State troopers in Vermont have recently transitioned to new Sig Sauer M400 Pro rifles (Photo: Sig Sauer)
New Hampshire-based Sig Sauer announced last week that the Vermont State Police have chosen the semi-auto M400 Pro as the agency’s standard patrol rifle.
The 5.56 NATO-chambered AR-platform rifle uses a direct impingement gas operating system and features a full-length free-float M-LOK handguard. Other standard features are Sig’s enhanced trigger and a 6-position telescoping stock.
“We chose the Sig Sauer M400 Pro rifle because of the superior quality, reliability, and accuracy of the rifle. This was an ideal choice for our department because the firearm has been extensively tested for reliability in extreme conditions, and the service and support from Sig Sauer has been outstanding,” said Sergeant Eugene Duplissis, VSP’s Head Firearm Instructor and Armorer. “Our Troopers transition to the M400 Pro has been flawless and motivating because of their familiarity with the platform, performance, reliability, accuracy, and capabilities of the rifle.”
According to local media reports, the VSP moved to acquire 221 M400 rifles last summer, according to state police spokesperson Adam Silverman. The total cost of the acquisition was $167,655, paid for through operational funds. The agency, which dates back to 1947, has 332 sworn troopers.
The Green Mountain State has an exceptionally low crime rate when compared to the rest of the country and the VSP historically did not issue rifles, although about 85 troopers chose to carry their own while on duty. An incident last January, where a man undergoing what was described as a “mental health crisis,” saw two troopers reportedly take fire rifle fire while trying to intervene, sparking the move to adopt an issued rifle.
The M400 has also been picked for use by the Detriot and Philadelphia police departments, among others.