Tomb of the Unknows’ Sentinels perform the changing of the guard ceremony. (Photo: U.S. Army/Spc. Gabriel Silva)
Tomb of the Unknown Sentinels will carry these ceremonial SIG M17s. (Photo: U.S. Army/Spc. Gabriel Silva)
They have polished alloy frames with wood grips from the USS Olympia. (Photo: U.S. Army/Spc. Gabriel Silva)
The holsters’ shine matches the pistols’. (Photo: U.S. Army/Spc. Gabriel Silva)
SIG Sauer presented the set of four pistols to the Sentinels, guardians of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers a few days ago. These totally unique guns are based on the M17, the military’s new standard sidearm.
Each of the guns features slightly different engravings representing Silence, Respect, Dignity, and Perseverance, and has a mirror polish on the slide and frame. Unlike general issue M17s, these Sentinel pistols have custom alloy, not polymer frames, with wood inserts and silver Guard medallions.
The wood is from the USS Olympia, the ship that carried the first Unknown Soldier buried at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The Tomb is dedicated to all military personnel who fall in service to the United States.
“SIG Sauer is incredibly honored to have a place in a deeply humbling historical event at the Arlington National Cemetery, where the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment – The Old Guard – were presented with four ceremonial M17 pistols,” said SIG in a statement. “This ceremony marks the first use of the M17 which will accompany the Sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers as they stand guard 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.”
See Also: SIG Unveils Tomb of the Unknown Presentation Pistol, Commercial MHS Pistol
Small details make up the majority of the differences between these and standard M17s, in addition to the frame and slide finish. For instance, the front sight has a glass bead blown from the marble dust of the tomb. The rear sight plate, which has a black serrated fixed rear sight, is engraved with the Greek figures for Peace, Valor and Victory.
The dust covers and magazine extensions bear each pistols’ name, and instead of traditional slide serrations these are cut with XXI, Roman for 21. There are 21 steps to cross the tomb and 21 shots fired in the 21-gun salute.
The Sentinel pistols come issued with special high-gloss holsters to match their high-polish finish.
The M17 is the military’s new sidearm, replacing the Beretta M9 family as well as a few other pistols in limited service. Based on the SIG P320, the SIG MHS pistol won the MHS – Modular Handgun System – competition. Every branch of the Armed Forces is adopting the M17 to some degree today.
The extended mag was done to facilitate 21 rounds to also give a nod to the 21 steps the guards take while on duty and acknowledge the 21 rounds fired at military funerals.
The pistol is beautifully finished. If anything I think the holster leaves much to desired.
The 21-gun salute is reserved for the President and visiting dignitaries.
3-volleys (7 man firing party, 3 shots each) is for the honored fallen.
What an “almost” beautiful pistol. Great thanks are due Sig for making this wonderful gesture. The “almost” part of the pistol is the extended mag sticking out the bottom. Makes me think of a stunning ’63 Corvette coupe with 22″ wheels. They could have cut the mag flush, and put the pistol’s name on the bottom of the mag, or backstrap, or somewhere else.
I agree 100%. That magazine is an eyesore. I also think the holster is as impractical as it is ugly. 1911-style leather flap holster would not only look more traditional, it would also give the pistol a significant degree of protection.
I am truly amazed and moved by the heartfelt gesture from Sig Sauer for providing these pistols.
I would not mind collecting the representation pistol exactly like them. They are fantastic work of art, with purpose.
The beautifully embellished ceremonial M17 and the Holster will do justice for honoring our soldiers who gave
us their ultimate sacrifices. My late late Father, who saw three wars, would be proud.
The M14 is still the most popular WWII and Vietnam War veteran’s choice when it comes to rifles, in my opinion.
I do not consider the rifle to be a relic. It is still very much alive and loved by millions of us.
The Arlington N.C. houses soldiers from all wars and M14 is the proper rifle for guards.
I own several M16/AR15 iterations but I still think M14/M1A are better all around rifles.
I agree the M14/M1A are rifles for shooters. I shot one all the time in the NATO matches. We would pretty much win all the time. No scopes just iron sights, some targets were 500 to 600 meters out. The M14 was the best if you know how to shoot
I would have thought a .45 would look right, but there is the need, I suspect, for the “best” defensive sidearm in the inventory to meet any threat posed by the growing body of unhinged “activists” or jihadists. The 3rd Infantry is a visible, honored and patriotic symbol: therefore a target.
Why not carry an honored relic side arm since they carry the M14, which is not a very good infantry weapon at all, but a time honored relic?
Since this is the new standard issue handgun, I think it is fitting that they carry an official commemorative version of that firearm.