercial variant of the military's Modular Handgun System. This platform was selected by the U.S. Army through their rigorous MHS program and currently serves as the official sidearm of the United States Marine Corps. The M18 variant features a manual safety system and has been battle-tested across multiple military branches.

P365 Secondary Firearm

The P365 serves as the department's secondary weapon, offering what SIG SAUER describes as a "high-capacity micro-compact" design. This platform provides enhanced concealability while maintaining the operational characteristics typically associated with full-sized pistols.

Official Statement from SIG SAUER Leadership

"SIG SAUER, Inc. is proud to announce the Michigan State Police has fully transitioned their agency to the SIG SAUER P320/M18 pistol with a SIG ROMEO-M17 optic and FOXTROT2R light as their issued primary handgun system and the SIG SAUER P365 as their secondary firearm."

Tom Jankiewicz, Executive Vice President of Law Enforcement Sales for SIG SAUER, Inc., emphasized the significance of this adoption: "We are proud the Michigan State Police chose SIG SAUER as its primary and secondary sidearm. The Michigan State Police conducted an exhaustive testing process to determine the selection of SIG SAUER pistols."

Technical Specifications and System Components

ROMEO-M17 Red Dot Optic

The ROMEO-M17 represents American-manufactured MIL-SPEC technology designed specifically for professional use. Key specifications include:

  • Brightness Settings: 15 total brightness levels
  • Night Vision Compatibility: 3 settings optimized for Gen 3+ NV devices
  • Battery System: Side-mounted CR2032 compartment with threaded cap
  • Runtime: Minimum 50,000 hours continuous operation at medium brightness
  • Military Designation: Assigned NSN number for military procurement

FOXTROT2R Weapon Light

The FOXTROT2R tactical light provides comprehensive illumination capabilities:

  • Light Output: 700 Lumens
  • Beam Intensity: 20,000 Candela
  • Power Technology: FlexCore technology
  • Battery Options: 16340 rechargeable or CR123A
  • Runtime: Up to 1.5 hours continuous operation
  • Compatibility: Universal rail interface with two insert options

Comprehensive Professional Solution

The complete system package addresses the specific operational requirements of law enforcement professionals. According to SIG SAUER's official statement:

"The SIG M18 was selected by the U.S. Army as part of the Modular Handgun System Program and is the P320 variant fielded by the United States Marines Corps. The P320/M18 will serve as the primary sidearm of the Michigan State Police. The SIG ROMEO-M17 red dot optic is military tested and assigned a NSN number, designed to meet the rigors of use by professional end users. The FOXTROT2R weapon-mounted white light was designed to meet the needs of tactical professionals. Together, this system provides a comprehensive, best in class primary handgun solution for the men and women who serve the Michigan State Police."

Secondary Weapon Advantages

Regarding the P365 selection, SIG SAUER highlighted its unique capabilities:

"The P365 is a high-capacity micro-compact providing the Michigan State Police more capacity, concealability, and capability than other compact systems on the market. The ergonomic design of the P365 retains the characteristics of a full-sized pistol making it more effective than a typical concealable pistol, providing the Michigan State Police a highly concealable, reliable secondary firearm."

The company concluded their statement by emphasizing their commitment to professional users: "All SIG SAUER products are developed from the ground up to withstand the rigors of the professional user and we are proud to serve the Michigan State Police."

Author:

Marko Lalovic

Marko is a dedicated aviation enthusiast whose passion began with an unforgettable encounter with fighter jets at an air show in his home country. As an audiophile and sound engineer by training, Marko was initially captivated by the distinctive sonic signature of military aircraft—the thunderous roar of afterburners and the precise mechanical symphony of aviation systems. This auditory fascination evolved into a comprehensive interest in defense technology, particularly firearms engineering and ballistics acoustics.