- Soldiers from the 1st Armored Division fired the M17 pistol for the first time this month during a qualification range in New Mexico.
- The M17 is the Army's new sidearm, designed to be lighter and easier to use.
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McGregor Range, New Mexico - Eager soldiers shared looks of excitement and awe under the watch of the immense New Mexico golden mesas as they awaited their opportunity to finally fire the newly fielded M17 pistol.
Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division fired the M17 pistol for the first time during a qualification range, October 10. Within 1AD, 3ABCT is the first brigade to field and fire the new weapons system.
"The M17 pistol is an adaptable weapons system. It feels a lot smoother and a lot lighter than the M9," said 2nd Lt. Michael Preston, an armor officer assigned to 1-67 AR. "I feel like the transition to the M17 will benefit us greatly in combat. Just from being out here today I was able to shoot well and notice that it felt lighter."