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.