SIG SAUER’s M17 red dot sight (RM17) for the Modular Handgun System (MHS) M17 and M18 pistols has been assigned an NSN number.
BLUF: ROMEO-M17 NSN 1240-01-713-9795 is what supply folks and logisticians will use to order one.
We’re not sure yet what it will be called. Probably something like Electro-Optic, M17, One Each. [Insert shrug emoji here.]
Drawing ROmeo-M17 equipped MHS pistol from an RDS-compatible m17 holster
The award of this NSN is a part of the ongoing Modular Handgun System Program, MHS Additional Authorized List (AAL). The latter acronym refers to the testing and evaluation of numerous pistol red dot sights from a variety of manufacturers.
MHS M17 image from promotional materials; the m17 pistol and its smaller m18 pistol counterpart will typically be carried a in Safariland m17 or m18 holster, respectively.
An NSN is a NATO Stock Number or National Stock Number. The terms are often used interchangeably, though National is more common in the U.S. and NATO the norm in Europe. An NSN is a 13-digit numeric code used by NATO members (and often their allies) to standardize the identification of materiel. This is intended to streamline supply issues and allow parts and compatibility between different national military and security forces.
M17 Red Dot equipped pistol on the range with U.S. Army soldier. He is using Safariland’s SIG SAUER M17 holster (p320 compatible); a sig M18 holster (P320C compatible) rig is also available.
Andy York, the President of SIG Sauer Electro-Optics, said, “The assignment of an NSN number is an exciting achievement for SIG SAUER Electro-Optics and the ROMEO product line. With the global demand for these products, the NSN assignment will allow for ease in the procurement process, the ability to increase our reach within the NATO countries, and faster deployment.”
The military’s M17 is based on the sig p320; the M18 is built on the p320C.
Basically, the issuance of an NSN number – the second N is redundant, we know – simplifies the procurement process for NATO members, partner countries, and some allies.
NSG (NATO Supply Classification Group) 12 and FSC (Federal Supply Class) 1240 are classified as Fire Control Equipment; interestingly enough, this group (writ large) includes all kinds of “Optical Sighting and Ranging Equipment,” including submarine periscopes and rangefinders.
THe SIG Sauer P320 is in service as the issued Sidearm Weapon System of the Australia Defence Force. Australian military personnel will utilize the P320 XCarry with a ROMEO2 reflex optic and a Foxtrot 2 white light illuminator (WML). This is a part of the ADF’s Lethality System Project (Land 159), which is intended to upgrade or replace numerous individual weapon systems.
The M17 red dot is one of about 15,000 items in the group.
The SIG SAUER P320 was chosen by the Canadian Armed Forces as their standard issue duty sidearm. Its official designation is “C22.” It will replace the Browning 9mm Canadian soldiers have been using since at least 1944.
Learn more about the MHS online at PEO Soldier; learn more about the Romeo M17.
