M17/M18 MHS: New Slide Function Check

Photo by Sgt. Justin Navin
 

Soldiers, do you know the M17/M18 modular handgun system (MHS) has two different striker assemblies? One is called the current striker assembly and the other is the original striker assembly.
        
Both will operate with or without the reset spring and are mission capable as long as the striker is retained by the safety lock and passes all other function checks.
        
There’s no need to replace the original with the current unless it fails the function checks.
        
How do you know which striker assembly is in your MHS? Only by performing a slide function check.
        
Start with the original striker assembly check in WP 12 of TM 9-1005-470-10 (Mar 19) or WP 10 of TM 9-1005-470-23&P (Jun 19). If your slide fails this function test, perform this new slide function test:
 

1. Apply slight forward pressure to the striker pin toward the muzzle end of the slide. The striker pin shouldn’t protrude from the breech face of slide.
2. Press in on the safety lock.
3. While pressing in on the striker safety lock, push the striker pin forward. The striker pin should move and protrude from the breech face of the slide.
4. While holding the striker pin forward, release the safety lock. The safety lock should still be held down.
5. Release the striker pin and push it back to the rear of the slide. The safety lock should reset. You should hear a slight click.
6. Apply slight forward pressure to the striker pin toward the muzzle end of the slide. The striker pin should not protrude from the breech face.
7. Check extractor tension by lifting up the extractor and releasing it. The extractor spring should produce resistance.

Note that a slide function test should be performed any time maintenance is performed on the pistol, as well as during PMCS.  The -10 and -23 TMs will be updated with this info.
         
If you have any questions or need assistance, contact your local Army Materiel Command (AMC) Logistics Assistance Representative (LAR) or your State Surface Maintenance Manager.
           
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