Last month, the U.S. Air Force suspended use of the M18 pistol for one of its units comprising more than 33,000 personnel following the death of a 21-year old airman on a base in Wyoming.

The decision to halt use of the gun , which is manufactured by New Hampshire-based Sig Sauer, is the latest indication of concern about the weapon: For years, lawsuits and the gun’s critics have alleged the pistol, which is sold on the civilian market as the P320, has a flaw that leaves it susceptible to firing unintentionally.

Aside from the Air Force's suspension of the M18 for its Global Strike Force unit, the broader U.S. military has said it remains confident in the gun, and Sig Sauer has staunchly defended the weapon's design and construction.

But records obtained by New Hampshire Public Radi

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