The Air Force command responsible for operating and securing nuclear weapons has resumed use of the Sig Sauer M18 pistol after completing inspections prompted by the fatal shooting of an airman at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming.

The Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) grounded its 7,970 pistols on July 21, a day after 21-year-old Airman 1st Class Brayden Lovan died from a gunshot wound. Investigators initially examined the possibility of an accidental discharge, but after a comprehensive inspection, AFGSC has cleared the M18 for continued use.

“Air Force Global Strike Command Security Forces Defenders are resuming arming with M18s that have successfully passed inspection – deeming them safe and reliable for use,” AFGSC said in a statement. 

The M18, a compact version of Sig Sauer’s P320, and its full-size counterpart, the M17, are standard sidearms across the U.S. military. 

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